Untold Tales of a Whimsical Wallflower

Such a fun booksigning with so many supportive, lovely authors. I'm so proud to be part of the @acornpublishing family! And so great to see all of you! @tdfoxauthor @davidreedwriter @denniskcrosby @djharringtonwriter @hollykammier But the highlight of the event was looking up to see my friends walking in. I didn't expect them to drive all the way from LA to SD. They literally had me BAWLING in the middle of the bookstore. 😭 Thank you @cyccolorina @ronbernie @foodtourguide for your support and for treating me to Korean BBQ after! Also, I remember the reason I write when I look at my friends' kids. I want them to grow up knowing that their voices matter and that they should always have the courage to go after their dreams despite the fear and despite anyone telling them otherwise. #booksigning #yabooks #yanovels #fantasy #yafantasy #booklovers #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #asianamericanauthors #asianamericanvoices #asianamericanbooks #books #writers #writersofig #writersofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CSnsmlrr5N1/?utm_medium=tumblr

Back when I was editing UNDER THE LAVENDER MOON, I was told that Rilla was a reactive character rather than a proactive character. Essentially, that meant she was letting the world happen to her, rather than driving the action and forwarding her own story. For a character to be interesting, she has to be doing something. For a story to be compelling, a character has to be making things happen. She won't always make the right decision, and of course, that can be frustrating for the reader, but it also makes that character human. But the important thing is, she’s making a move and keeps moving despite the fear and all the circumstances trying to stop her. I think about how life imitates art. How many of us live our lives as reactive characters, waiting for things to happen to us, rather than driving the action in our story? How many of us are so scared of the unknown that we just sit back and let life pass us by because that's the "safe" option? If we don't move, we don't drive our story forward. I truly believe that God helps those who help themselves. When we step out of fear and into faith, that's when we are transformed into who we're meant to be. I also believe that even if we make a decision that ends up with undesirable consequences, it's still better than sitting in inaction. We learn and grow from making mistakes and accepting our imperfections. #writing #mondaymotivation #behindthestory #quotes #yafantasybooks #yafantasy #yabooks #yaauthors #authors #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #authorsofig #writersofig #books #booksofinstagram #writingcharacters #writingprocess #asianauthors #asianwriters #writerscommunity #progressnotperfection #selfgrowth #personaldevelopment #faithoverfear #protagonist https://www.instagram.com/p/CSXK9aoFYKO/?utm_medium=tumblr

I can't believe it's mid July. I'm freaking out a little bit because I haven't been as productive as I'd like to be, but I have had a lot of things going on in regular life land. Anyway, I'm trying to remind myself that productivity does NOT define my worth, a lesson I've had to relearn since childhood. However, it has been difficult not having time to be creative, and I realized my mood goes down when I'm not able to have some sort of creative project going on. Thankfully, I'm starting to find a balance between regular life land and writing land. I was able to submit the book blurb for book 2 to my publisher, and now I'm just waiting for feedback as I also wait for comments on my MS from my editor. In the meantime, I might go back to writing a different story that I call the Ghost Romance project. However, I did want to leave a teaser for Nightingale Songs Book 2 with an aesthetic. There's a lot of adventure in store for Rilla and Co. as we finally travel outside the palace and into other kingdoms! #writing #writersofinstagram #writelife #nightingalesongs #authorsofig #authors #author #books #authorsofinstagram #fantasy #yafantasy #fantasybooks #amwriting #bookaesthetic #bookaesthetics #yaauthors #asianfantasy #asianyafantasy #youngadultnovels #youngadult https://www.instagram.com/p/CRUc-odgcdi/?utm_medium=tumblr

Slowly but surely moving into my new place. I'm so excited about these custom-built bookshelves, and looking forward to filling every inch with passionate stories written by passionate people (friends and myself included)! 🥰📚 Thanks @melaknee13 for helping me move stuff and for capturing this memory! #books #booklovers #bookshelves #moving #weekend https://www.instagram.com/p/CO8RS_PLetB/?igshid=l4tbtb06qxxb

Happy Mother's Day to the 3 fabulous and strong women who mean the world to me! I'm so lucky that I have both of my grandmas still alive and well. Even though my paternal grandmother (Ah-ma) in Hong Kong lives far away and has Alzheimer's, I still remember when she played with me when I was little and her generosity, always giving graciously to those in need. Then there's my maternal grandma (Lao-Lao), Alice, who conquered great odds to achieve the American dream. And of course, my mom, who is simply the brightest star in my universe! Love you all!!! #mama #mom #mother #grandma #mothersday https://www.instagram.com/p/COqDQf4Lcpa/?igshid=plgc97y1hfrz

I've got a lot of goals to accomplish in the coming months, but I'm happy to report that I have finished the draft of BOOK 2 in the NIGHTINGALE SONGS series and sent it off to my beta readers! There's still a long way to go in this process, but I'm trying to celebrate and acknowledge the small victories. Just knowing I'm one step closer makes me super happy, and I'm so excited for when I can share more with everyone! #writing #writersofinstagram #writelife #nightingalesongs #amrevising #igwriters #yafantasy #yaauthors #books #booklovers #asianfantasy #asianyafantasy #yabooks #yanovels #youngadult #fantasy #igauthors #writingcommunity #goals #authorsofinstagram #womenauthors #asianamericanstories #asianamericanvoices #asianamericanbooks #may #smallvictories https://www.instagram.com/p/COgFEVgLFv2/?igshid=no1kthjnm37z

Got to hang out with friends yesterday for brunch and donuts! Also happened to be lucky enough to receive an ARC of this beautiful book, LIGHT FROM UNCOMMON STARS, out in September! 🥰📚 Can't wait to dig in! @rykaaoki and @melaknee13 are such wonderful company, and it was so nice to be with other writers again! I'm blessed to have talented friends! #weekend #weekendvibes #booklovers #books #asianamericanbooks #vaccinationdone✔️ #blessings #donuts #queerbooks #booksofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/COYMSbzrJkH/?igshid=2dg0jona8er9

My aunt texted me this of my book all the way from Hong Kong. Excited that my words are making their way around the globe! #writing #underthelavendermoon #asianfantasy #yaauthors #asianyafantasy #writingcommunity #writerscommunity #womenwhowrite #writersofinstagram #pocwriters #asianamericanvoices #asianamericanbooks #asianamericanstories #books #booklovers #authorsofinstagram #womenauthors #authors #igwriters #igauthors #yabooks https://www.instagram.com/p/COQ7L7ELIs-/?igshid=1c68v7xsf6flw

Today is my grandpa's 101st birthday. We visited him and my Uncle Matthew. Happy birthday in heaven, Grandpa! https://www.instagram.com/p/CNqLHGhLC0t/?igshid=13ftek2v0cqv4

So glad to be able to hang out with friends again and celebrate @estherkimcheese's birthday with Sunday brunch! I'm so lucky to have these ladies in my life!!!🥰🥰🥰 #vaccinationdone✔️ #friendsforlife #sundayfunday https://www.instagram.com/p/CNicgsSryGO/?igshid=m1dz3169e6oc

Thought I'd pop in and say hi. A lot has been going on in my life lately. Turns out 2021 really has been my year. Published my debut novel in February, purchased my first home in March, got both doses of the COVID shot with minimal side effects, and now a huge step forward in my career in April. I'm scared and excited and freaked out and eager. I still have so much to do. I'm working on Book 2 of the Nightingale Songs series, and on top of that, it's going to be difficult to navigate a new job and buy furniture. Not to mention, I plan on adopting 2 cats when I settle in. Trying so hard not to get too ahead of myself because that only induces more anxiety. I'm reminding myself to breathe and take time for self-care. And to cherish the current moment. Hope you're all taking care as well! #saturday #selfie #selfcare #life #weekend #weekendmood #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #writelife #busylife #womenwarrior #womenauthors #asianauthors #progress #saturdayvibes #yaauthors #yafantasyauthors #yawriters #igwriters #goals #saturdayselfie #womenwhowrite #writers #pocwriters #weekendvibes #hellosaturday #currently https://www.instagram.com/p/CNgMAbfrVi6/?igshid=hsucxz0ji2m0

I do love spring. Glorious, hopeful spring. In the past few weeks, a lot of amazing things have happened, a signal that change is happening, new opportunities are blooming. Change is scary, but it can also be beautiful. More updates to come when I'm ready to share... #friday #fridaythoughts #change #spring #socallife #laliving https://www.instagram.com/p/CNLyG6mBZig/?igshid=1r1ggj74u6kph

Teaming up with my good friend @estherkimcheese who is hosting a giveaway for a good cause. #stopasianhate Read below for details. ・・・ In the past year, a horrific amount of anti-AAPI hate crimes has occurred. Many people, more eloquent and educated than me, have posted about this and what you can do about it. Please click through my slides to see some of those posts and learn more. ✨✨✨ GIVEAWAY ✨✨✨ In the spirit of amplifying AAPI voices, I am hosting a giveaway of @christinamfong debut novel, UNDER THE LAVENDER MOON. This is a YA story about AAPI characters in a gorgeous fantasy setting and definitely worth reading. To win one of THREE SIGNED COPIES, please do the following: 1. Follow me and @christinamfong 2. Donate at least $5 to an org supporting AAPI causes and DM me the screenshot of your receipt 3. For an extra entry, please share this post in your story and tag me (if your profile is private, you can DM me a screenshot of your story instead) Every $5 donated gets you an entry into this giveaway. The giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram or Acorn Publishing. Three separate winners will be chosen and they will get their choice of a paperback or hardcover signed copy. The book will be shipped via USPS, to continental US addresses only. • • • #aapi #writersofinstagram #booklovers #giveaway #donate #amplifyasianvoices #supportdiversevoices #supportdiversebooks #changetheworld #yafantasybooks #yaauthors #asianfantasy #asianyafantasy #supportasianauthors #asianauthors #asianamericanvoices #asianamericanbooks #authorsofinstagram #womenauthors #asianwomenauthors #hateisavirus #antiracism #igbooks #igauthors #igwriters #books #fantasybooks #asianstories #upliftasianwomen https://www.instagram.com/p/CMszsBMh0zD/?igshid=btu0oeh5v2q2

I woke up thinking it would just be another St. Patrick's Day until I read the news. All day, I've struggled to process the shooting in Atlanta, and I honestly don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. The racism and hate have always been here, but there are those of you who continue choosing to turn a blind eye. I've been thinking about my grandparents who came to America for a better life. They escaped war and communism, only to face discrimination in the US. They had to work many jobs to support their family, yet they were told that they couldn't buy a house because their white neighbors didn't want to live with Asians. Yet they still believed that one day the world would become safer and better for their kids and grandkids. I'm sorry to say that it isn't happening. These are the faces of those who are being attacked. Grandparents, parents, sisters, brothers, people who just want to live peaceful, productive lives. Are you really going to stay silent and continue to let it happen? Why aren't we speaking up more? We're tired of being told to fade into the background, that our stories don't matter. We're tired of being told that the hateful, hurtful things being done to our community "aren't that bad." Personally, I've had people say racist, offensive things to me, but I said nothing, not wanting to hurt that person's feelings because they "probably didn't mean it." It's because I was told that keeping quiet meant a pat on the head, but to rock the boat meant I was a trouble maker. But in this generation, we're done with this crap. It's time to change the narrative we were told to believe. And if you're offended by us defending ourselves, tough shit. That's on you. Bring. It. On. 🔥🔥🔥 #stopasianhate https://www.instagram.com/p/CMiHGl0BxGe/?igshid=dgadoudt4xow

Happy St. Pawtrick's Day! Here's Aura reminding you to wear green. 🍀☘💚 #stpatricksday #catsofinstagram #catlady #gogreen #petsofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CMhY3eHhtiY/?igshid=nec2xe7af2nc

So excited to be having the virtual book launch for UNDER THE LAVENDER MOON tonight on Zoom! Just a friendly reminder that it starts at 7:30 PM PST. I'd love to see you guys there! P.S. This is the first official picture with my book in my hands. 😂 #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #writelife #debutnovels #debutauthors #underthelavendermoon #authors #yafantasy #yaauthors #asianfantasy #asianyafantasy #asianamericanvoices #weekend #asianauthors https://www.instagram.com/p/CL0FB0EhhNV/?igshid=1737y4kozthma

Thank you to @stitchfix for this beautiful bouquet of flowers they sent because I mentioned to my stylist I was publishing my book this month. I 💜 Stitch Fix and they've sent me so many gorgeous outfits over all the years I've subscribed with them. Such as this gorgeous blue floral 👗. #underthelavendermoon #asianfantasy #asianyafantasy #yafantasy #flowers #writersofinstagram #debutnovels #debutauthors #stitchfix #authorsofinstagram #floral #dress #fashion #books #booklovers #bouquet #writingcommunity #yaauthors https://www.instagram.com/p/CLrl6CHB9R-/?igshid=l4rwgl5g0p9k