Some reflections, and two recommended organizations to join in 2024.
Ah, the holiday season is coming. This will be the last post of 2023.
To everyone who subscribes, who follows me, and everyone who reads my posts here: I thank you wholeheartedly. This space started because I wanted to share everything I love and have learned over the years on comics and graphic novels, and I had a lot of fun writing each post. I hope you had fun reading them as well.
I look forward to sharing more with you next year in 2024!
My picture book DIM SUM, HERE WE COME! came out this January. It’s a story that celebrates culture, family, and food! I’m very proud of the book, and I hope you would enjoy it, too.
Creating kidlit books, both in picture book and graphic novel formats, gives me a lot of joy. There are a lot of challenges, too. While the process often feels lonely, the journey doesn’t have to be.
I say that because I’ve had SO MUCH help and support over the years.
To my family and my friends, I can’t stress how much I love you all. Your continuous support means the world to me. As many of you do not like having your face shown on public platforms, I won’t share photos here. But please know I love you.
For anyone who wants to learn everything about children’s book publishing, I highly recommend the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). It’s a great place to learn about the industry, to work on and hone your craft, and, most importantly, to connect with fellow creatives.
I am a member for more than a decade. Over the years, I have met many wonderful and talented friends. Their hard work and kind souls continue to inspire me everyday.
If you are interested specifically in working on children’s book graphic novels, a great organization to check out is Kids Comics Unite. It’s an online community with tons of great resources, workshops, courses, etc. I have taken courses at KCU, and I found them really helpful.
Last my not least, I am SO excited every time I think about my debut graphic novel Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and The Maze, coming out in April 2, 2024! It’s a brand new adventure weaving reimagined world mythologies, filled with action and laughter. I can’t wait to share the book with everyone!
Pre-ordering means a TON, as it sends a signal to the publisher that there is a strong interest in the book. I thank you in advance for your support.
And while you are at it, please consider pre-ordering through independent bookstores. It doesn’t make a difference to me, but it makes a HUGE difference to the book community and to all the hardworking staff and small business owners who dedicate every moment of their lives sharing the joy of reading to local communities.
If you don’t have a local bookstore in mind, two of my favorites are Once Upon a Time Bookstore in Montrose, California, and Green Bean Books in Portland, Oregon.
Indie bookstores also sell books online. You can order them and have the books mailed to you, just like any other online stores!
Support indie! (◍•ᴗ•◍)♡ ✧*。
Wishing everyone a festive holiday season, and a wonderful 2024 to come!
See you all next year!
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