Life, the Universe, and Lani

I don’t know why I don’t do these posts more often. I need to do these types of posts more often. I’m going to do these posts more often.

1. There are many announcements I’d like to share so let me start with this one.  I joined an online writers group – of sorts. We filled out a questionnaire and then we were paired up. Basically, our partners are our accountability buddies – the person who kicks you in the virtual britches to get your writing done because my goal this year (yes, it’s a yearlong commitment) is to write another book.

Normally, I’ve very good about motivating myself, but since I just published my first book I knew that I would need an extra nudge to get going. Her name is Mia. She’s half Thai like me! How did our hosts know?

2. My mom got her Thai citizenship. Woooohooo. And it was an ordeal let me tell you. But I’m proud that she did it. She mostly did it for me. Now, I have the opportunity to become a Thai citizen myself. Unfortunately, the news got back to MIL (stole that from you Crazy Chinese Family 😉 don’t worry I won’t make it a habit) and she made my mom feel bad for it. Sooo frustrating to be misunderstood.

3. My book is published. Can I just say that again? Feedback has been good, but can I get someone to write their review on Amazon??? *Update! I got my first lovely review!!!

Now, the next big project is to sell the audio version. Yes, I recorded my book all by my self and did all the edits and yes, it was a royal, regal, real pain in the arse.

4. An all-expenses paid trip to Bangkok? Why, yes, thank you, I will.

5. I signed up for another University of Iowa’s MOOC course. How Writers Write Fiction was great even though I got too busy to participate. So, I fell behind and moved at my own pace. The videos were thought-provoking and rich. And now I’m signed up for How Writers Write Poetry. Excited. It’s free, too. Sign up here.

6. Love Ursula LeGuin’s challenge for writers. Found this gem through Publishing Insights. This is the quote that resonated with me, “We will need writers who can remember freedom.”

7. Fresh Off The Boat, in case you haven’t heard, is the first Asian American primetime TV show to hit the airwaves in 20 years. It’s been great reading from the AA community how much the show means to them, and how much they can relate to Eddie Huang’s memoir. I’ve been enjoying the episodes and I’m looking forward to what the show will offer. It’s about time, AAs have someone on regular TV that looks and acts like them.

8. Lastly, Kate and Kate, in their infinite wisdom, have put together a lovely list of questions for indie authors. I’m not even sure how I got on it. Must be all the gentle and playful stalking I do during the wee hours – in any case, check out the series. Support indie authors, it’s good for your soul, heart and well-being!