If there’s one thing I have learned from the process of self-publishing a book, it’s that marketing is essential. Unfortunately, I’m terrible at marketing! Therefore, my book has not been doing well. I have a job, so I’m not desperate for money (although I am hoping...
Chinese Translation of Snapshots of China
Sometimes when I’m talking with my friends, colleagues, or students, the subject of my book comes up. A few of these people don’t speak much English, and they say that they would like to read the book when it gets translated to Chinese. I figured if that was going to...
Interviews with Chinese Friends: Jaye
I have known Jaye since I moved to Guangzhou around 5 1/2 years ago. I helped her with her wedding not long after that, but we didn't really become close friends until Covid drastically changed our lives in 2020. Since so many of our close friends left the city, our...
Word Doodles (New Words)
If you would like to try out writing your own word doodles, I have some new words for you! If you need someone to read your writing, feel free to contact me!New words:Arrogant and Maroon One of the first things I do with the words is to think about all of the possible...
Interview with my Editor: Megan
To put it simply, my book would have been impossible without Megan. I am more than blessed to have a friend like her who has been my editor, but she has also helped me throughout every step of the writing, editing, and publishing processes. I've known Megan since we...
Interviews with Chinese Friends: Ruby
In my interview for today, I talked with Ruby. We had a video call because she decided she would rather share her answers with me that way rather than writing them down. I wrote down her answers and made some small edits to make them more readable. Ruby is also one of...
Interviews with Chinese Friends: John
I am not Chinese. I am an American who has been living in China for the past 9 and a half years now. So what qualifies me to write a book about China and Chinese people? When I see someone who is outside a culture or people group trying to write about that culture or...
How I edited my self-published book
Self-Publishing: The ProcessEditingI have never been very good at editing my own writing. I have the unfortunate problem of thinking that things I write are already pretty good. A good editor helps to clear away the misconceptions I have about my writing as they...
Podcast with Kendra Ness
My friend and illustrator Kendra Ness has a blog, and she invited me to join her on the blog. In this discussion, we talk about my book and where some of my inspiration for writing came from. I also share a little about what I hope my readers will learn about China...
What Are Word Doodles?
I parked my electric bike inside an enclosed gate in the middle of town and headed into Miranda’s apartment. Once inside, I dropped my overnight backpack on the floor and collapsed into my chair. Megan followed suit on her chaise lounge that doubled as her bed for the...