May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month.

To celebrate these beautiful cultures, to honor the AAPI community who has seen increased violence, and in order to encourage others to read more books by AAPI authors and/or with AAPI characters, I have created a short list of book recommendations for you. There's romance, memoirs, graphic novels, young adult, and more here. This is not an exhaustive list but rather a starting point.

Enjoy!

Asian American Pacific Islander Book Recommendations

*** MEMOIRS ***

Speak, Okinawa: A Memoir by Elizabeth Miki Brina

Representation: Japanese-American

Short Description: Elizabeth's mother was working as a nightclub hostess on U.S.-occupied Okinawa when she met the American soldier who would become her husband. The language barrier and power imbalance that defined their early relationship followed them to the predominantly white, upstate New York suburb where they moved to raise their only daughter. 

Blurb & Buy @ Bookshop

In the Country: Stories by Mia Alvar

Representation: Pilipino-American

Short Description: In these nine globe-trotting tales, Mia Alvar gives voice to the women and men of the Philippines and its diaspora.

Blurb & Buy @ Bookshop

Fairest: A Memoir by Meredith Talusan

Representation: Pilipino-American

Short Description: Fairest is a memoir about a precocious boy with albinism, a sun child from a rural Philippine village, who would grow up to become a woman in America. Coping with the strain of parental neglect and the elusive promise of U.S. citizenship, Talusan found childhood comfort from her devoted grandmother, a grounding force as she was treated by others with special preference or public curiosity. 

Blurb & Buy @ Bookshop

So Many Islands: Stories from the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian, and Pacific Oceans by Nailah Folami Imoja

Representation: The subtitle says it all.

Short Description: The 17 selections of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in this vibrant collection unite the voices of islanders from around the globe, complete with an excellent introduction by Marlon James...Readers encounter the language, customs, and flora and fauna of many island nations in this delightful and enlightening volume, an invitation to share and experience islands around the globe.

Blurb & Buy @ Bookshop

*** LITERARY ***

House of Many Gods by Kiana Davenport

Representation: Hawaiian-American

Short Description: Told in spellbinding and mythic prose, House of Many Gods is a deeply complex and provocative love story set against the background of Hawaii and Russia. Interwoven throughout with the indelible portrait of a native Hawaiian family struggling against poverty, drug wars, and the increasing military occupation of their sacred lands.

Blurb & Buy @ Bookshop

*** POETRY ***

Tofu Quilt by Ching Russell

Representation: Chinese-American

Short Description: A collection of poems telling the story of Yeung Ying, a young girl in Hong Kong in the 1960s who, against the conventions of society and family members, aspires to become a writer.

Blurb & Buy @ Bookshop

*** ROMANCE ***

UPDATE: My mom was allowed to go home on the 12th (my birthday) but was still inpatient (not discharged) and continued her treatments at home with nurses visiting throughout the day to monitor and even take her blood. She was officially discharged from their care yesterday (the 14th) but is still on oxygen until her lungs get stronger and the pneumonia clears out. Thank you all for your prayers and birthday wishes. ❤️

NOTE: I am posting this a lot faster than usual. Lately I've only be posting once a week on Tuesday, so if you missed my post from Tuesday, you can find it here: Disaster Crimes Series Playlists with Scene Breakdowns.

The author/character date is a feature I've offered my guests in the past, and when I realized I've never gone on a date with one of my characters, I wanted to remedy that ASAP, so I'm going out on a date with Thorn from A Fighting Chance (Book 6 of the Disaster Crimes series, although he is featured throughout the series).

My Date with Thorn From A Fighting Chance

I am lucky, lucky, LUCKY.

If you've read A Fighting Chance and know all about Thorn, then you know just how lucky I am.

If you haven't been introduced to Thorn yet, consider this your invitation!

Thorn and I are going to have a one-on-one date. He's bringing me to a Thai food restaurant because after he found out that, although I'd written all about him and Amanda have a lovely Thai lunch together, I have never tasted Thai food. Being the considerate and kind man that he is, he wanted to rectify that for me. He says he knows me well and what I will enjoy it, and I trust him 1000%. Not only do I trust him to protect my taste buds but also to have my back. When it comes to someone having your back, Thorn has exemplified this from the moment he came into the Disaster Crimes series in Book 2, Seismic Crimes. He's the one you want on your side. He's the best of the bestest best friends anyone could ask for. And when it comes to be a romantic partner, he is top tier. The top-est of the top tiers.

Okay. Enough gushing over Thorn. Although, he's totally gush-able. That sounds weird, but I'm not taking it back.

Okay, now picture this...

Thorn, a lookalike of Josh Duhamel, is wearing dark wash jeans, boots, and a button-up blue flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, because the sleeves always have to be rolled up to show sexy forearms. I don't make the rules! I just gleefully follow them, and I love sleeves rolled up to show sexy forearms.

Sitting across from me at a small table, he points out dishes on the menu that I'd like. The air smells of shrimp and curry and mouth-watering goodness. 

I order a chicken Khao Pad (fried rice), served with a wedge of lemon and cucumber slices;  Gaeng Daeng, a delightful mix of meat, red curry paste, and coconut milk; and Yam Nua (beef salad) with grilled tenderloin strips, chopped shallots, onion, garlic, and sprigs of fresh spearmint.

I sample it all and am quite pleased. Thorn chuckles as I stuff a hunk of red curry-covered meat into my mouth.

Chrys: What?

(I ask that all elegant-like, with my mouth full and cheeks puffed out.)

Thorn: Nothing. I'm glad you like it.

Chrys: I like it a lot. (I swallow my mouthful.) So, tell me, how is work?

Thorn: You really want to know how my work is going?

(Thorn is a detective at the Orlando Police Department. Usually I find his work fascinating, but today I really don't care much about it.)

Chrys: You've got me. I want to know about you and Amanda.

(Thorn grins like a man in utter love, totally committed, and blissfully happy.)

Thorn: You know we're good.

Chrys: Yes, I know that, but they don't. (I point at my laptop screen where my blog is open, transmitting this date for you.) Besides, it's been a while since we caught up.

(Thorn takes a gulp of sweet tea before crossing his arms on the table with a mischievous grin.)

Thorn: Okay, so what do you want to tease them with?

Chrys: Whatever you've got.

Thorn: Like how Amanda's ex nearly cost us our happy ending?

Chrys: That's a good place to start.

Thorn: Or how about that surprise from Mother Nature?

Chrys: Let's not forget that.

Thorn: Or how I finally won over Amanda?

Chrys: We definitely can't forget that!

Thorn: And what happened afterward when I thought I had inherited Beth and Donovan's disaster curse?

Chrys: That was unfortunate.

Thorn: Or how Damon finally got sentenced?

Chrys: Wait. He did? (I blink in surprise.) When? What happened?

Thorn: Or our wedding plans? Or--

Chrys: Thorn, hold on...

Thorn: Or what about--

Chrys: Stop! (I throw my hands in the air.) We clearly have a lot to catch up on.

Thorn: Indeed we do, but some of it is confidential, so-- (He points at my laptop screen.)

Chrys: Right. (Turns to laptop.) Sorry, everyone. You heard the detective. Confidential is confidential. (Lowers laptop lid, ending the transmission.)

Sorry I couldn't share any more about our date with you. If Thorn ever let's me share those details, my newsletter subscribers will be the first to know. And I have a feeling he'll let me share it in my May newsletter, so sign up now to get those details! *wink*

PRIZES: Signed paperback copy of A Fighting Chance, XOXO wall art décor, XO bath bombs coconut scent, travel size first aid kit, and an emergency flashlight that you recharge by squeezing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UPDATE: I’m beginning to think I shouldn’t provide these updates anymore because every time I share good news, there’s a setback immediately after. My mom has been in the hospital since Sunday evening after an early trip to the ER and a diagnosis of immunotherapy-induced pneumonia. She’s feeling better, and if everything works out we’re hoping she’ll be coming home today, April 12 aka my birthday. So, you know the drill…my return visits to blogs and replies to comments will be delayed but not forgotten.

In my last post, I shared playlists I've created for writers, so I thought I should also share the playlists I've created for the Disaster Crimes series. Today is also my birthday, so I really wanted to do a fun post. :)

Feel free to check out the Playlist page on my website for all of my playlists.

Click the links below to go directly to each playlist on Spotify.

You can also go to my Spotify profile to follow me.

I hope you enjoy the playlists!

UPDATE: On Valentine’s Day my mom rang the chemo bell. At the end of February she was hospitalized for two nights due to complications. The beginning of March she completed radiation. Then she had a CT scan done that showed the tumor in her lung has shrunk from 5.5cm to 2.2cm. She has started once-a-month immunotherapy treatments to continue to kill cancer cells and maintain the positive outcome of her previous treatments. ❤️ Thank you for all of your prayers and kind thoughts. Its not over yet, but this is great news. Continued prayers appreciated. ❤️

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT 📣 

I am a judge for the Florida Writers Association’s annual Royal Palm Literary Awards, and I couldn’t be happier! When I looked into the contest, I was pleased to see their diversity statement, the fact that they implement diversity training for all judges, have an LGBTQ+ category for fiction and non-fiction, and have separate categories for young writers so they can enter and see their dreams realized, too. This is a competition I can support and am honored to be a judge for.

I have judged three entries already, which is the amount we must judge before announcing we’re a judge. I can’t say which genres/categories I’m judging, but I will say that it’s several. I am looking forward to reading more entrants and seeing the winners announced later this year.

****

While I was participating in NaNoWriMo last year, I was also creating a bunch of playlists for writers. I updated the Playlist page on my website.

On Spotify, you can see the full playlist and also follow it by clicking the heart icon. The widgets below only go up to 100 songs, and some of the playlists are longer than that.

Click the links below to go directly to each playlist. Then click the ❤️ to add that playlist to your library.

You can also go to my Spotify profile to follow me.

MY SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS:

For Fighters/Warriors/Survivors - A playlist to support survivors of domestic abuse and all forms of violence. These songs are about strength. Let them lift you up, make you feel powerful. Workout Playlist. Pump Up Playlist. All genres. 

Other Playlists I’ve Made:

Woman Empowerment

You Are A Goddess

Money & Abundance

Powerful Songs

Fun Songs To Get Up & Dance To

10 Fun Songs To Sing & Shout

10 Sings That’ll Make You Cry

My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Songs

APRIL 5 – 22

PRIZES: Signed paperback copy of A Fighting Chance, XOXO wall art décor, XO bath bombs coconut scent, travel size first aid kit, and an emergency flashlight that you recharge by squeezing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

QUESTIONS: Do you use Spotify? Do you listen to music while you write OR to get inspired?

This year, Ramadan is predicted to begin on April 2, although this could change slightly depending on the sighting of the moon, and end on May 1. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. To honor those who will be celebrating and participating in Ramadan, I am sharing 10 book recommendations with you to help you add diverse books and authors to the titles you read this year, as well as to encourage you to educate yourself on a group of people (Muslims) who are vastly misunderstood and discriminated against. We can only know better and do better if we learn and unlearn, and reading is the best (and easiest) way to do that.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

*** Not the Girls You're Looking For ***

by Aminah Mae Saf

Debut author Aminah Mae Safi's honest and smart young adult novel is about how easy it can be to hurt those around you even if--especially if--you love them. 

Lulu Saad doesn't need your advice, thank you very much. She's got her three best friends and nothing can stop her from conquering the known world. Sure, for half a minute she thought she'd nearly drowned a cute guy at a party, but he was totally faking it. And fine, yes, she caused a scene during Ramadan. It's all under control. Ish.

Except maybe this time she's done a little more damage than she realizes. And if Lulu can't find her way out of this mess soon, she'll have to do more than repair friendships, family alliances, and wet clothing. She'll have to go looking for herself.

BUY @ BOOKSHOP

*** Once Upon an Eid ***

Short Story Collection

Once Upon an Eid is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid! Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it's waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it's the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it's the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations.

BUY @ BOOKSHOP

*** Love from A to Z ***

by S K Ali 

A YALSA 2020 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

A marvel: something you find amazing. Even ordinary-amazing. Like potatoes--because they make French fries happen. Like the perfect fries Adam and his mom used to make together.

An oddity: whatever gives you pause. Like the fact that there are hateful people in the world. Like Zayneb's teacher, who won't stop reminding the class how "bad" Muslims are.

But Zayneb, the only Muslim in class, isn't bad. She's angry.

When she gets suspended for confronting her teacher, and he begins investigating her activist friends, Zayneb heads to her aunt's house in Doha, Qatar, for an early start to spring break.

Fueled by the guilt of getting her friends in trouble, she resolves to try out a newer, "nicer" version of herself in a place where no one knows her.

Then her path crosses with Adam's.

Since he got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November, Adam's stopped going to classes, intent, instead, on perfecting the making of things. Intent on keeping the memory of his mom alive for his little sister.

Adam's also intent on keeping his diagnosis a secret from his grieving father.

Alone, Adam and Zayneb are playing roles for others, keeping their real thoughts locked away in their journals.

Until a marvel and an oddity occurs...

Marvel: Adam and Zayneb meeting.

Oddity: Adam and Zayneb meeting.

BUY @ BOOKSHOP

*** The Bad Muslim Discount ***

by Syed M. Masood 

At the same time, thousands of miles away, Safwa, a young girl living in war-torn Baghdad with her grief-stricken, conservative father will find a very different and far more dangerous path to America. When Anvar and Safwa's worlds collide as two remarkable, strong-willed adults, their contradictory, intertwined fates will rock their community, and families, to their core.

The Bad Muslim Discount is an irreverent, poignant, and often hysterically funny debut novel by an amazing new voice. With deep insight, warmth, and an irreverent sense of humor, Syed M. Masood examines universal questions of identity, faith (or lack thereof), and belonging through the lens of Muslim Americans.

BUY @ BOOKSHOP

Please Note: I’m taking a break from social media and all things for the month of March, so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I will get to it eventually, though. Promise. Thanks for your understanding! 

You can read The 5-Second Rule for the reading challenge for writers I’m hosting called Read With Fey. You can join it on The StoryGraph here. But you don’t have to be on The StoryGraph to participate! Check out all the details here: Read With Fey: Challenge For Writers

THE 5-SECOND RULE 

BUY @ BOOKSHOP

While reading Chapter Two, I already recognized the benefit in using the 5-Second Rule to get me to do the things I've always wanted to pick up and turn into a habit but I was too busy or too tired to too lazy or too...

This tool doesn't only have to be used for a daily habit; it can be used spontaneously, too, especially in those moments when you need courage: like asking for that promotion, looking for a new/better job, sending a query letter, submitting a story, hitting "publish" on Amazon. The potential for this tool is endless and can be used by writers in many ways.

Even 5- 4- 3- 2- 1- Butt in seat.

However...

I'd like to share one warning that's not discussed in the book.

5- 4- 3- 2- 1- BURNOUT!

Don't let the 5-Second Rule burn you out. 

As someone who has gotten burned out and suffered for it, I can see how someone obsessed with this tool and the results of it could overdo it and burn themselves out. 

I mean, in the very same Chapter Two where I recognized the benefits, I also recognized the possible danger. Mel Robbins talked about how her husband used the Rule to meet with dozens of advisors and "worked day and night." She described the "grit, hustle, and commitment" and said that he and his partner "pushed, pushed, and pushed some more."

And they probably burned themselves out or came pretty damn close to it.

So, definitely use it to get you to do those things you always put off or would like to do (e.g. meditate, exercise), as well as the things that require courage that you truly want to do, but also...pay attention to your body.

While your brain can stop you and hold you back, as Mel says, you need to be in tune with the rest of your body. This is called embodiment and is not discussed in this book. Be in tune with your body at all times so you can use this tool wisely and at the right time.

Yes, this tool is great for cultivating those habits of exercising when you should or waking up on time and going for the opportunities that present themselves to you before fear can make you back down, but I also believe it can be used this way:

Please Note: I’m taking a break from social media and all things for the month of March, so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I will get to it eventually, though. Promise. Thanks for your understanding! 

You may notice links to BookShop.org whenever I recommend books on here. Those links will be affiliate links. (There’s a notice in my sidebar about my usage of affiliate links for BookShop.org.)

When I found out about BookShop.org last year, I fell in love with what they do, and the fact that they’re NOT Amazon made me love them even more, so I jumped on becoming an affiliate to support them and their mission.

So, what is BookShop.org?

It’s a marketplace for books. That’s the obvious part. It’s what they stand for that’s awesome.

From their About page:

Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. 

We believe that bookstores are essential to a healthy culture. They’re where authors can connect with readers, where we discover new writers, where children get hooked on the thrill of reading that can last a lifetime. They’re also anchors for our downtowns and communities.

As more and more people buy their books online, we wanted to create an easy, convenient way for you to get your books and support bookstores at the same time.

If you want to find a specific local bookstore to support, find them on our map and they’ll receive the full profit off your order. Otherwise, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookstores (even those that don’t use Bookshop). 

For more info: https://bookshop.org/pages/about 

Please Note: My mom was admitted into the hospital early February 27th (as in 2:00 am). By the time this post goes live, she may or may not be home, but everything that had been a concern (and there had been several) has improved and she’s feeling a lot better. I’ll be resting and taking care of her even more in the coming days, so…once again…my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I will get to it eventually, though. Promise. Thanks for your understanding! 

Good Causes:

Causes and Donations - Books, Animals, and People / PART 1

Good Causes to Support / PART 2

I Donated My Hair / Good Causes PART 3

*** *** STAND UP TO CANCER *** ***

Every year, Stand Up To Cancer does a televised event that helps to raise awareness and bring in donations, but every month is cancer awareness month, every month you can donate to Stand Up To Cancer or to any cancer charity/organization.

From their website: Stand Up To Cancer’s (SU2C) mission is to raise funds to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now.

SU2C brings together the best and the brightest researchers and mandates collaboration among the cancer community. By galvanizing the entertainment industry, SU2C has set out to generate awareness, educate the public on cancer prevention, and help more people diagnosed with cancer become long-term survivors.

My mom rang the chemo bell on February 14, 2022 (Valentine's Day). I sat with her during each of her six chemo treatments, and on that last one I wore a SU2C shirt that I bought just for this reason.

I will also wear it when she has her last radiation treatment, when she has a CT scan to check on the progress, and when she sees her doctor to hear the results and hopefully move on to the next phase of her treatment, which is immunotherapy.

During my mom's final treatment, I took pictures to document the moment, created a short video, and shared it on Instagram for everyone to see the details of her journey so far. You can watch it HERE on my Instagram.

Action Items:

- Buy SU2C merchandise and wear it proudly in public.

- Create a tribute placard with the name of a loved one who you stand up for. Check out mine below.

- Become an advocate

- Fundraise

- Donate

*** *** PROTECT TRANS YOUTH *** ***

In Florida and Texas, transgender youth are being attacked by heartless people and politicians. 

First off, are you a teacher? Check out the Free to Be Me: A Toolkit to Protect LGBTQIA+ Students' Rights.

Texas:

February 21, Attorney General Paxton said that gender-affirming care for trans youth is child abuse.

It's not.

What is child abuse? Physically injuring a child, sexually abusing a child, withholding food and water and shelter (neglect), psychological/emotional maltreatment (e.g. telling a child their worthless and unloved).

What is not child abuse? Affirming their gender.

Check out Schuyler Bailar's (@pinkmantaray) informative post on this HERE on Instagram.

These politicians who are going after trans youth are committing child abuse by making them feel worthless, unloved, unwanted, and blatantly attacking them and who they are. Their actions risk increasing suicidal ideation.

What's also horrifying is that Texas wants to investigate all parents of trans children as child abusers. Those investigations will harm loving parents and happy transgender children and hurt the children who are ACTUALLY being abused because they will get lost in the shuffle while social services investigate these ridiculous false claims against parents of trans kids.

It's beyond time to take action.

Florida:

February 25, the Florida House passed the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

From Equality Florida: "This dangerous bill blocks teachers from talking about LGBTQ issues or people and undermines existing protections for LGBTQ kids in schools. This legislation is meant to stigmatize LGBTQ people, isolate LGBTQ kids, and make teachers fearful of providing a safe, inclusive classroom. The existence of LGBTQ students and parents is not a taboo topic that has to be regulated by the Florida Legislature."

Action Items: 

Send a (virtual) Love Letter to Trans Texans. The date has been extended to March 4th. "Declare your love and commitment to action to support and fight for trans people."

Send a pre-written message through Equality Texas to the Department of Family and Protective Services urging them to listen to medical experts and protect trans kids from politicians like Texas Governor Abbot and Attorney General Paxton. 

Sign Equality Texas' Joint Statement Supporting the Care of Transgender Children. "Supporting and providing access to gender affirming care for transgender children promotes health and well-being. It is not child abuse. This approach is recommended by the prevailing standards of care, best practices, and guidelines endorsed by local, national and international professional organizations."

Sign this petition to Demand the Justice Department investigate Texas Governor Abbott for illegally targeting families of trans kids. 

Sign this petition: Texas's Governor Wants to Hurt Trans Kids by Going After Supportive Parents. "Texas must prove it truly cares about children by standing up for trans kids, too."

Send pre-written letters to Florida senators through Equality Florida's to Tell Florida Lawmakers to Oppose "Don't Say Gay" Bill.

My Accountability: I have done all of these action items and the additional ones below.

Donate To:

Equality Florida

Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)

Equality Texas

Out Youth

Support queer and trans BIPOC communities through Allgo

Instagram Accounts to Follow:

Equality Florida @EqualityFL

ACLU of Florida @aclufl

Trans Texas @TransTexas

Equality Texas @EquailtyTexas

Allgo @allgoqpoc

Out Youth @OutYouth

Additional Action Items to Protect Trans Kids:

Join HRC’s Count Me In movement for trans and non-binary equality & get your FREE sticker in support of trans equality.

Sign this petition to Tell the Tennessee legislature to stop targeting trans kids.

Download and display a free Trans People Belong Here poster.

*** *** STAND WITH UKRAINE *** ***

Russia is invading Ukraine, risking the displacement of 5 millions Ukrainians, resulting in the largest refugee crisis currently impacting the world. Ukraine is in dire need of life-saving support, aid, and funds while while innocent civilians are forced to flee their homes.

Donate To:

Voices of Children - "Charitable Foundation Voices of Children helps children affected by the war in eastern Ukraine. Thanks to you, we provide psychological and psychosocial support to children. It helps them overcome the consequences of armed conflict and develop."

United Help Ukraine - "100% of all donations go to the cause (minus small transaction fees) and dedicated to help Ukraine."

Revived Soldiers Ukraine - "a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to the people of Ukraine so that they may fulfill fundamental rights and freedoms such as right to life, right to appropriate and affordable medical care, freedom of belief and freedom for an adequate standard of living."

Voxtok - SOS - provides "comprehensive assistance to conflict-affected persons and IDPs, promoting democratic transformation and human rights values in Ukraine."

The Ukrainian Red Cross

NOVA Ukraine - a "registered non-profit organization (EIN 465335435) dedicated to raising awareness about Ukraine in the US and throughout the world and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine."

Save the Children - "We are gravely concerned for children in Ukraine, Afghanistan and around the world who might be caught in the middle of armed conflict, forced to flee their homes and exposed to injury, hunger and sub-zero temperatures."

Ukraine Humanitarian Fund

Catholic Relief Services - "CRS and Caritas partners on the ground are preparing across Ukraine and in bordering countries, ready to provide safe shelter, hot meals, hygiene supplies, fuel to keep warm, transport to safe areas, counseling support and more."

The Kyiv Independent - "Ukraine’s English-language media outlet, created by journalists who were fired from the Kyiv Post for defending editorial independence."

My Accountability: I have donated a combined total of $45.55 to two of the above charities.

Get Accurate Info:

Kyiv Post @KyivPost.official

Ukraine’s official social media accounts 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UkraineUA.MFA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukraine.ua/

President of Ukraine

Web: https://www.president.gov.ua/en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zelenskiy.official

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Web: https://mfa.gov.ua/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MFA_Ukraine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UkraineMFA

SHARE WITH ME if you support these causes by taking any of the action steps.

QUESTIONS: Who do you stand up to cancer for? 

Please Note: I’m caring for a loved one receiving treatments (read about it here), so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I will get to it eventually, though. Promise. Thanks for your understanding! 

October 2021, the New York Times Book Review staff asked their subscribers to help them choose the best book of the past 125 years. In order to do that, thousands of nominations came in from their subscribers. Then the staff picked 25 finalists and announced them in December.

How exactly did their staff narrow submissions down to 25 finalists?

That’s not entirely clear.

1) They only allowed one book per author to be a finalist and 2) Only 31% of their readers' nominations made it to their list.

Even without those full details, we can still recognize that the results are biased.

Why do I say that?

Because nominations petitioned to a specific set of readers (i.e. their subscribers) will only reflect the likes and interests and reading habits of those readers, especially of the groups that make up the largest percentage of their subscribers’ demographics (age, race, gender, orientation, nationality).

And if the majority of the their readers are not reading widely, or don't read current releases (i.e. they favor the classics), if they don’t read from diverse authors, if they read books written mostly by men, or books published or set exclusively in America, then that will come across in the results.

THE RESULTS:

The results shine a light on a clear problem in the publishing industry when it comes to a lack of diversity, from the authors who get published and the kinds of books that get published to the publishers themselves and even the reviewers/influencers who receive books from publishers (or in the case of the Book Review, which books get chosen to be reviewed and ultimately how a book with diverse representation is viewed by the reviewer), as well as what books get featured, displayed, recommended, etc.

Not to mention the horrid push to keep diverse authors and stories out of schools and libraries (namely Black literature and LGBTQIA+ literature, which are the two most challenged/banned categories of books), as well as the effort to keep BIPOC authors from receiving equal footing, awards, and recognition.

(There is a divide in publishing. MANY divides, in fact. There is bias in favor of whiteness and masculinity and heterosexuality. There is racism. There is transphobia. There is Islamophobia. There is Sinophobia. There is antisemitism. There is sexism. There is ableism. There IS a problem.)

From what is publicly known about the authors whose books comprised the top 25 list, this is what we know:

• 21 of the 25 books were written by white authors (let that sink in)

• while only 4 of the books were written by BIPOC authors

• 18 of the books were written by men 

• and only 7 were written by women  

• 18 of the 25 authors were over the age of 50 

• 20 of the authors were based in the US 

• just one identified as having a learning disability 

• ZERO publicly identified as physically disabled 

• and ZERO publicly identified as LGBTQIA+

The NYT’s list doesn’t really reflect 125 years of literary history, which isn't just about the classics but books published a year ago. That's literary history, too.

And it’s not as diverse as they claim it is. 

NOTE: This is NOT me saying that the books that make up their 25 finalists, which I chose not to list here, did not shape literature or us as individuals, although there is one book on it that I detest with every fiber of my being. lol

#25BETTERBOOKS:

After this list came out Ad Astra (check out their interview on my blog HERE and also check out their Instagram posts HERE and HERE where they spoke so much better on this topic than I can) encouraged us to create our own #25BetterBooks list to demonstrate that:

• a “best book” list will always be subjective

• countless diverse authors have shaped us, as well as global literature

• that the NYT’s list solely reflects their subscribers’ and staffs’ interests

• and that picking a single book as the ultimate winner for any period of time is unnecessary when so many books are important to us individually and collectively and when so many are worthy of the title. (After all, avid readers know how hard it is to name just one book as their favorite.)

MY LIST:

In that spirit, I had fun creating my own list.

NOTE: I'm late to share my list because I wanted to read some books to see if they’d make it, which is why I’m posting about this in February 2022. lol

My list is not perfect, and I’m not claiming it is. Although it is perfect for ME because I’m not representing anyone else but myself. As such, my list will look different from yours, which is as it should be. 

At the time of posting this, there are COUNTLESS books I hadn’t read yet (or I don’t plan to read). I figure there’s books I’ll be reading this year that could make this list. Thus, this list is not set in stone.

Without further ado, here’s my #25BetterBooks list!

Please Note: This post is pre-scheduled. I’m caring for a loved one receiving treatments, so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I will get to it eventually, though. Promise. Thanks for your understanding!

First, I want to thank the wonderful people who commented on my last blog post. Your comments gave me warmth deep inside and even made me misty-eyed. Thank you for caring! ❤️

I read Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert twice. Once when I was burned out and the second time when the IWSG book club read it in 2018.

You can read Big Magic for the reading challenge for writers I’m hosting called Read With Fey. You can join it on The StoryGraph here. But you don’t have to be on The StoryGraph to participate! Check out all the details here: Read With Fey: Challenge For Writers

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

No, that is not a typo in the title.

I am going through massive shifts in my life, in my career, and in myself.

Frankly, it’s scary.

These shifts started last year with some major eye-opening situations in both my professional life and personal life.

Life Shift:

December 2021, my mom was diagnosed with inoperable stage 3-B lung cancer. (She was never a smoker.) I was driving home the night of November 28th after my mom was admitted into the hospital and there was Christmas music on the radio. Every song I heard during those two days she was in the hospital made me cry. Christmas stopped being happy. Christmas music did not bring me joy. 

Fortunately, she came home the next day.

My mom is going through once-a-week chemo treatments and five-days-a-week radiation treatments. Her treatments started in January and will last six weeks in all. I am bringing her to all of her treatments and caring for her.

Her last chemo treatment is on Valentine's Day.

Career Shift:

The day my mom had a biopsy done, I received a rejection that broke me.

Background: In 2020, I submitted to an independent publisher (who shall remain nameless) that rejected my story, but one of the line editors gave me feedback that I used—with the help of an amazing critique partner—to make my story better. I was invited to resubmit in six months. 

April 2021, I resubmitted. 

In June, I received an update from the assistant publisher asking me if they could have more time reviewing my submission. Of course, I granted them more time and my hopes rose, but months went by and no response. Come October (six months after I resubmitted), I started to query agents again. 

Then on the day my mom had her biopsy and got her official staging diagnosis and it was confirmed she has cancer (eight months after I resubmitted), I got the rejection from the publisher. A form rejection. After all that. After resubmitting and them asking for more time, I got a form rejection, and on the worst day possible. 

Please Note: This post is pre-scheduled. I’m caring for a loved one receiving treatments, so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I will get to it eventually, though. Promise. Thanks for your understanding!

Good Causes:

Causes and Donations - Books, Animals, and People / PART 1

Good Causes to Support / PART 2

Every New Year, I like to cut several inches off my hair to shed the old. With long hair, it’s easy to do this, but even a trim for other lengths could be symbolic. Plus, it keeps your hair healthy.

I like having long hair. Really long hair. For me, it’s an insecurity thing. My long hair has been my security blanket. My shield. It physically covers up my body insecurities…my neck and back from my spinal deformities (scoliosis and other related issues). That’s why my plan was to keep my long hair, cut off several inches, let it regrow throughout the year, and repeat every New Year’s Day.

However, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3-B lung cancer (non small cell adenocarcinoma) in December. (No, she’s never smoked.) She started chemo and radiation therapy in January. 

Before she started treatment, we were told she’d lose her hair.

But even before all that, my mom kept dropping hints about how she liked my hair short.

In the past, whenever I cut my hair, I tended to cut it above my shoulders for a new look and feel. And I do like how I look with short hair, but my insecurities have stopped me from cutting it that short in many years.

Then my mom was diagnosed and we prepared for her to lose her hair. That’s when I decided to cut my hair short in support of her and to donate my hair in honor of her.

Here’s the before and after:

Please Note: This post is pre-scheduled. I’m caring for a loved one receiving treatments, so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I will get to it eventually, though. Promise. Thanks for your understanding!

This year I am bringing back my Books for Writers feature. This will be a once-a-month feature.

I did this once before in 2017.

The books I talked about in 2017:

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

While this book isn’t exactly for writers, writers can benefit from it.

You can read Year of Yes for the reading challenge for writers I’m hosting called Read With Fey. You can join it on The StoryGraph here. But you don’t have to be on The StoryGraph to participate! Check out all the details here: Read With Fey: Challenge For Writers

Please Note: This post is pre-scheduled. I’m caring for a loved one receiving treatments, so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I will get to it eventually, though. Promise. Thanks for your understanding! And prayers and healing vibes for positive results to the treatments would be much appreciated. ❤️

I love reading challenges!

Last year (2021), I participated in FOUR different reading challenges. The most I've ever decided to participate in, and I joined them at all different times throughout the year. Because I participated in so many, I wanted to highlight them and the books I read in a post. I'll share them here in the order of when I joined them.

I hope you enjoy viewing my 2021 reads/challenges.

GOODREADS CHALLENGE:

I set a Goodreads goal to read 30 books. Thanks to graphic novels, short books (middle grade and YA), and picture books, I exceeded this goal. I read 95 books.

REMINDER: All reading counts as reading. Graphic novels are real books. Picture books are real books. Reading graphic novels, short reads, and picture books certainly do count toward reading challenges. Don't let anyone tell you that only novels of 300+ pages count. All reading is valid.

You can view my Goodreads challenge here.

***

ALPHABET BOOK CHALLENGE:

HOSTED BY @FABLESANDWREN AND

@STARLIGHTBOOKTALES ON INSTAGRAM

THE GOAL: Read a book that starts with each letter of the alphabet (J, V, X, Z had to be somewhere in the title to count). There were also a few extra challenges like: a color in the title, one-word title, starts with the same letter of your first name, and #, which I took to mean a number in the title/subtitle.

Here’s my completed graphic we were given to use to share our progress to our Instagram stories:

Please Note: This post is pre-scheduled. For the next couple of months, I’ll be caring for a loved one receiving treatments, so my replies to comments and return visits to bloggers will be delayed. I'm even behind on December's and November's comments. So sorry! I will work on those today and ones that come in for this post when I'm able. Thanks for your understanding! And prayers and healing vibes for positive results to the treatments would be much appreciated. ❤️

READ WITH FEY: CHALLENGE FOR  WRITERS

Created by me (Chrys Fey), the Read With Fey challenge is for writers at all levels. The goal is to read *10 non-fiction books for writers during 2022.

Challenge Starts: January 1, 2022

Challenge Ends: December 31, 2022

Goal: Read *10 books for writers by the end of the year.

*Are 10 books too many? Set your own goal!

Just because I’ll be aiming to read 10 books doesn’t mean you have to!

However many books you read is an accomplishment.

Why Should You Join?

Every book you read could inspire you, educate you, and give you SPARKS. And you can read at your own pace.

Why Else Should You Join?

Every book you read for the Read With Fey challenge can count toward your personal reading goals.

Which Books?

Any books for writers! The books can be about marketing, publishing, the craft of writing, basically any non-fiction book that’d be useful to you as a writer. All formats (eBook, print, audio), re-reads, library borrows. It all counts!

For ideas on what to read, check out my Books for Writers list on Bookshop.org by clicking here.

How To Join:

There is no formal sign-up form, so ANYONE, ANYWHERE, and at ANYTIME can join in WHATEVER way they choose.

You can, however, join the Read With Fey challenge on The StoryGraph here to track your progress.

Or you can make a Goodreads shelf for the challenge, a spreadsheet on your computer, a checklist in your journal, a blog post(s), or whatever you want to do. This challenge is flexible for YOU. 

However you decide to do this challenge, please consider announcing your participation on social media as a post or story, tweet, blog post, YouTube video, etc. If you do, a link back to this post would be much appreciated.

Hashtags for social media: #ReadWithFey #ReadWithFey2022

The StoryGraph: Because reading challenges on The StoryGraph only work right now with prompts and not a set number, I created three optional bonus challenge prompts. These bonus prompts DO NOT have to be completed, but to help you add any and all books you read to the challenge on The StoryGraph, I made a bonus prompt called “Use This Bonus Prompt For ANY Book For Writers.” You can use it multiple times, even to add all of your reads if you have to. By reading one book per bonus prompt (three books total), you will technically have the challenge on The StoryGraph completed. lol

To add a book to your challenge, first mark the book as read with a date for 2022. Then on the book’s page on The StoryGraph, scroll down until you see “Add to Reading Challenges” on the left sidebar. If you joined Read With Fey, you’ll see it listed there. Click on it and then select the bonus prompt that qualifies. Only select one.

I’ve never hosted a reading challenge on The StoryGraph before. There was a bit of a learning curve, and I hope they’ll make a set number goal as an option in the future, so I’ll see how I like it. 🙂

Click here to join the Read With Fey challenge on The StoryGraph.

Click here to check out my Books For Writers list on BookShop.org.

BEST OF WRITE WITH FEY 2021:

For Writers:

10 Things All Authors Should Know

Writing About Minor Characters Who Are People of Color / Vlog

Traditional Publishing - Pros and Cons / Vlog

A Better Alternative to Goodreads - The StoryGraph 

Don't Shame Readers for What They Read (or Writers for What They Write)

Interviews:

Dear Publishers Interview / Jess Lee Talks About Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Antiracism in the Publishing Industry

Ad Astra Interview / Olivia and Fiona Discuss Banned Books and Intersectional Feminism

Interview with Esme Brett, Creator of #RomancestagramBall on Instagram  

Marketing/Promo:

What Happened When I Had a Free (Companion) eBook During My Blog Tour?

New Release Marketing Conclusions

Book Recommendations:

Diverse Children's Books and Adult Books on Anti-Racism

Graphic Novels, Picture Books, MG & YA Books, Adult Romance

Book Chat Fun - The Perks of Being a Wallflower

History:

Indigenous History Month / Florida & Seminole History

Windover, A 7,000-Year-Old Pond Cemetery / Research

Causes to Support:

How to Respect and Support Indigenous Peoples

Causes and Donations - Books, Animals, and People / PART 1

Good Causes to Support / PART 2

Other:

#WritersontheMoon 

Why did I write a story for Thorn in the Disaster Crimes series? 

Dear IWSGers - An Announcement

I realized I never did a "Best of" post for 2020, so here it is!

2020:

For Writers:

COVID-19 and Authors

Every Author's Path Is Their Own

Don't Make Light of Another Writer's Plight

Writers. Should. NOT. Tell. Other. Writers. What. Tense. Or. POV. To. Use. It's. NOT. Your. Choice.

Dear Author with No Reviews

Dear “I’m Still a Nobody” Author

Dialogue Advice / VLOG

Do I Need a Website / Vlog 

What Should You Know About the Writing Life? / Vlog

Bad Things Must Happen / Vlog

Marketing/Promo:

Paid Book Blitz Results

Depression/Burnout:

Write a Letter to Your Fear / Except from Keep Writing with Fey

How Tarot Cards Helped with my Depression

Other:

NOT INADEQUATE / A Post about Self-Defense and Abuse

Real-Life Memories in Flaming Crimes / Vlog

A Man Like Donovan / Vlog

Writing About Pregnancy and Intimacy in FROZEN CRIMES

Whom Would You Want To Be Stuck with During a Blizzard?

Why Did I Write a Prequel to 30 Seconds? / Vlog

5 Secrets about 30 Seconds / Vlog

5 Tropes about Mental Illness You Need to Stop Writing

By Natalie Dale, MD

Tropes exist for a reason. They are familiar, comfortable, and can provide a shared vocabulary with readers. In a skilled writers’ hands, tropes can be deployed or subverted in unique and original ways. But when it comes to mental illness, there are a few tropes that, even in skilled hands, have the potential to be quite damaging. This list is by no means exhaustive–I didn’t even begin to touch on tropes regarding specific conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, OCD, Schizophrenia, and Tourette’s–but it contains some of the most damaging and prevalent tropes regarding mental illness. In this post, we’ll discuss five prevalent tropes regarding mental illness and how to avoid them in your writing.

5)   Evil ECT

“Just lie here, bite down on this strap while I stick these electrodes to your head.”

“But I don’t want–”

“I promise it won’t hurt a bit.”

*Flips switch* *muffled screams*

In this trope, a character is strapped onto a table, electrodes placed on their head. Without warning or consent, electricity floods through them. Their limbs jerk and they grimace or cry out in pain. It’s horrifying to watch or read about. And it’s not how ECT works, at least not anymore.

Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a procedure that uses electricity to treat serious mental illnesses, ranging from treatment-resistant depression to catatonia. It is an incredibly effective treatment that can alleviate symptoms in as little as six sessions, or about three weeks. By comparison, most medications for depression take at least six weeks to take effect.

The stigma surrounding ECT comes from the early days of the procedure, when higher doses of electricity were used, and without anesthesia. Back then, side effects could include everything from permanent memory loss to fractured bones due to the incredible strength of the convulsions caused by the high voltage. Invented in the 1930s, the procedure as it was performed back then was barbaric at best. Then again, during that same time, doctors were touting cigarettes as a “healthy choice.” Medicine has come a long way since then.       

Nowadays, people receiving ECT do so under general anesthesia, as they would for a surgical procedure. They’ll be given a muscle relaxant to minimize convulsions, a mouth guard to prevent them from biting their tongue, and supplemental oxygen through a face mask. Throughout the procedure, their blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen levels are closely monitored. The electrical activity of the brain is also measured using an electroencephalogram, or EEG.  

NOTE: I am going through something right now, so I won’t be replying to comments or returning visits so quickly. Thanks for your understanding!

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

“We accept the love we think we deserve.”

― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I first read The Perks of Being a Wallflower in 2013 after the film adaption came out (September 2012).

The Perks is a great example of voice. While reading, Charlie's voice (which is the alias of the narrator in the novel who gives all the other characters aliases, too) comes across as young, innocent, and a quite naive. He doesn't understand a lot, but he understands certain things in his own way. The voice is written simply, which is perfect for his character and his age (he's a freshman in high school). He's a character who is deeply shy and full of guilt and suffers from depression and PTSD. He's also very caring and thoughtful, which leads him to do things to make others happy even if it's reckless for himself. You get all of this while reading.

The book is composed as letters to an anonymous person he only refers to as "Dear Friend," so it also is a great example of structure.

I loved all the books and songs that were mentioned throughout the story.

C. Lee McKenzie has a new release out called SHATTERED, and she's sharing an inspiring story with us.

Welcome, C. Lee!

One Woman’s Road to Independence:

A Brief Account of a Paraplegic who Returned to an Active Life in Sports

by C. Lee McKenzie

In her daily exercise program, she included pull-ups, push-ups, catching and throwing a ball, bicep curls, extended arm raises with weights, shoulder shrugging. All of these contributed to keeping her body healthy and in shape, but her legs still couldn't bear her weight, even if she used a standing frame. However, standing on her feet was one of her goals, and she never lost sight of it.

She learned to crawl face-first into her chair, and to recover if she slipped and fell. In her biography, she expressed gratitude for all those upper arm exercises that gave her the quadricep strength she needed.

Swimming was very important, both physically and emotionally. In the water, she had buoyancy and a sense of freedom of movement.

She progressed from not being able to stand, to using the standing frame, to doing squats, to kicking up from a prone position. But there were setbacks and while she'd removed the leg braces, her leg strength wasn't improving, so she had to return to exercising with the braces again.

She found that she could maintain the strength she'd developed by working out three times a week, but if she upped it to four, she started to see improvement.

Pain management was always part of her daily life. She took nerve pain blockers three times a day and quickly learned that it took at least half an hour to get on top of that pain.

Today Karen Trolan is a successful business person and still an active sportswoman. Her struggle to regain independence after her accident was an inspiration, and I think deserves to be shared. After reading her story, I certainly can't consider quitting when my goals seem unattainable, and I appreciated her book. It gave me excellent first-hand details that I used to write Shattered.

Nineteen-year-old Libby Brown is on her way to the winter Olympics for her shot at the Gold. But on a last practice run, an out-of-bounds snowboarder collides with her, and she wakes up in a hospital unable to move her legs. Terrible accident they say, but was it? Or did someone want her off the U.S. slalom team? Libby must find the truth or remain shattered forever.

Website . Goodreads . BookBub . Instagram . Twitter . Facebook . LinkedIn

I'm a native Californian who grew up in a lot of different places; then landed in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I write most of the time, hike and practice yoga a lot, and then travel whenever I can. 

In my young adult books, I take on modern issues that today's teens face in their daily lives. My Evernight Teen Publication, Double Negative was voted as one of the best top ten Young Adult books, 2019. My other books, The Princess of Las Pulgas, Sliding on the Edge, Sudden Secrets and Not Guilty are out to four and five-star reviews.

If you visit my website and sign up for my Email Connect (emails two times a month)there's a free short story for you! Please stop by.

Thank you for sharing Karen's story with us, C. Lee!

Please leave a comment for C. Lee!

For a good half of this year I committed myself to learning about the history of Indigenous peoples native to North America (like the Seminole nation that is native to the Floridian land where I now live), as well as Native American wisdom and their way of life. They were here before us and have learned (through force) European ways, but settlers then and Americans now know little about them and their ways. It’s time that changed.

In this post I am sharing resources I've found that can help you begin your journey of honoring and respecting Indigenous peoples.

First, it has to be said...

EDUCATE YOURSELF:

Nowadays, in the Age of Information, there's really no excuse for ignorance when there's so many resources out there and with how Google is accessible through the help of libraries and schools and Wi-Fi hotspots. Not to mention that libraries are there for this exact purpose. Only through educating ourselves will we ever be able to grow. Only through educating the next generation will anything change for the better. This doesn't just go for teachers, who should be allowed to teach our children about the true, full history of America (the things that have been erased or covered up or ignored), but this also applies to parents, guardians, and grandparents, even aunts and uncles. In other words, everyone.

Resources:

- Indigenous Resistance Homework - This is a PDF with questions that can help you to begin your Indigenous education journey.

- How to Talk About Native Nations: A Guide from Native Governance Center

- A Self-Assessment from Native Governance Center

FOR TEACHERS:

Check out these articles:

10 Tips to Decolonize Your Classroom

Lessons Learned in Teaching Native American History

"In many schools, students are learning that Native American tribes no longer exist, or they gain the impression that Native Americans continue to live in teepees—misconceptions and biases that are damaging to modern Native communities." [1]