The other day I went on an aimless walk while listening to an interview with the writer Nnedi Okorafor. She’s a very interesting interview subject overall, but one thing she said in particular really struck me: I’ve always existed on a lot of fault lines, and that does fuel what I write. She then went […]
Being an outsider, writing the outsider Read More »
Since 2008, I’ve taken myself on three DIY writing retreats. I’m sharing the things I’ve learned about DIY writing retreats, and what I’d do differently next time. Or, will there be a next time? Writing retreat #1: 2008 The idea for my first DIY writing retreat came to me out of impatience. I had the
Three ways to do a DIY writing retreat Read More »
“She should have been more mature for a 40-year-old.” That’s a paraphrasing of a book review I read recently. It made me wonder if this person actually knew any 40-year-olds. Sure, there are people who should know better no matter how old they are, but why would a protagonist that age have to act mature,
In praise of older protagonists Read More »
In June 2021 I had a lot of fun as Open Book’s Writer-in-Residence, and so I’m excited to announce that I’m now writing a regular column for them! My first article is about my experience with the highs and surprising lows that arise after publishing a book. It’s a must-read for anyone who has a
I’m now a columnist at Open Book! Read More »
I’m having a lot of fun with my newsletter. It’s been nice to return to slightly longer forms of expression considering, you know, *gestures vaguely at the state of social media*. I realize that this blog/journal can count as a longer form of expression, but honestly I’m still not sure how to best use this
Want more journal stuff from me? Read More »
I’m grateful to ECW Press, Diaspora Dialogues, and the Ontario Arts Council for awarding me Recommender Grants for Writers to write Seeker of the Lost Song*, my fantasy novel-in-progress blending elements of Filipino and Finnish culture and history. It’s truly an honour to have this support. Arts funding is critically important not only to those
Recommender Grants for Seeker of the Lost Song Read More »
The best part of my August: I finished the first draft of my new fantasy novel! I’m still coming back down to earth, very reluctantly, after spending the summer halfway in an altered state of intense creativity and inspiration I had never felt before, the kind where you could tell me I was some sort
Hello, first draft of new fantasy novel! Read More »
May 4th was the one-year anniversary of The Quiet is Loud being published. I can’t believe it’s been that long! It feels like three months and three years at the same time. I shared some thoughts about my first year of being a published author over on Invisible Publishing’s blog, including the things that I
Reflections on my first year of being a published author Read More »
🇩🇪 I have some very exciting news: The Quiet is Loud will be published in German with Piper Verlag! I have family in Germany (and support Germany in international football tournaments 😉) so naturally I am over the moon about this. I look forward to reaching new readers in a country that’s very special to
The Quiet is Loud to be published in German! Read More »
I was recently interviewed by my friend Teri Vlassopoulos for the Quarantine Review podcast! Not only was I thrilled to be involved with the Quarantine Review again, but I got to virtually chat with Teri while sitting in my surprisingly soundproof closet, balancing my laptop and my microphone, being so much in awe of Teri’s
Interview at the Quarantine Review Podcast Read More »
