Welcome to Joy Ride, a monthly dose of joy, good things, creativity prompts, and gratitude by writer Jennifer Chen. If you like it, please share this newsletter with someone who might like it too.
Your Pep Talk
Hey friends! For the first time since I started this newsletter in August 2020, I didn’t send out one in August 2025.
This newsletter is normally my respite from the news of the world until my own news disrupted my life. I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer at the end of August. I only told a few people because I needed time to figure out my feelings. I’ve been on a roller coaster of emotions. Randomly crying. Feeling frustrated and fatigued easily. I have a fantastic cancer care team. I’m incredibly grateful to my friends who are bringing over food, sending gift cards, and checking on me.
I’m learning to deal with something called acceptance. What I wanted to do this fall: finish revisions on my adult historical novel and do a fun cover tour of my third YA book. I had to pause fostering kittens and volunteering with WriteGirl. I’ve had to say no to things that bring me joy to focus on my health.
I have to accept that the next few months are focused on that journey. Sometimes, what we want and what we can actually do are two very different things. I also hope that sharing this news is a reminder to anyone who needs to schedule their annual mammogram to please do it now. Mine helped us catch my cancer early.
My Latest News
I was overjoyed to see HANGRY HEARTS make it into a Kirkus Reviews article in September titled 5 Tasty YA Books To Nourish Mind, Body, and Spirit.
Check Out This...
TV SHOW: Shrinking (Apple+ TV). My husband Brendan has asked me for months now to watch this show and now that I have, he’s absolutely right that I would love it. It’s funny, sweet, deals with grief in a human way, and has a wonderful cast.
MOVIE: School of Rock. This movie is from 2003, but I adore it. We recently re-watched it for a family movie night and it still makes me happy. Jack Black is one of my favorite actors who brings lovable charm to every role.
BOOK: I Think They Love You by Julian Winters. A queer romance that felt like Bel-Air the TV show in book form. I loved the heart and comedy.
NONPROFIT: Cancer Support Community Los Angeles. This organization provides free classes for cancer survivors and their caregivers, such as mediation classes, support groups, and counseling. If you know someone outside of LA who needs that information, check out the national organization for regional locations.
I'm Grateful For...
My kids. Brendan who has listened to all my frustrations with patience. Online classes, like this Painting Faux Plants I took. Friends texting to check in on me. Indie bookstores. Cats. Writing sessions with Avani and L’Oreal. Breast cancer research!
Sending you all the best and wishing you the time to rest and heal.
School of Rock is one of my favorites as well! You know, there is research to suggest that watching funny and/or uplifting movies and shows helps in physical healing. So glad you have support and love around you.