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 ✨
A friend and I talked about a recent disappointment she had. I empathized. I spent years writing a book, and it went nowhere. I signed with my wonderful agent in December 2019. I revised a novel we planned to submit early spring 2020. And then, the pandemic happened and no one wanted to read my dark contemporary YA novel.
It was hard to face that three years worth of work was going to back into a drawer. But that manuscript helped me learn how to draft, revise, and make mistakes. I completely overhauled how I write and revise. And guess what? The book I did sell—I wrote in three months because of the many mistakes I learned with that shelved manuscript.
I’m sharing this because often the sting of disappointment can make us feel like we failed. We didn’t achieve our goal. Let yourself feel frustrated. Take some time off. Then, get back up and try again. Ask yourself: Why is this not working? Maybe a fresh set of eyes can help you see a new way to approach the same goal. Perhaps a conversation with a friend, mentor, or colleague can spark some new inspiration. Starting on something entirely new might just be the answer. Cheering you on in whatever you’re facing!
My Latest News 📣
I turned in book 2 to my fantastic editor!!! Here’s a little preview of what to expect: I call it my farmers market Romeo & Juliet comedy that will leave you hungry for dumplings (out February 2025).
Artifacts of an Ex will be published in Brazil and Poland! The audiobook is out now.
For Oprah Daily, I wrote about giving yourself an end-of-the-year review to highlight and reflect on what you’ve done.
Podcasts: I got to share my favorite books of 2023 on Great Pop Culture Debate. I had a lovely chat with writing instructor Estelle Erasmus about writing my YA romance. Over on Good People, Cool Things, I discussed my top 3 favorite Ted Lasso episodes and my writing life. I asked parenting expert Dr. Shefali about external triggers on Oprah’s Super Soul podcast.
Paid Subscriptions 🙏🏼
I’m rolling out paid subscriptions in my February newsletter. A few kind readers have paid for subscriptions (thank you, Robin, Arlene, and Sean!). Don’t fret if you can’t pay! I’ll still offer my regular newsletter for free subscribers. For paid subscribers, I wanted to offer things that bring me joy and allow for me to connect with you. For $8 a month, paid subscribers will receive:
A link to a monthly virtual chat where I lead you through a creativity prompt, we talk about your challenges, discuss ways to support you, and I answer any questions you have about the creative life.
I’ll choose one paid subscriber to receive a $20 gift card to the independent bookstore of their choice.
A monthly personalized pep talk based on, “What’s one thing you would like support or encouragement with?”
Check Out This... 🐾
TV SHOW: I’m a fan of mysteries that keep me guessing. Death and Other Details (Hulu) is a show that hooked me from the start with its murder on a luxury cruise vibes.
ARTICLE: This personal essay about a friend who texts her best friend after her friend passes away was absolutely moving and made me think about how our friends support us.
BOOK: My family and I just started fostering kittens so I read Tiny But Mighty: Kitten Lady’s Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Kittens. I highly recommend checking out this book from your library for the heartwarming personal stories and adorable photos of her rescues.
NONPROFIT: Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles. We started volunteering here and I just love how loved and cared for all the cats and dogs are in this beautiful facility. Best Friends also has locations around the country.
I'm Grateful For... 😻
Kitten cuddles. This is Zesty (gray & white) and her brother Zephyr (black & white). We fostered these two seven-week-old kittens with their brother Zamboni over the holidays and let me tell you the best self-care moment for me was laying on the floor and snuggling with these babies. Their little purrs were the white noise to my busy day. And the happy update is that all three kittens found their forever homes!