Welcome to Joy Ride, a monthly dose of joy, good things, creativity prompts, and gratitude by journalist and author Jennifer Chen. If you like it, please share this newsletter with someone who might like it too.
Your Pep Talk 💌📬
Back in June 20, 2019, I wrote myself a letter. It was my last day at the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing (hi, Pennacook Wonder Women!). Alexander Weinstein, the founder, led us through a writing exercise. Write a letter to yourself. What did you learn? How do you feel?
When I returned home, the letter was waiting for me. Last week, I opened it again. I had just gotten news about a writing rejection that stung, and I knew that past me had something important to say.
I wrote this in 2019:
Remember—always try again. Rejections are little doors. Knock in the neighborhood. Believe in yourself beyond belief.
It felt like a hug and it restored my faith in me.
If you can take a moment to write yourself a letter, do it. Share what you’re going through. Share what brings you happiness right this very second. Tell yourself what you need to hear. Then, address it, stamp it, and wait for it to come back.
My Latest News 🎙
My Oprah Daily story on anti-Asian hate attacks is a finalist for a SoCal Journalism award for Activism Journalism.
I wrote about how the AAPI community fits into the body positivity movement.
My agent @caitief and I had fun chatting on the Manuscript Academy podcast about publishing short pieces, time management, and being an author-agent team.
Check Out This... 💖
ARTICLE: “Marking a Pandemic, One Crane at a Time” by Grace Loh Prasad is a stunning and hopeful essay, complete with gorgeous origami crane photos and her cat, Amber.
BOOK: I highly recommend Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab for setting firm boundaries. Her Instagram therapy posts are mini-pep talks of encouragement.
PODCASTS: If you love learning about people’s creative process, this list of 7 podcasts for creative people is for you.
ORGANIZATIONS: Here are ways to support women and girls in Afghanistan.
I'm Grateful For... 🐾
Porcupines. My family and I went to the Wildlife Learning Center and had a chance to feed porcupines. I had no idea porcupines could be so cute. Their underbellies look very soft. They gobbled up the carrots and squash, but rejected the celery we offered.
Thanks for sharing happy news. Much needed in the world today!
Thanks for the happy news. Much needed in the world these days!