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 🛣️
My debut book is out now and let me tell you, I have been so excited and nervous at the same time. I’ve been asking myself why I’m nervous and when I sat down to create an Instagram post to share my writing journey, I had my answer. I’ve been trying to sell a book since April 2009. I’ve had more rejections than offers. Here’s the full timeline:
I share this with you because often, we only see the shiny glossy side of the writing life. I want other creative people to know I had self-doubts, naysayers, and the desire to quit often. What helped: my writer friends who could see what I couldn’t, taking breaks from manuscripts, crying, and taking writing classes to learn my craft.
I sincerely hope it doesn’t take 14 years for you to achieve your dreams, but I want you to know that your story matters. I believe you can do it. Take a break when you need to then get back to being amazing. YOU’VE GOT THIS.
Giveaway 🎁
I’d like to send one newsletter reader a signed hardcover copy of Artifacts of an Ex as a thank you for subscribing. Simply fill out this form and I’ll notify the winner by email on Nov. 28.
My Latest News 🎉
I wrote this personal essay for Oprah Daily about my journey of writing Asian joy in a time when all I saw was Asian pain.
I did a Q&A author interview with Nerd Daily.
On November 17 at 5pm PST, join me for a virtual chat with me and literary agent and author Eric Smith. RSVP here to receive the link to the Zoom event.
On November 19 at 2:30pm PST, I will be talking with fellow YA author Edward Underhill at Annabelle’s Book Club and signing books after our conversation.
Check Out This... 🛼
DANCE GROUP: I’m obsessed with watching dancers on TikTok. I particularly love the Griffin Brothers who dance on roller skates. See this video of them dancing to “Good Times,” for instant joy.
MOVIE: Nimona (Netflix) is an animated movie about loving yourself when some people think you’re an actual monster. It’s also hilarious.
BOOK: Seen, Loved and Heard by Tabitha Brown is a wonderful guided journal that I gifted to a friend who said that the title alone made her feel seen, loved, and heard.
ORGANIZATION: I continue to recommend, if you can, donations to humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza, listed in this NPR article.
I'm Grateful For... 📣
My writing friends who always had hope. Friends like Melissa Sarno who told me not to quit writing books. Edward Underhill who has graciously helped me navigate my debut year. My Pennacook Wonder Women for telling me I was a great writer after a crushing critique session with an author. Sutton for our weekly convos. My husband who listens to all my fears and has believed in me since we met at NYU. They are the reason I’m here so thank you all!
Thank you for sharing your journey. It can be so hard to see a Yes through the forest of Nos. Getting just one Yes can make the Nos a little less painful. Congratulations on your book!