Try Again

Just like Ke Huy Quan.

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 👊🏽

I love a great awards acceptance speech. When Ke Huy Quan won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in the amazing Everything Everywhere All At Once, this part of his speech moved me deeply. “For so many years, I was afraid I had nothing more to offer. . .And then, 30 years later, they [directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert] gave me an opportunity to try again.”

I felt that way when I was 23 and thought I screwed up my one chance at a book deal. And now, at age 43, I am publishing my debut book.

I say this to tell you that you have more than enough to offer. It might feel like the deck is stacked against you, but don’t give up. Keep trying. The world might not be ready for you right this second, but some day, you might be exactly who they are looking for. I do hope it takes less than 30 years though!

My Latest News 🎉

I am beyond excited to share the cover for my debut book, ARTIFACTS OF AN EX (out Nov. 14, 2023). Cover designer Kerri Resnick and cover illustrator Leni Kauffman did an amazing job creating my dream pink book cover. If you’d like to pre-order, Barnes & Noble is having a 25% off sale on all pre-orders from Jan. 25-27. Use code: PREORDER25.

Check Out This... 👇🏽

ARTICLE: If you have trouble saying no (me too), then this story on how to stop people pleasing by L’oreal Thompson Payton is the perfect remedy.

COMEDY SPECIAL: Trevor Noah writes spectacular stand-up comedy and his latest, I Wish You Would, is fantastically funny.

BOOK: I could not stop reading The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna because it felt like a warm cup of tea that hit the right spot.

FUNDRAISER: I am deeply heartbroken about what happened on Lunar New Year. Please consider donating to the Monterey Park Lunar New Year Victims Fund to help the support the families affected.

I'm Grateful For... 🧧

Lunar New Year. Happy Year of the Water Rabbit! My family and I took an adorable bao making class, and we made pigs, rabbits, baby Yodas, and more. It was delightful to be surrounded by other happy people learning how to shape and fill delicious bao.