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 💪🏽
On May 23, I got the second check for my debut book and an uncorrected bound copy of ARTIFACTS OF AN EX. When I held the check, I burst into joyful tears. I tweeted this, and I was surprised how many people responded.
Behind the years of work, there have been naysayers, self-doubts, and countless rejections. What helped? My writer friends who told me not to quit and cheered along the way.
So, here, I am, telling you that you can, and you will! If there’s something that matters to you, keep lighting that flame in your heart. If you hit a snag, remember why it matters to you. Maybe little kid you would be awed by where you are now. If it’s important to you, it’s worthwhile.
My Latest News 📺
For SELF, I interviewed author Angela Garbes about why caregivers are undervalued. I wrote three children’s book roundups on Pride, Mental Health, and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month for Maisonette (and read some fantastic books with my kids).
I did something that was very fun and not at all serious, which is a refreshing change! I was a panelist on Great Pop Culture Debate and dished on the Best 90s Sitcom.
Check Out This... ❤️
Tiny Love Story: I adore this 100-word essay by my writer friend Liz Brown about her parents who remarried 52 years after their first wedding.
MOVIE: Turning Red (Disney+). I haven’t seen a movie that captured the awkwardness of puberty and made it so heartwarming at the same time.
TV SHOW: Heartstoppers (Netflix). I can’t even form words about how much I love this coming-of-age show, only to say, I’ll never see the word “hi” the same way again.
FUNDRAISER: Buy a loaf of bread from Ukrainian bakeries for Ukrainians. For $5, you can purchase 10 loaves to be given to Ukrainians suffering through the Russian invasion.
I'm Grateful For... 🥰
Celebrating a friend’s much-delayed wedding at the Boat House in Central Park. You are looking at the smiles of two parents who got to have two child-free nights alone since their six-year-old twins were born (thanks to my wonderful in-laws!).