I have a confession: I still don’t know *how* to feel after waking up a published author. The world’s still spinning, I’m still getting Outlook notifications from my day job, and it’s just another day.
Except it’s not just another day. Books are years in the making and I sure no longer feel like the same twenty-one year old that first drafted A Banh Mi for Two. I graduated undergrad, left a long-term relationship, got promoted at work, and celebrated many, many news all the while the book was edited and in production. I’ve grown as a writer and a person and it’s a little strange to see this book out on shelves now. In a way, it’s a relic of who I was and all the feelings I wanted to pour into this book while still figuring out the craft of writing a young adult novel.
Debuting is grueling. It’s scary, anxiety-inducing, and yet it’s still one of the most surreal experiences. I’ve cried over things I can’t control and at the same time, have cried over the most heartfelt messages from readers. I wanted a book highlighting queer Vietnamese girls that also validates their very-real struggles with diasporic grief and all the messy coming-of-age feelings. I hope I’ve delivered. :’)
SO many feels. I took today off work to sleep in, grabbed a banh mi (two, actually), and drove to independent bookstores around Westside LA!
You can find signed copies at Pages (Manhattan Beach), The Ripped Bodice (Culver City), and Village Well (Culver City)!
As for LA events, I’m doing my launch party at Skylight Books on 8/23 Fri at 7pm! Come say hi! On 9/13, I’ll be at The Ripped Bodice! Hope to see you there!
In the meanwhile, you can snag your own copy on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and your local independent bookstore (prioritize buying from indies!). Signed online copies are still available from The Ripped Bodice until 9/6. Both hardcovers and paperbacks are available, as well as Kindle and Audiobook!
Thank you, thank you for being with me through this journey!