My Life
I learned about how the lack of Asian #OwnVoices representation has influenced my development. In February, I wrote an article on Asian representation in Western literature. Researching the scarcity of Asian representation, especially as I was growing up in the ’90s, helped me realize assumptions and biases that a lack of representation caused me to form. For example, as a child, I never thought to write stories about people who looked like me. The only time I did was when I had to write about a grandparent for class. This article-writing experience has reminded me why we need #OwnVoices literature. I’m going to brainstorm more ways I can share about Asian #OwnVoices literature on the blog, and I’d love to collaborate with interested bloggers to bring more awareness to this need.
My Greek Study Group is a hoot! We’ve reached the level of camaraderie where, in between studying paradigms and translating sentences, we make fun of each other. My existence can now be summed up in the study of crystalogy (the “a” is important; otherwise, it’d become the study of quartz and glass). The boys also created a pickup line using the perfect tense, which they love and I think is ridiculous (but admittedly funny once you get past the cringe-iness). Is it a guy thing to enjoy funny pickup lines?
What I Watched:
- Miracle was a rewatch of an old favorite. I love sports films, especially when they’re based on true events.
- Togo ruined one of my childhood loves (Balto) in a fantastic way by teaching me about the unsung heroes behind the 1925 serum run to Nome.
- Gordan Ramsey: Uncharted taught me about indigenous cookings from various places across the world.
- The Expanse Season 4 is an amazing show that I recommend for sci-fi/fantasy fans. My brother has read book 1, and he tells me that the show successfully follows the main plotlines of the book while introducing new elements that make it fresh for readers. I plan to start reading the books sometime soon . . . when I’m not taking 18 hours and working part time.
- Bones and The Mentalist fed my love for mystery/crime shows.
I’m still looking to interview a fantasy writer for a write-up. This is for a class assignment and will be submitted to a writing publication. If you or someone you know would be interested, please send me an email!
Writing Goals
Novel Progress: I went over my extended outline again with a friend and came out with some areas (world building and character backstory) that need work.
Short Writing: I wrote two articles, one of which I’ve edited and submitted for potential publication, and drafted a ghost story. If you’ve been following my writing Twitter, this is the story that I’m writing for my mom.
Favorite Reads
Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee (illustrated by Dung Ho) follows Mindy Kim as she moves into a mostly-Caucasian neighborhood and tries to make friends at her new school by starting a snack business. Prepare your heart for an overdose of cuteness. As an added bonus, this is the start to an Asian #OwnVoices chapter book series!
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett genre-blends mystery/crime and epic fantasy, builds upon a world in which magic works much like coding, and stars a pragmatic heroine with a plan to get out of the thieving business. First, she must work with a mismatched group to break into an impenetrable fortress and save the world.
On the Blog
Features & Discussions
Monthly Rewind: January 2020
February Mid-Monthly Review
How I Organize My E-Reader
February Reviews
- Star Trek: Body by Starfleet: A Fitness Guide by Robb Pearlman
- Vegan Bodybuilder’s Cookbook by Samantha Shorkey, Amy Longard
- Real Pigeons Fight Crime (Real Pigeons #1) by Andrew McDonald, illustrated by Ben Wood
- Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business (Mindy Kim #1) by Lyla Lee, illustrated by Dung Ho
- Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade (Mindy Kim #2) by Lyla Lee, illustrated by Dung Ho
2020 Challenges Progress
In February, I read 7 books towards my goal of 100 books in 2020. I’m currently behind schedule, but I’m not too worried about it. I tend to read more during summer vacation!
Discussions: 3/11 (Creative Conversationalist)
I wrote 1 discussion post in February. This puts me on track for my goal of 11-20 discussion posts.
Best Books I Read In 2019: Patterns & Aging Out
Starting a Book Club & Legacies Discussion Guide
How I Organize My E-Reader
Audiobooks: 0/5 (Weekend Warrior)
I’m currently listening to The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks.
Other Ongoing Challenges:
Library Love: 1/36 (Overdrive Junkie)
Modern Mrs. Darcy: 2/10
r/Fantasy Bingo 2019: 20/25 slots
Puppy Shenanigans
As I mentioned in my February mid-monthly post, Skylar loves the warmer weather. We started bringing her bed (minus the pillow) outside, so she can relax in the shade while watching for squirrels.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
It’s so interesting that you realized you hadn’t considered representing your own cultural heritage in your writing. What an eye-opening experience writing the article must have been!
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, it was an eye-opening experience!
Sam@wlabb says
When people don’t understand the important of representation, I tell them the story of when my daughter renamed herself Kiersten-Mulan. She is biracial (Asian/white), and she was so excited to see a Disney “princess”, who looked like her. I am glad we are seeing more diversity and #OwnVoices stories. I do not really like watching sports, but I love sports movies, TV shows, and books. They are always so feel-good, and I am down with that.
Crystal (Kester) says
Growing up, my friend group loved Mulan for the same reason.
Same here! I don’t watch sports, but I love sports movies, shows, and books because they’re so inspiring.
Sophia Rose says
That’s neat that you plan to expand upon your Asian own voice articles. Way to go on your discussion challenge goals and cheering you on to the others. Have a good March, Crystal!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks so much, Sophia. I have you have a wonderful March as well!
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
I liked Foundryside. Bones and the Mentalist are two shows we really enjoyed. Hope your month is awesome!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Kimberly! I hope you have a wonderful month as well!
Natacha says
Your blog is amazing Crystal! Looking forward to reading some more!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks so much, Natacha! I appreciate the comment and look forward to sharing more with you 🙂