Christmas is just around the corner, but it’s 72 degrees here in Los Angeles with the Santa Ana winds knocking fronds off palm trees and scattering leaves across dried lawns. I envy the pictures of snow in other parts of the country, although it’s nice to be warm. My husband and I are busy Christmas shopping for our adult children who are coming home from New York City and Salt Lake City shortly. We can’t wait to share cozy moments together and catch up on their lives.
Everything seems late this year, including Thanksgiving, which I celebrated with fifty family members and friends at our home in November. We welcomed nieces from as far away as Hungary and my parents who live three doors down for an East meets West feast of turkey and all the fixings and Korean food. We vary in age from two to 88 and represent four generations, so we had to wear name tags for our extended visiting family! Here are a few photos of the entire clan celebrating my father’s 88th birthday, my niece’s 21st, and my cousin’s daughter holding my book. It was a very lively time!
Book Launch
WHITE MULBERRY has been out in the world since December 1st and what a ride it’s been! I am thrilled that it has over 3,750 ratings and reviews on Amazon and is a #1 Best Seller in Historical Fiction. It has also been named a “Best Book” by Parade Magazine, BookBub, and Book Riot. I’ve enjoyed being invited to podcasts, interviews, and write guest articles about my writing journey. I feel so humbled and privileged to connect with readers in these myriads of ways. It has exceeded my wildest dreams!
My launch events were great fun too. It was wonderful to have family, friends, and readers gather in community at my local bookstore and library to celebrate the launch of my book! As you know, libraries are very dear to me and it warmed my heart to see so many library staff and patrons come out. My father, who is portrayed as little Ko-chan in my novel, said a few words too. I will cherish these moments forever.
I have shared many photos on social media, but I am including a few here for you to enjoy.
Audiobook Listening
I am a firm believer that you can relish a book in many forms. My mother and mother-in-law loved listening to the audiobook version because they found it hard to read the small print. If you’re in this category or simply like listening to books as I do, please download Audible and listen to it on any device.
The performance by voice narrator Michelle H. Lee is spectacular. I was delighted to hear her audition tape months ago and fell in love. Michelle is just perfect as the voice of young Miyoung and Miyoko. I hope you take a listen.
2025 Events
I wish you all could have been with me to share in my recent events. For those of you who couldn’t make it or live afar, you can join me virtually on January 8, 2025. I will be talking about my book with a group of book club ambassadors through Adventures by the Book! You can register for free here. I hope you can make it!
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about all the fun events I have planned. Please read all the details here and join me if you can!
I’ve also been invited to participate in my first book festival at the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville on March 20-23, 2025. It’s going to be a busy but exhilarating few months.
Free Goodreads Giveaway
The Goodreads Giveaway for 100 digital (eBook) copies of WHITE MULBERRY is expiring 12/28/2024. Enter today if you haven’t done so already!
Here’s the link to enter and share the giveaway with friends.
As “The Year of White Mulberry” draws to a close, I would like to say how deeply grateful I am for your support in helping me achieve my decades-long dream of publishing a novel and cheering me on along the way.
I wish you a safe and joyous holiday season and look forward to connecting with you more in the new year. What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I always love hearing from you so please comment below. Thanks for following along!
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