Episode #210: CHOP SUEY: Sustained Success (again), weaknesses, and Asian American Literature Festival cancelled!
Grace and Alvina revisit the topic of sustained success, talk about their weaknesses, and discuss the recent and abrupt cancellation of the Asian American Literature Festival.
PRE-ORDER Chinese Menu now! Grace’s first middle grade novel since before the pandemic! It is for all ages to enjoy though!
I just wanted to remind everyone that you can get also free virtual classroom visit with me if you pre-order from the The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. The virtual visit will be on and about the Moon Festival in Sept—so lots of possible curriculum tie-ins! If you pre-order “Chinese Menu” from Porter Square Books , you will receive this enamel pin with your autographed book. Perfect for this upcoming year of the dragon—make sure you get your order in! Exclusive for pre-orders and only while supplies last.
How have you been?
Alvina is in California at her parent’s house with Stephen. They are heading to Big Bear Lake! Alvina will see some high school friends. Grace has been getting back into writing! If there are any listeners that have any tips on how they balance writing with their family members and friends, Grace would love to share! How do you weave in and out of the writing zone?
Re-visiting Sustained Success
Grace was inspired by this Hidden Brain podcast. How do we gain success and stay there? There are examples of achieving success vs. sustaining success. The book friends discuss One-Hit-Wonders, Robert Zemckis, novelty/variety, and artists that never change their style. Authors mentioned: Eric Carle, Christina Soontornvat, and Tomie DePaola.
Talking About Weaknesses
What is your kryptonite? Alvina can do complex math, but struggles with some basic math like addition and multiplication. Grace has trouble pronouncing names correctly. What are some things that may have been weaknesses that are have now turned into strengths?
Asian American Literature Festival Cancelled
Grace and Alvina talk about this abrupt cancellation of the event. Read the article here from The Washington Post. Why did this get cancelled?
To Be Read List…
GRACE:
The Many Meanings of Meilan by Andrea Wang
ALVINA:
Nic Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas
Gratefuls!
Grace is very excited about her starred reviews for her new book, Chinese Menu! It is such a relief to get a good review and have it starred. She is also excited to finish her 1-minute myth videos! She’s been making videos summarizing the myths and legends about Chinese food in her book. Alvina is grateful that she made it safely and smoothly to California.
Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, and Alex at Pacyworks Studio for producing and editing this podcast. Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and tell a friend about us. (Use the hashtag #bookfriendsforever.)
You can find Alvina @Planetalvina on Twitter and TikTok and @Alvinaling on Instagram and Threads
You can find Grace @Pacylin on Instagram and Threads and @gracelinauthor on TikTok.
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