Today’s publication announcement isn’t my usual crime fiction-related post. I wrote an essay about growing up biracial in conservative Orange County, California in the 70s and 80s. The Hapa Mag accepted it and it’s in Issue 10 which is out today!

It’s my first attempt at writing about how ashamed I was of my Chinese background. I wish I could go back in time and change how I thought of my dad and our heritage but I can’t. I wish I could have embraced my Chinese culture but I didn’t.

But I’m grateful that I am finally able to celebrate it. I want to learn about my Chinese roots as much as I can, while I can. My dad and I have become much closer over the years and I’m extremely blessed that our relationship has strengthened and grown.