Since publishing my first book, my personal life has been chaos. With this pandemic still in full affect and I live in Florida, well, being a salon manager hasn't been the most fulfilling job. But, the one thing that has kept me grounded and at peace is knowing that I am a published author and that people are still buying my book.
I had an incredible book launch party via zoom in July and nearly 30 raving fans attended! It was not only good to see friends and converse with them, it was great to be able to have an official launch where I could talk about my journey, my book, and what else I'm doing. I felt like the author that I am and it was a much-needed ritualistic necessity; like a baby shower or a bachelorette party. I'm thankful for all those that attended and for all the love and support I received. It's even more important now during this pandemic that we lift each other up and support one another.
Through all of this chaos I'm learning a lot about myself (even though I'm in my mid-thirties) and I'm still very much evolving, especially as a writer. Its funny how in one moment you can feel like you know everything, and in the next moment you're reminded that you haven't the slightest clue what's going to happen. The only thing that is for sure is that change will continue to happen and we have to adapt to it. I'm staying grounded in my writing and using my passion as a way to escape my lived world.
Since my writing has to adapt and evolve, my focus has too. If you're reading this, I hope that you'll follow me as I leap into uncharted territory. Into writing places that I've never ventured into and into a realm that I've never touched. I'm tapping into my roots and into my heritage and will be writing more about the Asian American experience. This pandemic has uprooted people's emotions on systemic racism, and racism has been rearing its ugly head because everyone's got a camera. And I've come to realize that I have my own opinions and perspectives that I have to share, especially about being Asian American.
As I transition my writing from salon manager to the inner Asian American, I hope to uncover more of me. Leaderly Life was just a surface situation, a step, the tip of the iceberg of the writing that is really within me. And while I will always love my first, my second is now in my sight. Wish me luck!