Jennifer Chow Interview by E. B. Davis

Felicity Jin returns in the second book in the heart-warming and deliciously mysterious Magical Fortune Cookie series from Lilian Jackson Braun Award-nominee Jennifer J. Chow.

Jin Bakery has been asked to cater the Lum-Wu outdoor wedding at Pixie Park. The day of the ceremony, Felicity is finishing the “cake” of tiered egg tarts as the wedding party arrives for the ceremony. When one of the groomsmen, Miles Wu, doesn’t arrive, Felicity’s best friend and local florist Kelvin generously steps in for him and the wedding goes smoothly—until cake cutting time.

That’s when Felicity finds Miles’ dead body beneath the table with her egg tarts display, stabbed by Kelvin’s gardening shears. With the detective’s sights on Kelvin, Felicity starts sleuthing away to prove his innocence, revealing dark secrets about all the wedding's attendants. They each had something to hide—and a reason to quiet Miles forever. To make matters worse, Felicity’s powers of prediction are on the fritz thanks to the emotional turmoil of a surprise visit from her estranged father.

When the groom gets poisoned at the send-off party and winds up in a coma, the stakes are even higher, not to mention Felicity’s feelings for Kelvin are beginning to feel more than friendly. Will Felicity’s magic return in time to catch the true culprit and rescue her budding relationship with Kelvin?

Amazon.com

 

I was disappointed when I missed the first book in Jennifer Chow’s new Magical Fortune Cookie series. Star-Crossed Egg Tarts, the second book in the series releases on January 21. As most of you know, Jennifer used to blog with WWK, but other responsibilities pulled her away from us. I’m glad for this opportunity to catch up with Jennifer.

 

Jennifer’s protagonist, Felicity Jin, is twenty-eight and a third-generation Asian American living in Pixie, CA. Her family, consisting of her mother and herself, owns a bakery, which is handed down via the family’s females. There’s special magic imbued in the baked goods and sometimes that magic helps Felicity and her best friend and florist Kelvin Love, solve mysteries.

 

Please welcome Jennifer Chow back to WWK.            E. B. Davis  

 

  You’ve been keeping busy, Jennifer. Where did the idea for this series come from? Doing more baking or making magic at home? I always loved baking, even as a kid. I was the first in my family to try my hand at making cookies. But I fell in love with the delicious magic of fortune cookies on a school field trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown—guess the idea has been percolating in me ever since!

 

The novel is mostly set in Pixie, CA, which is close to Fresno. Did you create Pixie? Is it based on another town? I did create Pixie. It’s a word play on Pixley, which is close to Fresno. And I wanted to call my place “pixie” because it’s got a small-town vibe. 

I’m having trouble using the word “Asian” because it seems to be too broad. Can we ask about the Chinese culture specifically without it being politically incorrect? Sure, that’s probably more accurate. Felicity is third-generation Chinese American.

 

What is the significance of the color red in the Asian (Chinese) community? Red is a very lucky color. I have friends and family who’ve deliberately painted their front doors red!

 

Felicity is catering the wedding cake. But the cake is really a tiered arrangement of Hong Kong style egg tarts. Are the tarts popular? Yes, they’re quite popular. Originally, they’re a spin-off from British egg tarts, but they’re well-loved in dim sum eateries.

 

Do people actually get full body scans for bespoke wedding cake toppers? You know, since the advent of 3D printing, it’s been a thing for couples to get detailed, unique toppers. That was a fun research rabbit hole to fall into! 

 

The bride and groom are a mix of tradition (the tea ceremony as part of the wedding) mixed with unconventional (the groom had a best woman, and the bride had a best man), which surprised me. You mentioned that Felicity is a third-generation Chinese American. Are the bride and groom a few generations away from the old country, too? They’re second-generation and beyond. But it’s definitely a contemporary trend to have whomever you want to be part of your wedding party.

 

Each Jin baker has a specialty. Felicity’s mom’s specialty are pineapple buns. But Felicity makes egg tarts and fortune cookies. Which is her specialty? Felicity’s recipe is fortune cookies. Her mom, Angela, makes pineapple buns and also egg tarts (which was Felicity’s late grandmother’s specialty and magically passed down to Angela).

 

We learn that the Jin Bakery is grouped among two other shops. Jin Bakery’s products are infused with magical joy. Felicity’s godmother, Alma Paz owns Paz Illuminations, which has “wish candles.” Felicity’s best friend Kelvin Love owns the other shop, Love Blooms. He’s a florist and provides flowers for the wedding. Does he have magic in his flowers and arrangements? Only the magical artistry of flower design, but stay tuned…

 

Pet rabbit Whiskers appeared to Felicity after making a wish on one of Alma’s candles. Does Whiskers now give Felicity guidance? Yes, Whiskers is a magical companion and lovable pet. She’s able to give visions to Felicity (after the requisite cuddles) and help Felicity with her questions regarding supernatural elements.

 

Felicity’s father appears as a wedding guest. Although she hasn’t seen him most of her life, she recognizes him and wants to forgive his abandonment, but his story doesn’t quite add up. Why is Kelvin so suspicious? First off, Kelvin will always be protective of Felicity. Second, who shows up out of the blue after decades of no contact for a good reason?

 

Felicity was told that the family’s recipes were handed down verbally. But it turns out that there is a recipe book. Why didn’t Felicity know that? Why didn’t her mother explain what happened? The book was deemed lost, and Angela didn’t want to let Felicity know that. Plus, it would open up painful memories from Angela’s past. 

 

Detective Rylan Sun was the detective in the first book, Ill-Fated Fortune, when a murder took place at the Jin Bakery. When she moves to Pixie, Felicity’s mom brings her oranges. What is the significance of oranges as a home welcoming gift? Oranges are considered delicious gifts bringing brightness and luck. Plus, the Chinese word for mandarin oranges is similar sounding to their last name, so the Jins use oranges as sort of an edible calling card for their family.

 

At first, I thought when Felicity called Kelvin’s father Mr. Love, she was being disrespectful since Kelvin’s father is a doctor/surgeon. But there was a reason she did so, isn’t there? Kelvin’s dad doesn’t stand on formality. Plus, he’s always preferred “Mr.” as a title since he doesn’t want to be misrepresented as a professional romance expert.

 

What is dàn tà? That’s the Mandarin word for egg tarts.

 

What is Foo? Foo Lions? Foo can be a surname, and it’s part of the name of a local restaurant near Pixie. Foo lions are the stone guardian statues in front of businesses (or palaces). They can be erroneously called “lion dogs” or “Foo dogs,” but they’re not actually canines.

 

Do you know how fortune cookies are made? Is it a fried batter or is it dough that is shaped and baked? It’s baked! I even visited a fortune cookie factory to watch it being done first-hand. And I just might’ve purchased some to make sure I got the flavoring right! 😉

 

After the murder, the bride and groom don’t immediately go on their honeymoon. The entire wedding party stays at the local bed and breakfast. Why didn’t they return to their homes? The wedding party stays to give support to the bride and groom. Plus, the Pixie police are interested in keeping them around for questioning for as long as possible…

 

Felicity seems to be honing her magical powers. When someone eats one of her magical fortunes in her presence, she can see colors. What do the colors reveal? The colors indicate different areas in a person’s life that Felicity can make predictions for…

 

What’s next for Felicity and Kelvin? They’re off to partner up in another mystery—with even more magic throw in! The third book in the Magical Fortune Cookie series is slated to come out in 2026

An Interview with Author Jennifer J. Chow by E. B. Davis

 

Two cousins who start a food stall at their local night market get a serving of murder in this first novel of a delicious new cozy mystery series by Jennifer J. Chow, author of Mimi Lee Gets a Clue.

When Yale Yee discovers her cousin Celine is visiting from Hong Kong, she is obliged to play tour guide to a relative she hasn’t seen in twenty years. Not only that, but her father thinks it’s a wonderful idea for them to bond by running a food stall together at the Eastwood Village Night Market. Yale hasn’t cooked in years, and she hardly considers Celine’s career as a social media influencer as adequate experience, but because she’s just lost her job at her local bookstore, she feels she has no choice.
 
Yale and Celine serve small dishes and refreshing drinks, and while business is slow, it eventually picks up thanks to Celine’s surprisingly useful marketing ideas. They’re quite shocked that their bubble tea, in particular, is a hit—literally—when one of their customers turns up dead. Yale and Celine are prime suspects due to the gold flakes that Celine added to the sweet drink as a garnish. Though the two cousins are polar opposites in every way, they must work together to find out what really happened to the victim or the only thing they’ll be serving is time.

Amazon.com

 

Death by Bubble Tea, Jennifer J. Chow’s first book in the new L.A. Night Market mystery series, is a compelling contemporary amateur sleuth mystery with a slice of the Chinese culinary subgenre. It is set in Los Angles within the UCLA community. Because I have little knowledge or experience with Asian culture, my questions center on extending my knowledge of the many things I do not know. 

 

The story is shown through main character Yale Yee. But the character development and tensions are illustrated through the contrasting characters of Yale and her cousin, Celine, who are very different people. Yale was raised in L. A., Celine in Hong Kong. But it is their different temperaments and outlook on life that really divides them. It would be easy for Yale to dislike Celine, (and initially, she does) except that Celine proves her skills are useful, shows compassion that Yale finally recognizes, and owes up to her mistakes. They are different and yet two compelling characters who need each other to avoid murder charges.

 

Please welcome former WWK blogger Jennifer J. Chow back to WWK.   E. B. Davis

Why do neither Yale or Celine have Chinese names? Yale’s father is first generation American, and Celine’s parents still live in Hong Kong.
Great question! They both have English names for different reasons. For Yale, it’s because her dad had dreamed of going to school there. Celine has a Chinese name but goes by her English name since her parents love music and singing (e.g. her mom chooses to be called Cher in English).

 

Yale’s father’s restaurant specializes in dim sum. Why does Yale categorize people as particular dim sum dishes? Are/is dim sum (collective noun?) appetizers?
Since Yale grew up in her family’s restaurant, she has a food-focused perspective on things. She likes making comparisons to dim sum because it helps her understand people better.

Dim sum is a collective noun and encapsulates multiple small dishes (think: Asian tapas).  

 

What is the purpose of ripping off covers of unsold books prior to returning them to publishers? Seems wasteful.

My friend who worked in a bookstore told me about this. It has to do with pulping a book. Bookstore workers will rip off the covers of unsold books so that the pages can be pulped and recycled to (hopefully) create more books. The covers can be sent back to the publisher to let them that the stock has been discarded and to obtain a credit.

 

I’m not knowledgeable about Chinese food. This book made me aware that there are regional differences among Cantonese (Yale’s father’s restaurant), Taiwanese, Mandarin, and Sichuan. Are there others? What are the differences?

There are many regional differences if you want to narrow down to specific locations. It has to do with what can be grown in those areas (e.g. very hot peppers in Sichuan), geographic differences (places near the coast incorporate more seafood), and also what kind of global influences have affected the area (ports and heavily-traveled places have more international flavors). A huge generalization is that northern China offers more noodle dishes while southern China focuses on rice, and the reason is due to water availability and the ability to grow certain crops.
 

I was aware that Westwood was a UCLA community, but not of Eastwood. Is it newer? What’s the distinction aside from being in opposite directions?

Ha! Yes, Eastwood Village is quite new…because it exists only in my mind. While Westwood is more sprawled out, I like to think of Eastwood as a closed community. It’s a very planned space, with shops and centers within walking distance of many residents. It’s loosely based on the Playa Vista neighborhood.

Yale doesn’t like her modern apartment. She’s lined the granite countertops with crocheted doilies! She doesn’t possess modern technology even if she knows how to use it. Why is she so out of sync with today?

Yale loves her books and is a huge Austen fan. Sometimes she feels like she’s been born in the wrong period. She’d rather take comfort in the cozier aspects of yesteryears.

All of Yale’s clothing has many pockets because she doesn’t like carrying a purse. While keeping your hands free is convenient, doesn’t she have a lumpy appearance? Keys, makeup, credit cards, etc.

Convenience over fashion is Yale’s motto. She only really needs her keys and a slim wallet when necessary.

Why are older women called “aunties?”

It’s a general term of respect for older women. In the same way, older men are called “uncles.” (It is confusing, though, when you’re growing up and thinking you have a gigantic family and trying to figure out the “familial” connections!)

Why does the youngest person pour the tea?

This is also a sign of respect. The youngest at the table should be the one to pour the tea to everybody.

Passing tea to a person with both hands is a sign of respect. What does passing tea with only one hand indicate?

Passing tea with one hand makes it a more informal act. You would definitely serve elders with both hands but maybe not peers.

Is eating ducks’ feet like eating ribs?

Do you mean the chicken feet at dim sum places? The delicate way would be to nibble at it. But I’ve seen others pop the whole thing into their mouth, somehow take all the meat off, and then end up with the claw intact at the end.

 

Why did taking her mother’s place at the restaurant sicken Yale? Is it it the same reason she can no longer inhabit her childhood home?

Yes, Yale has such a hard time dealing with her mother’s death. She is saddled by guilt, and it physically sickened Yale to “take over” her mom’s role in the restaurant. And being in the childhood home evoked too many memories…

 

I can’t think of any drinks that are chewy. But that is the desired aspect of bubble or boba tea made with tapioca clusters in it. It seems like Eastern and Western tastes are very different, or am I mistaken?

I guess the only other chewy drink I can think of is maybe a chunky fruit smoothie. I’m not sure if it’s so much that Eastern and Western tastes are different; I know plenty of non-Asians who enjoy bubble tea, and some Asian folks who don’t drink boba. (I myself had a hard time figuring out when to chew and when to drink in the beginning!)

 

Yale equates having a degree with smartness. She’s embarrassed that she doesn’t have her degree. Why didn’t she ever go back and finish?

Life got in the way. She returned to the family restaurant to help, and with those long hours, she couldn’t study as well. Then, as time moved on, she was content in her bookstore world.  

 

Celine serves the drinks they offer at the Night Market in actual lightbulbs. Isn’t that dangerous? The glass is so thin it could break or cut someone drinking from one, especially drinking something chewy.

Interestingly, lightbulb glasses are real. I’ve drunk from one before. You can also order them online; some are plastic, I believe, but others are actually made from glass. They’re a lot bigger than household light bulbs (mug-size), and the manufacturers must reinforce the glass somehow.

Is there prejudice within the Asian community against some groups over others?

There can be. The example I’ve come across happens a lot when people talk about dating. There can be a sort of pecking order by ethnicity for who would make the most desirable mate.

 

Is Lake Shrine real? Gladstone’s?

These are both real places in the Los Angeles area! The fun part about writing the Night Market series is that I can explore some lesser-known offerings in the region.

 

Why is not finishing a meal a tradition?

It’s not quite a tradition. However, there is something about leaving a few bites on a communal platter out of politeness’ sake and to let other people have the chance to eat. Although sometimes not finishing an individual meal may be because a family member wants you to eat more and keeps piling things on your plate!

Both Yale and Celine are in their 30s, but they are both still subsidized by their families. Is this normal in the Asian culture?

It’s hard to define anything as “normal.” However, I do know parents who still financially help out their older adult children.

 

23K gold is edible?

I actually had to research this. Yes, 23K gold is edible. It doesn’t have any nutritional value, but it’s safe to consume.

What are deckle edges of a book?

Deckle edges are pages that have that a feathered feel to them. They’re not cut precisely straight and have more of a ragged look. Some people find the effect to be artistic and reminiscent of times when paper was made by hand.

How do Asian women eat so much but manage to stay tiny?

Hmm, I think Asian women have all sorts of body types. It really depends on metabolism, genetics, and activity.

 

What language is spoken in Hong Kong? For only visiting the family once, years ago, Celine’s English is excellent.

Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. It’s a fascinating place since many people there are fluent in multiple languages, possibly because of Hong Kong’s historical and current status as a major port.

 

What is yeung energy?

Yeung in Cantonese is the same as yang in Mandarin (as in yin yang). As such, there’s the tied concept of opposite and yet complementary forces or energies.  

Who is Maria Kondo?

Marie Kondo is a Japanese woman who’s known for her expertise on organization. She wrote a popular book called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and also appeared on a Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.

 

Do Celine’s parents own Hong Kong casinos?

Nope. But they have friends who are highly involved with the renowned casinos in nearby Macao.

 

What’s next for Yale and Celine?

Yale and Celine are reappearing next spring in Hot Pot Murder. A group of Asian American restaurant owners are having a friendly hot pot dinner, but the heat really dials up when someone dies…

An Interview with Jennifer J. Chow by E. B. Davis

 

When murder follows Mimi Lee to her romantic island getaway, she puts on her best sleuthing hat with her sassy cat in tow in this adventurous cozy mystery by Jennifer J. Chow.
 
Mimi Lee just found an extra perk to being a pet groomer at Hollywoof (other than cuddling animals all day long, that is). Pixie St. James, one of Mimi’s clients and the investor behind Hollywoof, has offered her and her boyfriend, Josh, a getaway at her vacation home, nestled on beautiful Catalina Island. With the island just outside of Los Angeles but still far enough from the hustle and bustle, Mimi, Josh, and their cat Marshmallow (who, of course, wouldn’t be caught dead in a dingy pet hotel) are excited for their relaxing stay.
 
That is, until Pixie’s last renter, Davis D. Argo, turns up dead. Mimi and Josh’s romantic getaway immediately turns into an enormous buzzkill, especially when Pixie asks Mimi for help. The police suspect Pixie, and Mimi knows a thing or two about wrongful allegations. Mimi figures it couldn’t hurt to snoop a little since she’s already there, and soon discovers that a valuable item is missing. Except Pixie isn’t the only one in the neighborhood who has been robbed. There is something strange happening on the island, and Mimi won’t stop until she finds out what it is.

Amazon.com

After reading Jennifer J. Chow’s new Sassy Cat mystery, Mimi Lee Cracks the Code, I saw that my Kindle Notes had over thirty questions. I will try not to ask her all of them, but the action alternates between LA and Catalina Island, so there’s a lot of territory to cover and a lot of clues for Mimi to investigate. All the while Mimi’s mother plays matchmaker to Mimi’s younger sister, Alice, and Mimi and Josh experience their first relationship crisis.

 

Due to Jennifer’s new responsibilities at Sisters in Crime, she will no longer blog with WWK. But we hope she comes back to visit often.                                               E. B. Davis

 

You mentioned that Hollywoof has a Bark of Fame, which holds the image of Lassie’s paw prints. What other canine stars are on the walkway? Toto is definitely on the walkway. As for other canines, I’m definitely open to suggestions!

 

What is a dabbing dog?

The dabbing dog refers to an image of a dog doing a dance called the dab. It’s where you drop your head in the crook of one arm and raise the other arm at an upward angle.

Pixie is known for her homemade unusual drinks. What types of drinks does she make? I’ve never seen a mother-of-pearl table top let alone an entire bar. Are they really a thing?

In the previous books, Pixie has made a blue tea with butterfly pea flower, a frothy green lime drink, and a refreshing iced tea with hand-picked garden herbs. I found mother-of-pearl tables online, and I wanted to extend that luxury to Pixie’s bar.

 

What is piping hot roti? Is that rotini?

Roti is short for roti canai. It’s a type of flatbread found in Southeast Asia. A side of curry for dipping usually accompanies the bread.

 

Does shiok mean good?

Shiok means good or enjoyable or delicious (when applied to food).

Alice, on summer break from teaching, is binging on Korean dramas. Are they readily available on TV? Or is there a subscriber channel? I’ve never heard of Korean dramas.

Korean dramas (or K-dramas) can be found on certain TV channels or streamed online.
 

How is Catalina pronounced?

Catalina is pronounced kat-uh-lee-nuh (although Marshmallow likes to emphasize the cat sound in the word).

 

What does pakat mean?

Pakat means to agree on doing something together in advance.

Mimi and Alice had a “no dating” rule in high school imposed upon them by their parents? If that’s the case, hasn’t their mother gone from one extreme to the other?

In high school, the parents wanted to protect their teenagers. Now that Mimi and Alice both in their 20s and inching toward 30, it’s a different story—especially for their mother.

 

Is sending a vCard like sending someone a contact? What is it?

Yes, a vCard is a virtual contact file. It’s like an electronic business card that you can send as a file.

 

Don’t the police have to reveal why they have jurisdiction?

Police usually have jurisdiction over crimes that happen in their geographic territory. For example, Catalina Island has its own department that is contracted with the Sheriff’s Department of Los Angeles County. A long time ago, though, I believe they had their own private police patrol.

 

Mimi discovers that a scarf once owned by Marilyn Monroe was stolen from Pixie’s rental house. It, along with other retro items, was used to decorate the house. I hadn’t known that Marilyn Monroe lived on Catalina Island when she was younger. What were the circumstances?

Yes, Marilyn Monroe (or rather, Norma Jeane) moved to Catalina Island with her first husband, Jim Dougherty. A merchant marine, he was stationed there for a year.

Josh agrees to accompany Mimi to Catalina and stay with her at Pixie’s rental house. But after a comment about their being “lovebirds,” Josh shies away from Mimi and buries himself in work. What were Mimi’s expectations? Are they moving too fast?

I think Mimi wanted a nice romantic getaway, to spend time with each other. She wasn’t expecting to compete with his job during their couple’s outing.

 

Why are fireworks illegal on Catalina Island?

Catalina has its own official fireworks show. Other fireworks are illegal on the island due to fire risk.

 

During Mimi’s investigation, she must enter a park that doesn’t allow cats so she can’t take Marshmallow with her. How does anyone keep cats from entering a park?

I think it’s more that Mimi doesn’t want to keep an eye on Marshmallow while investigating. There are, though, a lot of migratory birds who go to that specific local park. 

Who was Carl Rogers? What is the active listening therapeutic model? Mimi was a psychology major, wasn’t she?

Carl Rogers was a humanistic psychologist who emphasized acceptance and empathy. His active listening method involved focusing on the other person and included paraphrasing and reflecting back feelings. Yes, Mimi was an undergrad psychology major at UCLA.  

When Mimi finds out that Josh’s paralegal named Gertrude is a young blonde, she also realizes that Gertrude is after Josh. What is Mimi’s reaction?

Mimi was shocked. She didn’t think of Gertrude as a threat to her relationship with Josh, but soon afterward, Marshmallow dubs Gertrude the “para-lethal.”

 

Although Detective Brown does give Mimi a few hints about the case, the real information comes from his cat. How does Mimi get the information?

It’s very helpful that Mimi has Marshmallow who can talk to his fellow cats. Cat-to-cat communication gives them a lot of helpful tips for this case.

Is ninety percent of communication nonverbal?

I don’t know if it’s actually true, but some studies have indicated that ninety percent of communication is nonverbal.

How does eight-eight-eight sound like “fortune” times three?

In Chinese, the word for “eight” sounds a lot like the word for “fortune.” Thus, eight times three is triple the fortune!

When their mother gets into an online chat room for those of Chinese Malaysian heritage, she arranges for Alice to meet a possible match, but his mother wants to meet Alice first. Mimi goes with her. The women find the mother is prejudiced, calling them “jook sing” or hollow bamboo. What does that mean?

Jook sing is a phrase that I’ve heard used in a derogatory way. It refers to Chinese Americans who are so Westernized that even though they have a bamboo exterior, there’s a hollowness on the inside. 

 

Do those who are half of one race and half of another always feel inadequate? The mother’s judgment really affects Mimi by giving her a negative perspective on herself.

I think people have different experiences of being biracial. Some friends I know, though, do find it difficult to really claim an identity or fit in at times.

 

Do scented shampoos bother dogs? They have such a strong sense of smell.

Good question. I think it depends on the dog. There are definitely different scented puppy shampoos on the market: lavender, coconut, baby powder, apple, berry, and so on.

 

What are snow bowls? Why does Mimi choose medicinal dark grass jelly as one of her toppings? I can kind of understand condensed milk, mango chunks, and sweet potato balls since they are all sweet, but grass jelly?

Snow bowls are a type of dessert that’s made with a mound of finely shaved ice. Toppings are added to create a customized flavor. Grass jelly is an acquired taste since it has an herbal, slightly bitter flavor. Some people like how it counterbalances the sweetness (like in desserts and with bubble tea). It also has cooling properties and antioxidants.

 

Mimi bounces legal questions off Josh, who informs her that there is no such thing as having to wait forty-eight hours before reporting someone as missing. Is that true?

When I researched this, interestingly, there isn’t a wait period, particularly for law enforcement agencies in California. Forty-eight hours, though, is crucial for figuring out what happened to the missing person.

 

When Mimi and Alice go to a Korean tofu stew place, Mimi asks for a raw egg to be dropped in hers. Does the egg cook?

Usually, the tofu stew is so hot and bubbly that the egg will cook in the broth. (Some restaurants may also offer pasteurized eggs for customers.)

 

What’s next for Mimi and Marshmallow?

Depending on what happens on sales with Book 3, Mimi and Marshmallow will either go forth on another adventure or get a break from their sleuthing activities.

 

Come Hear about My Audiobook Journey By Jennifer J. Chow

 

When I first created my indie mystery series, the Winston Wong Cozies, it was a venture into new publishing territory for me. I had to learn the ins and outs of formatting, cover design, and marketing—or rather, contract with others to do so. Soon after I dipped my toes into self-publishing, I also learned about making audiobooks.

I discovered the ACX platform (operated by Audible), which allowed me the ability to do so with no upfront cost. This method employed a royalty share structure through a partnership with an audiobook producer. After uploading a sample of my book, I could listen to voice actor auditions and then choose my preferred narrator.

Noah DeBiase, the narrator and producer I eventually picked, is a gem. He produced amazing and fun audiobooks for the first two books in my series.

Everything went on without a hitch until book three. At that point, Noah didn’t offer the royalty share option anymore. Instead, he was inundated with so many requests that he asked interested authors to use a “Pay for Production” model, which meant writers paid upfront for audiobook development. This would require me to invest a huge chunk of change for the service, but it would also result in my ability to keep my audiobook rights and receive all royalties.

Was I willing to try something new? There was no guarantee that I would recoup my costs if sales failed to materialize. However, I wanted the voice continuity for the series, and I enjoyed how Noah brought my main character to life. I decided to go for it.

As always, Noah did an excellent job of recording my audiobook, Wedding Woes. Did it pan out in the end? Yes, I was eventually able to cover the costs of hiring him as a narrator.

 

A controversy in the audiobook world appeared recently. At the end of 2020, something called “Audiblegate” cropped up. Independent authors issued complaints about ACX/Audible’s easy return policy. It appeared that listeners might have abused the system by returning audiobooks within the generous one-year time frame for exchanges. Consumers could do so without any repercussions, even if they’d already listened to the whole book.


ACX has since reduced the buyer’s ability to return an audiobook to within seven days. They have also expanded their earnings reports for authors to include data on any audiobook returns. Moreover, since February first of this year, they’ve offered indie authors the ability to move from an exclusive to a non-exclusive contract, as long as it’s for a pay-for-production title which has been on sale for at least ninety days. 

This means that instead of being locked into a contract for seven years with ACX, I can now approach other distributors with Wedding Woes. ACX limits their connections solely to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, so I’ve decided to try out Findaway Voices. That platform offers distribution to more than forty audiobook retailers and library platforms. They even have a royalty bonus for transferring a previously exclusive title to them before March fifteenth.

It looks like I’m on another new audiobook path. I wonder where it’ll lead me to next.

 

Writers: What surprises have you encountered on your writing journey?

Readers: Share your opinion about audiobooks.  

 

An Interview with Jennifer J. Chow by E. B. Davis

When a local teacher is found dead, LA’s newest pet groomer Mimi Lee finds herself in a pawful predicament—with her younger sister’s livelihood on the line.

Mimi Lee is on top of the world. She has a thriving pet grooming business, the sweetest boyfriend, and a talking cat to boot. When she arrives at the elementary school where her sister Alice works, she's expecting a fun girls' night out—but instead finds a teacher slumped over in her car, dead.

Alice was the last one to see Helen Reed, which instantly marks her as the prime suspect. Unable to sit quietly and let the authorities walk all over her sister, Mimi starts snooping and talks to Helen’s closest contacts, including one jumpy principal, a two-faced fiancé, and three sketchy teachers. With the help of her sassy but savvy cat, Marshmallow, and a cute kitten named Nimbus, the clock’s ticking for Mimi to get to the bottom of yet another case before her sister gets schooled.

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One of the endearing qualities of Jennifer Chow’s books is the realism she infuses in her fiction. Even though Mimi Lee’s cat, Marshmallow, talks to her (and often snidely), Jennifer brings to the page real dilemmas that plague our new world. Like the well-meaning principal of the elementary school where Alice, Mimi’s sister, teaches—he’s physically affectionate, in an old-school way, but lawsuits happen, and he must learn to change his ways in a new world even if his intentions were good.

 

But maybe that’s one of the appeals—the multicultural aspects Jennifer shows in her novels that blend the old with the new. Like old recipes updated for modern use and ingredient availability—spam! Like the pet carriers Mimi features in her shop—the colors aren’t as beautiful, but they are now naturally derived from plants and are nontoxic. Compromises must be made to live in the new world.

 

Berkley released Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines yesterday. Ask Jennifer questions about this new release in the comments section.                                    E. B. Davis

Is water such a problem that most apartment buildings have artificial turf rather than real grass in LA? What if there are dogs? Where do they “go?”

I feel like there’s a lot of water conservation efforts in L.A. I’ve seen people replace front yards with succulent gardens, but it really depends on the owner. Dogs still “go” on artificial turf—it’s just that the cleanup can be messier.

What is “pulled tea,” also called teh tarik, the national drink of Malaysia, and why is it called that?

Teh tarik is a foamy milk tea (usually black tea with condensed milk). It’s “pulled” because the beverage gets poured back and forth between two pitchers at a great height, creating the “pulling” effect and making the milk frothy.
 

Why do captive birds need their feathers trimmed? Is there something that happens in nature that eliminates the need?

Captive birds need their feathers trimmed only so they don’t fly around too high and end up injuring themselves. Birds in nature don’t need this because the sky is the limit for them.

What is Roti canai? Are there different types? What is served with it?

Roti canai is a type of flaky Indian-inspired flatbread, usually served with a curry sauce. Roti comes in multiple variations: with eggs, onions, cheese—even bananas.

Does everyone dye their pets’ fur? Or is this an LA thing?

Not usually, but some people like making their pets more vibrant-looking or want them to resemble other animals (like zebras).

Marshmallow knows that the stray kitten found at school comes from the same lab he came from. Mimi names the kitten Nimbus and finds a chip on the kitten that is abnormal. The high frequency transmitter seems to have a way of amplifying the cats’ speech. Nimbus can also communicate somewhat like Marshmallow. Does Marshmallow have a chip, too?

I left Marshmallow with a more inherent ability—his talent is all-natural.

What is Kaya? Is it breakfast or dessert?

Kaya is a type of coconut jam. It’s made with eggs, coconut, and caramel. Kaya is mostly spread on toast, so I’d consider it a breakfast item.

 

What is Rojak? Is it Malaysian?

Rojak is a (mainly spicy) salad made of mixed fruits and vegetables. It has Indonesian origins.

What is boba?

Boba are chewy balls made from tapioca. They’re often served in milk tea, offering both a chewing and drinking experience at the same time.

Mimi and Alice’s Mom is depressed. Because their parents married on February 29, they don’t celebrate their anniversary every year. Alice takes charge of orchestrating a date night for her parents to help their mother. Does every female in the family want to matchmake? They seem overly involved in the others’ romantic lives.

Maybe it’s something that’s passed down? I think Mimi and Alice are also involved in their parents’ lives because they love them so much.

Alice turned down a nomination for Teacher of the Year because it brought too much attention to herself. Does Alice have a problem? Is she that bashful? What caused this problem?

Sometimes Alice hates being in the limelight. It feels like too much attention is focused on her. This may have something to do with a cultural inclination not to overly boast.

 

Why does rain cause delays on the highways in LA?

It’s because people aren’t used to driving in the rain! Many folks will slow down a lot when there’s wetness on the roads. (The opposite also occurs, though—people will drive just as fast as usual.)

Why does Mimi refrain from talking to Josh, her boyfriend, about her investigation into the death of the elementary teacher, Helen? On the last case, he assisted her.

She eventually does ask him for some assistance. Mimi hesitates because Josh is such a stickler for rules—in her snooping, she sometimes fudges the lines.

Fellow teacher, Amy, agrees to have the memorial service for Helen at her home. Why is the pathway to the front door strewn with dried beans?

The beans are meant to ward off evil spirits. In Japan, there’s even a bean-throwing festival.

Why does Mimi feel awkward talking to Alice about sexual harassment?

Mimi feels awkward because they don’t discuss any details about their intimate lives at all in their family. It’s really hard for her to broach the subject.

 

What is a jiejie? And why is Mimi that to Alice?

Jiejie is the Chinese word for “older sister.” Mimi embraces her role as a protective big sis.

 

What is a mochi doughnut?

A mochi doughnut is a donut made from the mochi rice flour, which makes the treat less bread-like and provides a chewier texture.

 

Is Roscoe’s a real LA restaurant? Somehow chicken and waffles doesn’t sound like it would be fashionable in LA.

Roscoe’s is totally an establishment in Los Angeles. The popular chain started here in 1975. The fried chicken and waffle pairing is actually a soul food fave.

 

I didn’t have to do any dissecting until high school and that was bad. Now fifth graders have to dissect frogs? Can they handle it?

I dissected frogs in middle school, but yes, I’ve seen elementary students involved in dissections. One of my kids even dissected a squid for fun—and enjoyed it.

How can PB&J be fancy?

A PB&J sandwich can be elevated by using exotic nut butters (e.g. espresso PB) and fancy jams (e.g. goji berry). Special toppings, like orange zest, can also make it fancier.

What are Salvadorian pupusas? What type of fillings do they have?

A pupusa is a griddle cake made from corn masa flour. Fillings include meat, cheese, vegetables, and beans.

 

Is Coolhaus ice cream real?

Yes, it’s real. Coolhaus started in 2009, and one of the co-founders went to grad school at UCLA. It began as an ice cream truck but has since expanded to a few scoop shops. Coolhaus also distributes their products to grocery stores. The founders wanted to combine food and architecture (or “Farchitecture”), and Coolhaus specializes in premium ice cream (often named after architects) made with seasonal and high-quality ingredients.

 

You collect all things that are matcha. What is matcha?

Mostly food items. Matcha is a form of powdered green tea. It shows up in drinks, ice cream, and even Kit Kats.

 

What’s next for Mimi and Marshmallow?

Book 3 for Mimi and Marshmallow, Mimi Lee Cracks the Code, should release in 2021 and involves the (usually) idyllic Catalina Island.