Dear Friend,
And then, it was December. How did that happen? 2020 was loooong. But 2021 was (is) fast! I don’t know where the year went, but I’m glad it included more time with family, friends, in-person school for the kids, in-person teaching for me, and oh yes—travel. A highlight of my year was being able to visit Guatemala again. I already can’t wait to go back. As ever, it spurred a couple of new writing projects. Stay tuned! What plans do you have for travel in 2022?
This year also brought White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing (UMass Press, 2021) onto the shelf. It’s been blissful to give book talks and to hear from readers who make connections between the essays and Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From (Simon & Schuster, 2020). Even if I make it to age 100, I will never take this life for granted. For that, I am thankful to YOU. If you’re reading this newsletter, you are likely my friend, relative, or new acquaintance. A reader. And I can’t be an author without readers. So, again, thank you.
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Join me TONIGHT for a LIVE virtual event as part of the Latinx KidLit Festival: From Manuscript to Marketplace. I’ll be joined my fantastic editor, Caitlyn Dlouhy, alongside J.C. Cervantes and her literary agent, Holly Root, and Anika Aldamuy Denise and her literary agent Emily van Beek.
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Don't Ask Me Where I'm From is IN STOCK
Supply chain woes are wreaking havoc on gift giving this year, but you’ll still find signed copies of my books in stock at Word on the Street, in store or online. Order your copy before they run out!
Other good news:
- Find a recent review of White Space in Brevity magazine.
- I recorded the White Space audiobook and it's coming your way soon! Follow me on Instagram to be the first to hear when it’s available.
- Don't Ask Me Where I'm From was selected from 500 titles as the Notable Trade Book for the National Council of Social Studies-- an organization that supports social studies education.
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Top Left: Jennifer with MA State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Sonia Chang-Díaz. Top Right: Jennifer signs a copy of Don't Ask Me Where I'm From for a reader. Bottom Left: Jennifer at the MetroWest Readers Fest. Bottom Right: Jennifer presents on the power of storytelling at Dedham Public Schools.
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Thank you, Cameron Middle School!
There are a few readers in particular that I’d like to thank. The 8th grade students in Framingham Public Schools all recently read Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From as part of the English Language Arts curriculum. Afterwards, students at one school replicated “The Wall” activity from my novel. The 3 questions they answered are:
- What do you want us to know about you?
- What do you never want to hear again?
- How can we be allies and assist you at your school?
I was blown away by their responses.
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Book an event with me
I'm now scheduling events at schools, libraries, universities, and businesses for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year and beyond! I present on storytelling, the path to publishing, and my experiences growing up and living in predominantly white spaces. Learn more on my website or schedule a free 15 minute consultation with to see if what I can offer your event!
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Take A Class with Me at Hugo House
On February 1st, I’m teaching with Hugo House, the Seattle based writing community. In “Ethnicity & Craft: Creating Characters, Not Caricatures,” we’ll explore craft issues related to ethnicity. How much do writers—and should writers—think about ethnicity and culture in the writing process? How do these considerations influence the choices we make as we write? This class will take place virtually, so you can tune in from wherever you’re most comfortable!
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Enter the Giveaway
As a thank you for all the support my newsletter subscribers send my way, I invite you to enter to win a signed copy of White Space and Don't Ask Me Where I'm From for you AND a friend!
Each person can submit 1 entry, but if you invite your friends to enter, maybe they'll give you the extra set if they win! The giveaway is open until January 5th at 11:59pm ET.
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Thank you, as always, for your support. Wishing you happy holidays and joy in all your end-of-year festivities. Here are a few of my favorite treats I’ll be gifting this season:
- The best granola EVER. Amanda from Maple and Thyme puts magic into every jar, and these make the perfect gifts.
- AbrazosdeGrandma [Grandma’s hugs] specializes in vintage patterns/dresses inspired by Mexican designs and Day of the Dead. She also has some beautiful pillow covers, scarves, reusable bags, face masks, and more.
- Books from Word on the Street bookstore, an amazing children’s bookstore in Marlborough, Massachusetts (each displays is seriously a work of art). I’m always happy to sign copies of my books that you can pick up in store or have mailed as gifts, too!
Cheers,
Jenn
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If you've made it to the end of this email and are interested in helping spread the word about White Space or Don't Ask Me Where I'm From, here are some ways:
- Order the book from your favorite local bookstore
- Request the book from your local library
- Help spread the word on social media
- Rate the book online (Amazon, Goodreads, The StoryGraph, etc.)
THANK YOU!
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