Don't Allow Rape Of These Women Again

Yumiko Yamamoto is President of a group calling itself, “Japanese Women for Peace and Justice." It is anything but that. This group is more interested in denying past history, specifically the 200,000 plus Asian and European women who the Japanese conscripted as sex slaves. They—as well as the current Abe government-- say this sex slavery never happened, and Yamamoto is travelling to the Bay area and Los Angeles as a part of a larger effort to “put an end to the lie.”
As co-author of Blossoms and Bayonets—the story of the Japanese occupation of Korea during WWII—I spent several years researching this topic. These women don’t’ deserve to be raped yet again by having Yamamoto and the Abe Government revise history.
Yamamoto will hold a press conference. A protest will follow. If you are able please show up:
Saturday Dec 13, 2014
Press Conference 5:00 PM
Protest 5:30-7pm
Redwood City Community Center
1400 Roosevelt Ave. Redwood City, CA 94061

Don't Censor Your World. Read a Book.

I briefly heard an interview on NPR--so briefly that I didn't catch who was being interviewed. However, I did remember her words. When the interviewer asked, "Does censorship in your country make it difficult to speak your mind?" this author said, "There are two types of censorship. Those imposed by others and those that are self-imposed. I look at so many people today who, by their own choice, do not read books. Their worlds consist of Facebook notifications and Twitter posts. That self-censorship is just as bad."
I couldn't agree more.
So, this holiday season, don't censor your world. Read a book. And pass it on.
I'll be signing books at the Holiday Craft Faire up on Summit Road. It's a great time to pick up holiday gifts...and is right next to the Summit Christmas Tree Farm. Hope to see you there.

A Book To Bring You Out of A Reading Rut

The Many Thoughts of a Reader Blogger Emily Dittmer wrote yesterday of Blossoms and Bayonets
Oh my goodness.  You know when a book brings you out of a reading rut? Wow.  I was interested in the book when I heard about it but then I started it and man, I didn't want the story to end. 

Blossoms and Bayonets Book Giveaway!

The Open Book Society is giving away a free copy of Blossoms and Bayonets. Stop by their blog for the opportunity to win.
Says OBS Reviewer: I don’t normally read books about war or violence in general, I believe life is hard enough as it is, but I am always open to new experiences and this one was definitely new: I know close to nothing about Korea, unless you count my watching the TV series M.A.S.H. (which I loved, by the way). So, I was very excited about the prospect of reading this book and I came out of the experience extremely happy.. 

Win a Free Book!

Priscilla Tan of Pressedupinabook.com is giving away a free copy of Blossoms and Bayonets. Stop by her blog to enter to win. She wrote the following review (excerpted):

The Japanese Occupation is a historic moment. I learnt about it when I was in primary school and my dad ocasionally talks about it during mealtimes.... It’s brutal and heartbreaking. 

I found Blossoms and Bayonets exhilarating, especially the last 80 pages — you will not be able to put the book down. And just when I thought the worst was over, the ending completely shocked me.

My favourite line from Blossoms and Bayonets: Isn’t it strange how all of our games are miniature versions of war?

Join the Blog Tour!

For the month of May, Blossoms and Bayonets is on tour with seven blogposts. Starting today, bloggers around the globe (from Florida to Canada to Singapore) will be discussing the book...and in some cases giving away a free copy. Blogger Kristianne Pidiaoan from Texas reviewed (in excerpt):
This was nothing short of an amazing story. Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down... Reading this book was a truly humbling and eye opening experience. It was honest, angry, emotional, beautiful, tragic and encouraging all at once....
Check out today's tour courtesy of Miss Nose in a Book

Poetry Student Published

I taught a course in writing last year to middle school students. The class consisted of a wide variety, from those who couldn't find their crumpled papers to those who really wanted to master this craft. There was one young woman that I'll never forget. She forgot her assignment, and asked if it was okay to give me something else. I expected a crumpled piece of paper. Instead, I got prose that blew me away. Her mom wrote me last night to say that one of her poems not only won an award, but is part of a compilation in Windows to the Teenage Soul. Get yourself a copy. All proceeds go to back to supporting the school.

AAUW Hosts Wonderful Event

Last night the American Association of University Women hosted Marjorie Johnson, Nancy Curteman and me at the Fremont Library. (We even were treated to a fire drill--something I haven't done since I was a child.) We spoke about writing, travel, history and strong women characters. It was great fun.  

Thank you, AAUW! And thank you Mary Pelican for taking photos!

Meet the Authors Day Fremont

Monday night I'll be at the Fremont Library, along with mystery-writer Nancy Curteman and historical-fiction author Marjorie Johnson. Organizer Kathy Garfinkle just notified me that there's an article about us in The Tri-City Voice Newspaper. If you're in the neighborhood, please come. 

Monday, May 5

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room B

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 489-4779

Books Make Great Mother's Day Gifts

If you happen to be looking for something for that special day, stop by the Artisans Craft Fair. I'll be signing books from 9-4.
If you can't make it there, I'll be at the Village House of Books in Los Gatos signing from 4:30-6.
Hope to see you at some point.

Squeamish About Pork After Chinese Wedding

A couple of months back, my husband and I attended my nephew's wedding in Fujian. It was a traditional affair which included a good portion of the village, a Daoist ceremony and the sacrifice of two hogs. I'd never attended a traditional wedding and wanted to watch everything. So, despite my sister-in-law's warnings, I insisted on being a part of the hog sacrifice too.
I followed relatives down the road to choose two hogs from the neighbor's farm. I took photos as the two fat things were coaxed into the back of a truck. They reminded me of my pet dog, eager to follow instructions yet not so excited about being confined in a cage. They sniffed at the back gate of the truck, as if, "I wonder where we're going now, Wilbur?"
After the hogs were brought home, I kind of forgot about them, as I was watching other aspects of the ceremony--the decorating of the bridal chamber with red paper and flowers. Then I heard a horrible squealing. I looked outside to see five men pinning the hog down on its back and--along with a string of lucky firecrackers--slicing its throat.
I've not eaten pork since....as I kept seeing those innocent little snouts following their butcher up the gangplank and sniffing at the air with hope. I've also steered clear of beef (pun kind of intended). My kids think I'm being a bit of a weirdo. But, thoughts of animal cruelty aside, I read an article recently about the amount of water it takes to produce a pound of beef (2,000 gallons) and pork (576 gallons). Since we're still being drought-conscience out here in the west, I have more than one reason to say, "Pass the salad, please."

Legend Kung Fu to Perform May 4th

I'm the new President of US-China People's Friendship Association--Southbay Chapter, a group that started in the early 70's and had a hand in encouraging Pres Nixon to make his fateful trip to China. It's a great group. On May 4th we'll have Legend Kung Fu come to perform. Join us if you can.

Polish Your Writing So It Shines Bright Like A Diamond

On my recent college tour, I spent many hours in the air, adjusting my seat back and buckling my seat and perusing the information in the pocket in front of me. In one of those pockets I found an article written by Kathleen Parrish about her time as a stand-up comedian. Doing comedy was something on her 'bucket list.' What captivated me about the article was not only the woman's ability to just do it, but the advice her comedian mentor Jim Mendrinos kept giving her. Two of those pieces hit home:
No great art is ever accomplished in your comfort zone. You have to get your fingers dirty.
A joke (story) is a precious commodity. When you pull it from the ground, it doesn't look like a diamond.

Acupuncturists in British Columbia Needled By Language Issues

An old buddy of mine from Japan days is a doctor of Chinese Medicine in British Columbia. In fact, Louise Demorest helped pave the way for the profession to be recognized. Back when she started 15 years ago, she said that the therapy was viewed about on par with Voodoo. Today, apparently over one in ten residents seek out acupuncture therapy for a range of needs--from curing a sore knee to help with fertility issues. One would think that all is smooth sailing.
"Not so," said Dr. Demorest in a recent interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Company.
Up until now doctors have been able to study and take licensing exams in Chinese. Now the argument is that since the official languages of the country are English/French, the tests should be taken in English. The downside is that there are some amazing practitioners who do not speak English well enough to pass a test. The upside is, well, is there really one? What do you think?

Lovely Day at Cornerstone Cottage, Hampton, Iowa

This past week, my son and I flew out to Iowa (him to see the University of, and me to visit one of my favorite booksellers, Keri Holmes). Keri and Judy of Cornerstone Cottage arranged for me to discuss Blossoms and Bayonets at venues all over town. It was great, great fun to meet interested readers, including one man whose father-in-law was an aide to General MacArthur. 

Blossoms and Bayonets Signing in Hampton, Iowa

Cornerstone Cottage owner Keri Holmes arranged for me to do a book tour in her neck of the woods--Hampton, Iowa. Thanks to a great many sponsors (the Hampton Public Library, Franklin County Arts CouncilFranklin, Friends of Beeds Lake, Franklin County Historical Society, Cornerstone Cottage ,El Paisita Family Mexican Restaurant and Godfather's Pizza) next Monday morning at 10am, I'll be talking at the Hampton-Dumont Highschool. In the afternoon from 4:30-6:30, I'll be talking and signing books at Godfather's Pizza. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by...

Is writing worth the effort?

This afternoon I was at the Spring Boutique signing books. It was a record-breaking event. In addition, readers have been buying so steadily on Amazon that Blossoms and Bayonets is #61 in historical fiction. Despite these happy events, an author friend pointed out that a day of great sales (unless it's in the thousands) doesn't make up for the amount of effort.
"How many hours did it take you to write your book?" He asked. "To refine it over and over?"
I can't count that high.
The thought gave me a long depressing pause.
"Some days are long," another friend pointed out. "But this is what we signed up for."
Put that way, I'm inspired all over again.

Author Appearance/Spring Crafts

Next Saturday, I'll be with author Bob Davis signing books at the Saratoga Spring Boutique. 

Along with some fun books, there will be lots of arts and crafts developed by local artisans. 

Come by and check it out. 

Recap of Blossoms and Bayonets Book Club Gathering

The following is from Melissa Maglio's Evening Book Club Blog :

"...it was fascinating to be able to read a novel and then have access to both the author and one of the characters in the book.  For those who read this story but were not able to join us last night, we learned a lot about storytelling and the power an author has to share someones life.  Hi-Dong Chai was Baby He-Dong in the novel, one of three voices we hear.  Many of the events in the story did happen and some did not.  He-Seung may not have repeatedly visited the prison and fed a Korean prison guard in the hopes of saving his father, but his determination and belief that his father would eventually be returned to his family was certainly not fictionalized.  

The historical information, and the vision of Korean life during WWII that we receive from reading and discussing this novel is important.  It is a good example of why studying history is so important.  When we are able to put ourselves into the shoes of a character in a book that is a real person in this life we can make better decisions.  We can become better people.  We may even find ourselves standing up for injustices that we may have previously not cared about. Being human is about making connections with other humans.  It is about having empathy and understanding of someone next to us who may have had a life much different than ours, much more traumatic then ours.  This story reminds us to forgive but not forget in order to heal the past.  Thank you Jana and Hi-Dong for sharing this amazing story."

Blossoms and Bayonets a Library Book Club Kit

Last night, Los Gatos Public Library invited co-author Hi-Dong Chai and me to join their discussion of Blossoms and Bayonets. It was a magical time, with members asking question after question of Hi-Dong. Was your father really a minister? Did you really have a dog? Did your brother really join the war to save your dad?
At the end of the evening, Lloyd Russell-- member and BookSage writer--suggested Blossoms and Bayonets represented a new genre--historical fiction that was basically all true. We got a chuckle out of that.
Librarian Melissa Maglio mentioned she has 10 copies available for book clubs. So, if you're in the Los Gatos area, get your club to read it. (If you send me a message, we will try to attend your gathering as well.) If you're not in the area, please ask your library to create a book kit.

Blossoms and Bayonets this Tuesday at Los Gatos Public Library

Come join us!

Writing characters beyond the stereotype

An amazing auditorium full of students showed up at Evergreen Valley College yesterday. They listened enthusiastically... and were eager to ask questions. Each student would first state his/her name, personally welcome me to the college, then ask a question. Some students even stood up to do all this. In an age of casual head nods and tweets, this ritual was impressive. I loved all their questions, and want to share some.
Do your children help your writing? Does your writing help your ability to parent? (I loved this question as it indicated writing as a process...rather than just a one-shot activity. My children definitely inform my writing. And I think that writing helps me navigate the different phases of being a parent.)
Do you consider yourself a feminist? (Yes)
Is it important to read? (Yes, and preferably beyond a text message, facebook or blog post.)
How does someone start writing? (Just start...and join a writers group. In California the best one I know of is the California Writers Club.)
What do you want readers to get from your books? (Hopefully a better understanding of the world...and of themselves.)
How can we write characters which are not stereotypical caricatures?
(It's a matter of digging. As my children are quick to point out, stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason. The trick is not to avoid mentioning that the old man drives down highway with his left blinker on or that the helicopter mom hovers at the edge of the soccer field with a juice box or the ghetto child walks down the street with a baseball hat on backwards and his pants sagging. The trick however is to dig deeper than the outer appearance. Who is that old man? Is he suffering dementia and his daughters have asked him many times not to drive? Is he in a rush to get to the hospital to meet his first grandson and thus not really paying attention to his driving? Who is this woman? Who is this kid? Dig deep into their personalities to make them not just stereotypes, but human beings who happen to display some stereotypical qualities.)

Evergreen Valley College Authors' Guild Speaker

I'll be discussing Blossoms and Bayonets next Wednesday at Evergreen Valley College (3095 Yerba Buena Rd, San Jose). It's open/free to the public. Please come!

Be an Active--not reactive--Writer

A dear friend of mine is having a difficult time at work. Every time she tries to make improvements, a co-worker sends a nasty e-mail or accuses her of trying to grab power. My friend ends up wasting time sparring with the co-worker instead of moving forward with her own ideas. Recently, a mentor suggested, "Focus on the future. On who you see yourself becoming. On where you want to be. The rest is noise."
That message resonated with me. It's easy to become reactive--to the e-mails, the phone calls, even the full dishwasher. It's easy to respond to something concrete with a predictable outcome rather than to stumble around blindly in the dark hoping to find a path.
Yet the path is there.
We just have  to have the courage to stumble.

Silicon Valley Reads Author Carr in Milpitas Sunday

Da Lai Lama Bigger Minority Than Expected

Dr. Vincent Yip, co-author of  the book“Ethnic Groups of China," was the guest speaker this month at USCPFA. He said that 92% of China is made up of Han Chinese. The rest is formed by 55 ethnic minorities. I automatically thought of Tibetans. But to my surprise (given press coverage) Dr. Yip said that Tibetans are not the largest ethnic tribe in China. In fact, they aren't even number 2. They came in number 9 with 5.4 million people.  (The Zhuang tribe with 18 million people is the largest group.) 

For those interested in more about ethnic minorities--Tibetans in particular--the Da Lai Lama is coming to California. Tickets to his San Francisco appearances are sold out. However, there are seats available in Inglewood. 

Valentine's Day Book Signing

We And Our Neighborhood hosted a lovely signing for Blossoms and Bayonets. Thank you to all who joined, purchased books, and went home to spread the word.

Ethnic Groups in China Sunday 2/16

Blossoms And Bayonets Signing at First Branch of Santa Clara County Library

In 1892 a group of Union District farmers' wives met for tea and had such a pleasant time together, they decided to form a club to promote social ties, intellectual and cultural pursuits , charitable deeds and recreation for families in the neighborhood. The club they called, 'We and Our Neighborhood.' In 1892 they started a lending library, and in the early 1950's they offered space for the first branch of the Santa Clara County Library.
This Saturday from 1-3, I'll be in this historic building located at

15480 UNION AVENUE, SAN JOSE

 discussing my latest novel, Blossoms and Bayonets, as well as signing copies. Please come!

US China Friendship Meeting

Come join us!

Untold History of Monterey's Chinese Fishermen

Sometimes you meet someone and feel like you've known them all your life. Last year I ran into Gerry Low-Sabado at an Awards Ceremony in Milpitas and we could not stop talking. She reminded me of an old schoolmate or a cousin.  But she is much more.
Gerry Low-Sabado is the great granddaughter of Quock Mui, the first documented Chinese girl born in the Monterey area, in 1859, as well as  a well-known historian on the largest Chinese Fishing Village in the Monterey area from 1850-1906.
Gerry will be coming to our upcoming US-China Friendship People's Association meeting on March 23rd at St. Jude's Parish Hall in Cupertino (McClellan Ave) at 6:15 to talk about the history of Chinese in Monterey. She will provide colorful stories and show a short video about the Chinese Fishermen who immigrated here in 1850. They not only built the first successful commercial fishing operation in Monterey, but were instrumental in the development of our area.
If that date doesn't work, she will also be the guest speaker this Tuesday, February 11, at 7 PM at
Hacienda Carmel “Casa Fiesta Room” (Via Mallorca exit on Carmel Valley Road).
Don't miss a chance to hear her speak.

Blossoms and Bayonets a Los Gatos Library Book Club Kit

Los Gatos Public Library chose Blossoms and Bayonets as a Book Club Kit pick. They put together a nice set of books--eight copies--so that book club members can easily access the book. If you're in the area, please take advantage of this. If you're not, please ask your library to create such a kit...or at least purchase a couple copies of the book.
Thank you....and happy reading.

Lunar New Year Remembrance

Today, is not just the last day of the year of the Snake. It's the 35th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping's visit to the White House following the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China on Jan. 1, 1979. 
President Jimmy Carter's welcome included these comments,  

"Yesterday ...was the lunar New Year, the beginning of your Spring Festival, the traditional  time of new beginnings for the Chinese people. On your New Year's Day, I am told, you open all doors and windows to give access to beneficent spirits. It's a time when family quarrels are forgotten, a time when visits are made, a time of reunion and reconciliation. As for our two nations, today is a time of reunion and new beginnings. It's a day of reconciliation, when windows too long closed have been reopened."

May the Year of the Horse be a time of warm reunions and grand new beginnings.

  

Funny Knock-Offs in China

My teenage daughter spent all last year moaning about how she just had to have UGGs. I didn't get the point of spending hundreds of dollars for a pair of slippers which had a silly word on the back. (Still don't) I thought these $4 pair of knock-offs I spotted in China would do just fine....well, except for the polka-dots.

Ghost Cities in Most Populous Nation in World

When we visited my brother-in-law a couple of years ago in Hangzhou, he had just moved into a new condominium. He mentioned that 40% of the place was still empty. I didn't think anything of it--it was a new condo after all--until my son passed me the following video on Ghost Towns in China.
According to this dateline special, China--which surpassed the U.S. in manufacturing last year-- builds ten new cities each year. One would think this is an inevitable response to an ever-burgeoning population.(Last count 1.36 billion.) But the reality is that the two are unrelated--at least for the moment.
Building is a way to meet a GDP target. The populace, with an average income of $6,000/year, cannot afford the price tag of these new condos which average $70-100,000. Thus there are 64 million empty apartments. It's hard to imagine even one empty building in China, much less 64 million.  It's fascinating...and frightening.
It will be interesting to see what solutions arise.

Chinese Traditions that Could Get You Arrested

It always strikes me anew how ceremonies and life-marking events seem to bring out bad traditions. A few months ago, I was trying to find a gift for my friend's newborn and was inundated with pink and blue. In November as I prepared to sit down to Thanksgiving dinner--although I cut up meat the other 364 days of the year--suddenly all the guests looked to my husband to carve the roast beast. But this doesn't just happen in the U.S.
This past week I went to Fujian for my nephew's huge village wedding. One of the underlying themes that kept rearing its ugly head was not only that the bride should have a baby, but it should be a boy. When the groom went to pick up his bride and bring her home, only his friends/relatives who were married with sons were allowed to ride along. The groom was given boys to hold, as that was supposed to increase his chances of making one. And on the second day, there was an all-male poobah gathering--the bride went back home and invited her father and a male relative back for a meal.

The male relative turned out to be the bride's young cousin who was barely 14. Still, he sat with all the men, was given several packs of cigarettes as a gift, was offered wine to toast the couple. Each time I protested, ("He's still a baby." or "What message are you giving this child?") my brother-in-law said, "You just don't understand our customs."
As I sat next to a wine-drinking 14-year-old whose pockets bulged with cigarettes,it struck me that were I in the U.S. I'd get a call from Child-Protective Services or be arrested for serving a minor.

Book Facts That Will Astound

My cousin--whose mom was a librarian and held a degree in all things library-- just forwarded me the following U.S. statistics:
33% of high school graduates will never read another book in their lives.
42% of college grads never pick up another book.
70% of adults have not been in a book store in the last five years.
80% of families did not buy or read a book last year.
It's astounding, but gels with an experience I had last year at one of the fairs where a friend and I sold our books. His first question to people approaching our table was, "Do you read books?" I thought it a stupid question as "Who doesn't read books?" By the end of the day, my whole perspective had changed: a majority of people didn't read. Not couldn't. Just didn't. I told my son, and he said, "That's normal, Mom. My friends at school don't read."
This year, for every holiday I can think of, I will ask only one thing of my kids: READ A BOOK.
I hope you'll read, too.