November Updates
An Early Reflection of 2025
Hello!
As we close out 2025, I reflect on and summarize the outcomes of the two books published in 2025. I will also share the webinar I presented on Oct. 30 and provide some freebies to you.
#1. 37 More Voices
On November 9, we celebrated the launch of 37 More Voices, the 2nd and final volume of the Voices Heard Anthology Series.
Many authors attended and brought their families and friends to the launch party. I estimated 70+ people at the party, either in person or on Zoom.
Several authors read their pieces. A few lucky attendees won door prizes that included ebooks of 28 Voices, 37 More Voices, Apple’s All-in-One Journal Notebooks, a custom-made tote and a mug with 37 More Voices cover printed on them.
Just like life, this two-year journey for the series was filled with ups and downs, frustrations and delights. If you are one of the contributors of the Voices Heard Anthology Series, I thank you for being on my “bus” and reaching the destination (of getting published). Collectively, we created beautiful books that we can be super proud of for a long time to come. I encourage you to continue your writing journey, and I look forward to reading your pieces and hearing good news about you and your work.
#2. Daughter of Blue City
The book was published in late August and became Amazon’s #1 New Release in Historical Chinese Fiction.
In October, it passed the first of several selection levels for the 2025 Goethe Book Awards for Post-1750s Historical Fiction and is on the long list for next levels of evaluations.
Yesterday, Nov. 13, I was notified that the book is a finalist for the Multicultural Fiction category at the 22nd Annual Best Book Awards by American Book Fest.
From time to time, I do promotions to draw readers’ attention. As of now, there is a Kindle eBook promotion at 0.99 that is good until Nov. 16. Grab a copy for yourself or your loved ones with this universal link: https://geni.us/DaughterofBlueCity
There is a sub-newsletter designated to this book. You can find additional posts, incuding the photos of the real people the main characters were based on.
#3. A Webinar for Authors and Readers
Wildebeest Publishing Co. invited me to give a presentation at their Authorpreneur Guest Speaker Series. The topic is: “From Life to Legacy: Mastering Your Story and Building Your Author Brand.”
The webinar offered me an opportunity to organize my ideas into a presentable form. In particular, I explained how I applied Herzberg’s Hygiene and Motivator Theory to my authorship.
Now, reflecting back, the application of the two-factor theory can be meaningful for readers as well. Can you identify the hygiene factors that could contribute to your chance of failing your effort, and identify the motivators that can engage, attract, and ultimately motivate either you or your intended customers/supporters?
WPC did a great job of capturing the entire presentation on video.
Some of my friends also asked for a recording or the presentation file. Here is the revised PPT file for anyone interested in downloading.
For those interested in the presentation, WPC has a free YouTube version of the first 20 minutes of the talk. I inserted it here, hoping my readers can access it.
Until next time. Stay warm and safe. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!