In the Media

Learn more about me.

  • [Video Training] Make a Living as a Freelance Writer for Apex Authors

    [Video Training] Make a Living as a Freelance Writer for Apex Authors

    Are you curious about what it takes to get into freelance writing? I recently did a training for Apex Author members where we cover: The video replay is available for members, but you can access it with the free trail — and while you’re at it, check out all the billions* of other amazing trainings Apex…

  • [Interview] Famous Writing Routines

    [Interview] Famous Writing Routines

    I had such a good time on this interview for Famous Writing Routines! We talked about the inspiration behind Artemis City Shuffle, why I love writing different genres, and how writers can stay productive. Plus, I shared some photos of my office — complete with alllll my plants and my standing desk setup. Check it…

  • Now Kickstarting: From Dream to Reality

    Now Kickstarting: From Dream to Reality

    Happy February! I’ve been enjoying the bright (yet cold) sunshine here in Portland, and am very excited about the sun not setting at 4:30pm anymore. I’m also excited because my latest nonfiction book from Microcosm Publishing is currently in the Kickstarter phase! We’re about halfway through the Kickstarter, and halfway through the goal — and my…

  • [Story Sale] Happy release day to NOIR!

    [Story Sale] Happy release day to NOIR!

    When you write a 5-book saga with a rather large cast of characters, you’re likely to hear from readers that you should have written more about so-and-so. One of those characters is Detective Timo Cho of the Bulari Police Department, who spends some time investigating our heroes and learning some truths of his own about…

  • From Big Idea to Book podcast roundup

    From Big Idea to Book podcast roundup

    I’ve been absolutely floored by the positive reception to From Chaos to Creativity over the last few years, and it’s been so much fun to watch little sibling From Big Idea to Book get out into the world. To celebrate its launch, I’ve been making the circuit of some truly amazing podcasts. Check them out!…

  • News Roundup: Short story sale, audio books, and more

    I’ve been pretty head-down the past few months, dividing my time between finishing writing the Nanshe Chronicles, preparing for the launch of the first book in May, and working on a big book project with a new nonfiction ghostwriting client. Not to mention extracurriculars like spending time with my family and some local travel! A…

  • [Podcast] No Shelf Control

    [Podcast] No Shelf Control

    Between my day job and my current book project (a non-fiction book about the writing process), I interview a lot of people. It’s one of my favorite things about my job — getting a chance to chat with interesting people about things they’re passionate about: adaptive learning software, the college experience during COVID-19, cybersecurity, digital…

  • [Video] Productivity and Self-Compassion During Quarantine

    [Video] Productivity and Self-Compassion During Quarantine

    Happy … Friday? I’m told Monday is a … holiday? Potentially we’re still in May, I haven’t really checked lately. Anyway, how are you doing? Still in quarantine like the rest of us, wondering what days are and how many ice cream sandwiches you need to eat to make a Complete Meal™? Before this all…

  • [Podcast] A conversation with Bookpod

    [Podcast] A conversation with Bookpod

    I love to read, but I don’t have a ton of time, which is why I’m always looking for book recommendations. If I’m going to read something, I want it to be good! That’s why I’m so excited to tell you about this new book recommendation podcast that’s hitting earbuds near you. (Is that a…

  • [Podcast] I’m on Ink To Film talking about The Expanse

    [Podcast] I’m on Ink To Film talking about The Expanse

    Blood’s on the wall, beratnas, we gonna rise up! In episode 117, SciFi author Jessie Kwak joins Luke and James to discuss the final episodes of season one of THE EXPANSE. Join the entire crew again next week for the second half of LEVIATHAN WAKES by James SA Corey. I joined Luke Elliot and James…

  • From Chaos to Creativity Powell’s Books Reading [Video]

    From Chaos to Creativity Powell’s Books Reading [Video]

    Last Monday, I did something that terrified me: I held a creative productivity workshop in front of about 50 people at Powell’s Books. I’ve read from my fiction before, which is its own version of terrifying. But I’d never stood up as an expert in front of a crowd of mostly strangers and tried to…

  • Creative productivity workshop! Come with your chaos, leave with a plan

    Creative productivity workshop! Come with your chaos, leave with a plan

    You know how sometimes every waking moment feels like chaos incarnate? Like it’s a quiet Saturday morning and you’re dying to work on your art, but first you really need to make yourself some breakfast. And before that you need to find the kitchen underneath all the dishes. Which reminds you that you never returned…

  • [Podcast] So, What Are You Working On?

    [Podcast] So, What Are You Working On?

    I joined Epiphany Couch and Lauren Faulkner to chat about creativity and productivity for artists and writers: Episode 12 introduces us to Jessie Kwak! Freelance writer, author of supernatural and sci-fi fiction AND ladyboss business owner. What’s it like trying to balance work and creative endeavors? How do we create work that really says what we want…

  • From Chaos to Creativity Kickstarter is a Go!

    From Chaos to Creativity Kickstarter is a Go!

    I look around, and I’m surrounded by creative people. My mom makes these amazingly artistic quilts. My dad welds incredible works of art and invents ingenious farm contraptions. My sister does intricate cross-stitch hangings. My husband takes stunning photographs. My friends write and paint and dance and sing. My neighbor’s 8-year-old kid asked for bricks…

  • Happy October! And notes from my reading at Mother Foucault’s Bookstore

    Happy October! And notes from my reading at Mother Foucault’s Bookstore

    Crunchy leaves, cozy scarves, boots and tights, fall colors — having lived nearly all my life in the Pacific Northwest, October has always been one of my favorite times of the year. Back home on the farm, it was a wonderful time of harvest parties and pumpkins and not having to drive the combine any…

  • Join me for a reading in Portland, OR this Thursday

    Are you in or around Portland, Oregon? I’m doing a reading this Thursday, and I’d love to see your shining face. I’ll be joining local Portland author Francesca G. Varela, who’s celebrating the release of her latest book, The Seas of Distant Stars (see below). I’m excited and a little bit nervous — I’ll be giving…

  • I’ll Be at WorldCon this Weekend! + Cover Reveal!

    I’ll Be at WorldCon this Weekend! + Cover Reveal!

    WorldCon 76 is happening this weekend in San Jose, CA, and I’ll be there with books to sell, stickers to give away, and high fives aplenty. If you’ll be attending, come see me at the Abyssinian Books booth, where Arianna Golden has generously offered me table space. If you won’t be attending and are curious about my shenanigans…

  • Join me (and friends!) in Portland for a reading

    Join me (and friends!) in Portland for a reading

    The short of it: When: Tuesday April 24, at 6:30 pm Where: O’Connor’s Vault (7850 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219) Who: Myself, authors Kelley Baker and Susan Stoner, and musical guest Erin Wallace of The Sportin’ Lifers, and Wallace. What: We’ll each read for about 10-15 minutes, then go back around and do another 10-15…

  • Fall News and Book Deals!

    Hi friends!  The weather has taken a sudden and decisive turn over the weekend from “yay, last days of summer” to “cold and dreary rain.” But Oregon has desperately needed rain for weeks, so I’m certainly not going to complain. Here’s hoping it helps contain some of the many wildfires that are burning across our…