2025 Issue 1: maria's musings
trip highlights, book releases, currently reading, and more.
We’re halfway through February, and it feels like 2025 might pass in the blink of an eye. I feel like I start every newsletter this way, but WAAHH, why is time going by so fast?! I must be having too much fun…
Here’s the latest on what I’ve been up to (read till the end for some ultra-big news! 👀)
Kindling Words East & NYC
I just returned from the loveliest trip to Kindling Words East in Providence, RI, and then had a whirlwind stop in NYC. I enjoyed inspiring conversations with fellow creators at KWE, signed my book at Books of Wonder, met the dream team behind No Purchase Necessary, and watched Aladdin on Broadway, among other things. This trip was everything I needed and more. ❤️
On January 14th, No Purchase Necessary, my debut middle-grade novel, came out! It’s racked up some amazing reviews, including four stars! It was also shared by none other than Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, the lead actress in Never Have I Ever!!!!
I’m still pinching myself.
In case you missed it, this book follows Ajay Anthonipillai, who wins a huge prize in a stolen candy bar and must navigate his identity and morality in deciding whether to claim the one prize that could change his family’s life forever. Learn more and purchase here.
***If you have read it, please, please, please review it on Goodreads and Amazon. It makes a HUGE difference in increasing the visibility of this book.
On February 4th, Baby Faith, the fourth book in the Baby Virtues series released. Baby Faith joins Baby Love, Baby Hope, and Baby Courage in using familiar settings and action-oriented language to showcase how these values can be lived out in everyday toddler life. They make the perfect first birthday or Easter gift! Plus, they look SO cute together! Learn more here.
coming soon…
Wait ‘Til You’re Older comes out in four short months and is available for pre-order! It follows Reha, whose big brother won’t let her play with his toys, so she chooses to build a Time Machine instead. It comes out June 4th and is perfect for siblings and sharing the importance of staying present. Pre-order here!
In my romantasy era…
I mean, who isn’t? I had to see what all the fuss is about, and yeah, well, I’m hooked. I like reading just about anything (minus long-winded adult dramas), and the plot, tension, and characterization in these books are a masterclass in writing compelling, commercial page-turners.
ULTRA BIG NEWS!!!
Along with four book babies, we have a real one coming in June this year. 2025 will be busy but joyful, chaotic, and wonderful too. #blessed
Uplift Kidlit Newsletter
I’ve shared before that I am so thrilled and honored to be a part of the launch of Uplift: AANHPI Kidlit News, an Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander newsletter featuring award-winning and bestselling authors Andrea Wang, Dow Phumiruk, Jyoti Rajan Gopal, Lynnor Bontigao, Malia Maunakea, Nicole Chen, Pat Tanumihardja, and ME! In this monthly offering, we will shine a light on AANHPI's history, culture, events, and creators! Please subscribe! Honestly, it’s such a great newsletter, and you get news from me a little more frequently there.
I appreciate you joining me on this journey and for your continued support ❤️If you know a friend who would be interested in this newsletter, please share it. See you next quarter!
Congrats-on everything!! :)
So many congratulations for you for book babies and real babies!!! Great job!