I have some news! And it’s really, really exciting news. Like, really, REALLY exciting news:
I’m getting published!!!
After starting this substack last Fall, I decided that I might consider submitting ideas to some of the literary magazines I’ve been following on Instagram for a while now. A combination of luck, right timing, and a willingness to be vulnerable about my blended identity lead me to Slant’d magazine’s pitch call. Slant’d is a non-profit, independent publishing house that works to bring AAPI-created stories and artwork to print. I thought maybe it was a long shot, but I knew I had a unique perspective and a story tell about Issue 06’s theme: homecoming.
To my surprise, delight, and initial scream of terror/excitement/all of the above, they chose my story, and my first editorial process EVER began this past March.
My piece is about how I learned to embrace all parts of myself through learning how to cook, specifically in learning how to pleat dumplings. I currently write The Kitchen Witchcraft for free because I think food is for everyone, but we need help bringing this story, and many other stories for the Homecoming issue to life.
So what can you do to help? Slant’d has launched their kickstarter campaign and is currently fundraising to bring Issue 06: Homecoming to life. You can support by pre-ordering an issue, donating to the campaign if you have the means to, or by exploring the other wonderful options they’re offering for backers. We have seventeen days to go to meet the fundraising goal!
Above is the art preview that Slant’d released on their instagram account, and I wanted to share the illustration that will go hand in hand with my story, created by the incredibly talented, April Shin. (Yes, that’s literally me!!!! She drew ME!! Like… what is happening?!).
Thank you for considering, and I cannot wait to see this story come to life.
— Jennie
SOOOOO happy for you!love the illustration too!
So amazing!