Check out her web site at franceskaihwawang.com, her blog at franceskaihwawang.blogspot.com, and she can be reached at fkwang888@gmail.com.
Interviews:
angryasianman.com angry reader of the week: frances kai-hwa wang
http://blog.angryasianman.com/2010/07/angry-reader-of-week-frances-kai-hwa.html
Watermelon Sushi World: Multi-Culti Info Goddess by Yayoi Winfrey
http://watermelonsushiworld.blogspot.com/2010/02/multi-culti-info-goddess.html
What People are Saying:
"At this time, I would like to express my mad crush on Frances Kai-Hwa Wang."
--Angry Asian Man Phil Yu
“If I had a lost love—imaginary or real—I would want Frances to be mine. Her writing is heartfelt, eloquent, and nostalgic all at once. Frances possesses the ability to reach deep within the soul to speak on her heart's behalf—no matter how tormented, broken, and hopeful it may be. You will get what it is she is sharing.”
—Lac Su, author of I Love Yous Are for White People (HarperCollins,
2009)
“With echoes of Sei Shonagon and Li Bai, Frances Kai-Hwa
Wang has created a contemporary pillow book of sensual longing, heartache,
erotic impulse, and wry wit. Her book is to be savored like dark chocolate on a
moonlit night.”
—May-lee Chai, author of Hapa
Girl and Dragon Chica
“Imaginary Affairs is a must-read for any woman who
has experienced unfulfilled love and heartache. Through a series of vignettes
and short poems, Frances Kai Hwa Wang finds beauty and hope in the most
unlikely of places in her search for love and desire. Her words of yearning
will speak to your heart.”
—Dr. Kate Agathon, Curator, CommUNITY and ImaginAsian Identity and Experience in Contemporary
Asian Pacific America Art Exhibit
Frances, I read your book on the plane going home. You are so brave. Such a romantic too! My favorite line: "What would it mean to have you coursing through the arteries of my life?"
--Betty Ming Liu on "Imaginary Affairs--Postcards from an Imagined Life"
"Frances, what a terrific and unsurprising body of work you have created!!!! After reading your websites, you are in the forefront of globalization, albeit a personal way."
--Larry Voight, President, Catholic Social Services
"(The article is) absolutely beautiful....I am touched by your ability to write so bravely and honestly. You have to decide how much you are willing to let the whole wide world see!"
--Dr. Sujata Shetty, University of Toledo
"I want to thank you for the wonderful, effective presentation you gave last evening at our International Dinner. Speaking to such a diverse, complex audience - students from China/students from 20 other countries/ and non-student friends of our Center - you spoke to everyone. The authenic way you spoke from your own life story was compelling and challenging - urging us all to seek the resilient strength-in-community that comes from honoring and welcoming the unique, diverse gifts of others, and affirmng our deep, common humanity."
--Roger Pohl, University of Michigan Ecumenical Center and International Residence
"Who ever thought of dressing up like a bag of rice for Halloween? Or hanging red envelopes on the Christmas Tree? How about making felt "play dim sum" pieces for the play kitchen in everyone's playroom? Frances Kai-Hwa Wang has thought of these things and a thousand more -- all were amazed by her creativity, energy and love for her family and respect for its beginnings and unique culture."
--Council of Asian Pacific Americans http://capa-mi.org/main.php?p=p_cultural0512
You are always beautiful, intelligent, and creative as always with your talks. Last night was no exception!...You always do good! Cheers,
--Dr. Diana Wong, Eastern Michigan University School of Business
You're a real powerhouse so I'm glad you're willing to be recruited into this effort!
--Dr. Martin Powers, University of Michigan Center for Chinese Studies
"Now who was it appeared in full color the other night on public access tv? Who I could brag about to my new beau, saying, "Well, whaddya know, that's my cool friend, Frances!"? It was amazing to me that, while speaking publicly, there was not one iota of difference in your demeanor from the Frances I've known, which is to say, you're a complete natural. And I wholeheartedly applauded everything you were saying, too. Bravissimo!"
--Ann Crawford, musician
Dear Frances,
Just wanted to thank you again for your presentation. You will be pleased to know that yesterday (Tuesday) I met with my first graders and we talked about China and the Lunar New Year. They remembered all of your stories and information. We read "D is for Dragon Boat" which is a pretty simple ABC book, or was until they started adding in all that they learned. It was wonderful. Clearly they will remember your presentation for a long time. Several of them said that they had been talking about the stories at home and that their parents had learned something new from them. When we got to the page with dumplings, at least half of the group was participating in retelling the story of the silver ingots that came from the dumplings thrown in the fire. So, when you ask if just recounting the stories the way you did worked, I would say that the resounding answer would have to be YES. Thank you for the marvelous presentation. A good time was had by all.
--Linda Lakshminarayan, Emerson School Librarian
The first time I heard your talk was 7 years ago (yes, 7) at (University of Michigan) Children Center. It has gotten so much more sophisticated and with visual aids in PowerPoint, too. I love the way you began. What a clear illustration of cultural differences!
--Dr. Tzywen Gong, University of Michigan
On behalf of the King PTO, we wanted to express our appreciation to you for the recent presentation at King School on Multicultural toolbox. It was extremely informative, parents and staff from diverse backgrounds hopes to incorporate the practical tools and strategies you illustrated. Your presentation was excellent and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We appreciate you sharing your time, talent and expertise with us. Sincerely,
--Maneesha Gulati, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School PTO Educational Enrichment Coordinator
Just want to say thanks again for a great presentation last night. I know you felt a bit rushed but you really did a great job. I learned a lot and felt inspired, too. Thanks for last night and your overall contribution to the King community.
--Laurie Barnett, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School PTO President
Your presentation last night was very informative. I got a lot out of it. Thank you. I was wondering if there is information I could share with other principals/PTOs who may be interested in a similar presentation.
--Kevin Karr, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School Principal
Thank you very much for all your work on creating and presenting such a great performance.
--Will Hathaway, Ann Arbor Area Families with Children from China
I just want to take a moment and thank you again for helping us with the Chinese New Year celebration. We received wonderful feedback about all of the performers...Your son was so cute, too!
--Ron Sayer, Ann Arbor Area Families with Children from China
The Pan-Asian New Year's event was very successful and I was truly impressed. You did a fabulous job in hosting the event.
--Dr. Andrew Fang, Michigan Taiwanese American Association
We all agree that you are amazing! Amazingly efficient and capable and beautiful! Ann Arbor (not just King School or Chinese School) is so lucky to have you! Thank you for sharing your talent and time with the community.
--Dr. Tzywen Gong, Michigan Taiwanese American Association
From elementary students at Ann Arbor Academy:
Dear Ms. Wang, Thank you for teaching us about the Chinese Moon Festival. I thought it was very nice to come in and have us do a little play. I thought doing the play was fun. Maybe some time we will meet again. Sincerely, S.
Dear Ms. Wang, Thank you for the lovely presentation. I enjoyed being a queen very much. I also enjoyed the stories a lot. Sincereoly, K.
Dear Ms. Wang, Thank you for visiting us. you are a good storyteller. Please come again. Sincerely, J.
Dear Ms. Wang, thank you for coming to our class and telling us stories about the moon. It was fun and funny. I liked it. Sincerely, P!
Dear Ms. Wang, Thank you for coming to tell us about China, and also letting us play with the dress up stuff. It was fun. Please come again to our school. Sincerly, E.
