Award-Winning Author Bharati Mukherjee Dead at 76 - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america

"Given our current vexed and contested cultural moment, Bharati Mukherjee's work takes on an added resonance because of its prescience; as she once wrote, 'the narrative of immigration is the epic narrative of this millennium,'" Ravi Shankar, founding editor of the Drunken Boat online poetry journal and creative writing teacher, told NBC News. "What I have always loved about Mukherjee's work is how central the liberating power of the imagination is and how she always refused to be boxed in, to write those exoticized versions of what an Indian writer is supposed to sound like according to the unspoken tenets of the publishing world."

Award-Winning Author Bharati Mukherjee Dead at 76 - NBC News

Mai Der Vang Wins 2016 Walt Whitman Award for 'Afterland,' Poetry Collection on Hmong Experience - NBC News

My article for NBC Asian America

"I have loved her work for years, and I dare say Whitman would love her work: brave, visionary, and true," Fresno poet laureate Lee Herrick told NBC News. "Her voice is simultaneously American, Asian American, and Hmong American in its singular beauty and originality. It is a groundbreaking book from an important new voice. Great poetry should widen our notion of the human condition, and Vang's poems do that and much more."

Mai Der Vang Wins 2016 Walt Whitman Award for 'Afterland,' Poetry Collection on Hmong Experience - NBC News

Trimmed from 120 Chapters, 'Dream of the Red Chamber' To Debut as Opera - NBC News

my article for nbc asian america

"Dream of the Red Chamber," a new opera written by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang and MacArthur Fellow and composer Bright Sheng, saw its first American workshop performance earlier this month at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, & Dance in Ann Arbor, Michigan, ahead of its scheduled September debut.

Trimmed from 120 Chapters, 'Dream of the Red Chamber' To Debut as Opera - NBC News

The 'Lost' Work of Frank Chin to be Published in March - NBC News.com

My article for NBC News Asian America

A novel by provocative Asian-American writer, Frank Chin, written in the mid-1970's and long considered "lost," will finally be published this March by the University of Hawaii Press as "The Confessions of a Number One Son: The Great Chinese American Novel" after being discovered by Asian-American literature scholar Calvin McMillin.

"The discovery and eventual restoration of Chin's lost novel," said McMillian, "warrants a serious critical reevaluation of the author's work and his ultimate legacy." 

The 'Lost' Work of Frank Chin to be Published in March - NBC News.com

Paris Attack Response Stirs #JeNeSuisPasCharlie Discussion - NBC News.com

My article for NBC News Asian America

The world mourned the senseless deaths in the attack on the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris, prompting a public global surge in support of free speech and the subsequent outpouring on social media, tagged with #JeSuisCharlie ("I Am Charlie"). But in the days since, that first conversation has given way to a second - with some Asian-American satirists and writers at the forefront - focused on where freedom of speech meets the limits of satire.

Paris Attack Response Stirs #JeNeSuisPasCharlie Discussion - NBC News.com

Family Secrets From India to the U.S. in 'Don't Let Him Know' - NBC News.com

My article in NBC News Asian America about Sandip Roy's debut novel:

I wanted to tell the story of the burden of being good, the good son, the good wife, the good father, which I think Asians know a thing or two about. I wanted to explore the difference between being happy and being contented. 'Don't Let Him Know' begins with a young Indian American in California finding an old letter which he thinks reveals a secret he does not know about his mother. But as we discover, even secrets carry secrets within them.

Family Secrets From India to the U.S. in 'Don't Let Him Know' - NBC News.com

The Year in Books: Asian America's Must-Reads of 2014 - NBC News.com

My article for NBC News Asian America

Need new book ideas now that your Asian-American Literature class is over? Check out some of the books published by Asian-American authors in 2014. From food to family, comedy to color, these books will be next on your must-read list.

The Year in Books: Asian America's Must-Reads of 2014 - NBC News.com

Postponing launch of Third Space Salon

Sorry all, postponing launch until spring. But remember this name and this space! 

Third Space Salon is an Asian/Pacific Islander American (A/PIA) literary and performing arts nonprofit dedicated to creating community, celebrating the arts, with a side of cultural and educational exchange.

http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/p/third-space-salon.html

Third Space Salon

I have a new idea, come be a part! Third Space Salon

Third Space Salon is an Asian/Pacific Islander American (A/PIA) literary and performing arts nonprofit dedicated to creating community, celebrating the arts, with a side of cultural and educational exchange.

A/PIA Poetry and Literary Readings third Sunday of every month 6:00-7:30 pm
at Sweetwaters Cafe, 123 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104,
Format: Invited poets and writers read, then Open Mic, pop-up bookshop
A/PIA clubs and organizations invited--makes a great bonding event or field trip!

Upcoming Dates 2014: November 16, December 21,
Upcoming Dates 2015: January 18, February 15, March 15, April 19, May 17

A/PIA Cultural Heritage Performances in the spring (April, May, or June)

Writing Workshops (coming soon)


*Official nonprofit status paperwork in process

Smithsonian Center Launches Asian and Pacific American Online Book Club - NBC News.com

My article at NBCNews.com Asian America about the Smithsonian BookDragon Online Book Club:

"I love to read, especially Asian American authors. But do you know the feeling of finishing a great Asian American novel and wishing you could turn to someone and talk about it?" asks freelance writer Grace Hwang Lynch on her blog HapaMama.com.

Smithsonian Center Launches Asian and Pacific American Online Book Club - NBC News.com

Teaching at Washtenaw Community College Winter 2014

I will be teaching these courses at Washtenaw Community College Winter 2014. Sign up today!

English Special Workshop- Dare to Dream  ENG 4055  Start 02/18/14  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 160 2 sessions  Tue Thu  Tuition: $49.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang Facing a big change or opportunity in your life? Terrified or thrilled out of your wits? Not sure if you trust that you know what you know? Learn simple but powerful methods to get the ideas out of your head and onto the page in order to write your way through this challenge. Part journaling, part business plan, lots of short writing exercises, this course aspires to create the space in your head and the courage in your heart to take those first dizzying steps as you dare to dream. Bring a notebook and pen.
Writing With Style  ENG 4004  Start 02/24/14  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 272 2 sessions  Mon Wed  Tuition: $49.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang Discover your inner voice through writing. Students will gain hands on experience on how to begin the writing processes and discover and explore their creativity.

(Note: dates of Writing with Style may change)

Chinese 1  CHN 4000  Start 01/08/14  Mandatory Fees: $10.00  Rm. TBD 10 sessions  Wed  Tuition: $189.00  Location: Main Campus   Instructor: Wang
Chinese 2  CHN 4005  Start 03/12/14  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 163 10 sessions  Wed  Tuition: $189.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang

(Note: dates of Chinese 2 may change to March 26 to May 28)

Today: Makawalu: Hawaiian Hula Arts Concert and Lectures on Indigenous Ecology at UM Nov 25-26

Today! Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies at the University of Michigan is hosting a concert and lecture series with legendary hula artists Kekuhi Kealikanakaoleohaililani and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole.

Concert: Monday, November 25, 7:00 pm, at University of Michigan Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, Ann Arbor. Doors open at 6:30. Free.

Lectures: Tuesday, November 26, 10 am and 4 pm, 3512 Haven Hall.

Not to be missed. Seriously.

Sneak peak: Check out this awesome video of Kaumakaiwa performing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD2oGKVRhU0 
▶ Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole - "Ola'A" - YouTube

Details: Makawalu: Concert and Lectures on Indigenous Ecology of Hawaiian Hula Arts

The Ann Arbor stop of Tom Peek's "Daughters of Fire" North American Book Tour

A great few days with Hawaii friends during the Ann Arbor stop of Tom Peek's "Daughters of Fire" North American Book Tour. Thanks to Professor Susan Najita for putting this all together, Auntie June Ryushin Tanoue for blessing our events with moving Pele chants, Catherine Robbins for sharing her artwork with us, and Tom Peek for leading the adventure! It was great to be a part. Feel so grounded and real.

Thanks also to our hosts at the University of Michigan Department of American Culture Program in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies, Nicola's Books, and the Ann Arbor District Library.

More information at http://koabooks.com/ and http://daughtersoffire.com/. Catch Tom in California next!

 

Special thanks to our good friends at TK Wu Fine Chinese Cuisine Restaurant http://tkwu.com, Eastern Flame Restaurant http://www.neweasternflame.com/, and Tuptim Thai Cuisine http://www.tuptim.com/ for always taking such good care of our family.

Reading today at AADL "Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power" with Tom Peek 7pm

Today:  I will be reading with Tom Peek at Ann Arbor District Library on Tuesday October 29, 2013, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, "Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power."

This program is themed around Hawaii and our romance with volcanos, but it is really about writing about place, culture(s), environmental and development issues. Here's the agenda:

• Introduction by Susan Najita of the University of Michigan Department of English and Department of American Culture Program in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies 
• Hula kumu June Yoshiko Kaililani Ryushin Tanoue of Halau i Ka Pono hula school in Chicago will do a Pele (volcano) chant
• Artist Catherine Robbins will discuss her painting and photography
• I will be reading from my new chapbook, "Where the Lava Meets the Sea--Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawaii."
• Tom Peek will be reading from his new novel, "Daughters of Fire."
• Q&A Panel Discussion
• Book Signing! And snacks!

Bios at: http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/2013/09/aadl-talk-tuesday-october-29-2013-700.html

Poetry, Prose, Painting, Photography, and Pele with Tom Peek at the AADL Tues. Oct. 29, 7:00 pm

Sorry about the alliteration, but we're finalizing the program today for Tuesday's reading with Tom Peek at Ann Arbor District Library on Tuesday October 29, 2013, 7:00 pm, "Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power."

Hawai'i: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power | Ann Arbor District Library

This program is themed around Hawaii and our romance with volcanos, but it is really about writing about place, culture(s), environmental and development issues. These issues are not limited to Hawaii and our speakers can discuss these issues as they apply here in Michigan and the Midwest. Tom Peek will be reading from his new novel, "Daughters of Fire," and I will be reading from my new chapbook, "Where the Lava Meets the Sea--Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawaii." We will be joined by hula kumu June Yoshiko Kaililani Ryushin Tanoue of Halau i Ka Pono hula school in Chicago who will do a Pele (volcano) chant, and by artist Catherine Robbins who will be discussing her painting and photography. Susan Najita of the University of Michigan Department of English and Department of American Culture Program in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies will be moderating.

More info http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/2013/09/aadl-talk-tuesday-october-29-2013-700.html

Both Tom's and Frances' books will be available for sale, thanks to our friends at Nicola's Books, and the program will be followed by a book signing.

And snacks!

Tom Peek will be doing three readings in Ann Arbor, each with different content! Make sure to catch his reading at Nicola's Books, Wednesday, October 30, 7:00 pm. http://www.nicolasbooks.com/event/meet-author-tom-peek-daughters-fire

Or if you are on campus, at Hatcher Graduate Library, Tuesday, October 29, 10-11:30 am.

Reading with Tom Peek October 29: Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power

Check this out, they are calling me a poet!

I'll be reading with Tom Peek and Catherine Robbins at Ann Arbor District Library on Tuesday October 29, 2013, 7:00 pm, "Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power." We will also be discussing writing about place, culture(s), environmental and development issues. And snacks!

Update: We will be joined by hula kumu June Yoshiko Kaililani Ryushin Tanoue of Halau i Ka Pono hula school in Chicago. This is very exciting!

Tom Peek will be doing three readings in Ann Arbor, each with different content! Make sure to catch his reading at Nicola's Books, Wednesday, October 30, 7:00 pm.

Meet Author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) | Nicola's Books

Looking forward to seeing my friend and writing teacher, Tom Peek, who will be doing three readings in Ann Arbor this month. Here's the one I won't be able to attend, October 30, 2013, 7:00 p.m., Nicola's Books.

Meet Author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) | Nicola's Books

Reading at Kerrytown Concert House for Nancy Wolfe and Michael Nagara Opening October 9

Excited to be reading for Michael Nagara and Nancy Wolfe's Exhibition Opening, "Minor Key," Again so soon! This Wednesday, October 9, 5:15 pm, at Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

nancywolfe.com

http://www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com/index.php/events/event/nagara_wolfe_reception/

https://www.facebook.com/events/199768800205238/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Reading at Nancy Wolfe's Opening at Josef Glimer Gallery

So pleased to be a part of Nancy Wolfe's Opening at Josef Glimer Gallery, with readings Friday Oct 4 at 6 pm and Saturday Oct 5 at 5 pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/167295936796648/



that moment halfway through your reading when the handsome young man you've already decided is not going to show walks in out of the rain and quietly finds a seat in the back row...



The colors are gorgeous in here.

Congratulations Nancy Wolfe on a successful opening! Thanks for letting me be a part!

ken chen and ravi shankar reading UMMA

So excited to see Ken Chen of Asian American Writers' Workshop and Ravi Shankar of Drunken Boat read their poetry at University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) today/Thursday 10/3/13 at 5:10.

More info: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/writers/readingsevents/ci.kenchenravishankarpoetryreadingthu3oct2013_ci.detail