Re-Introducing Me...In Octobers

Re-Introducing Me in 2019

Jade M. WongLeave a comment

A new year means another step closer to embracing my flaws, my dreams, and my inner fangirl obsessions: in short, being brave enough to embrace everything that makes me, me. 

To all my blogging friends, my readers, and the whole wide world, are you listening? Can you see me? I’m re-introducing myself.

2019 profile pic
New profile pic taken by the best friend.

Who is Jade M. Wong?

Jade M. Wong is a combination of my Real Name (Mei Wong) and “jade” — an important gemstone in the Chinese culture. Jade M. Wong is a reminder of where I came from and where I hope to go, a reminder of who I am and who I strive to be.

From The Past…

When I first started sharing my stories and poetry, I was afraid to acknowledge my writing, to put up neon signs that said, “This is me. These are my words. We are one and the same.” Two years ago, I finally shared a (very outdated) photo of myself. That new profile photo was my version of a neon sign, the first time I shared my face.

To Now

An updated profile photo (see above) and my first completed manuscript, a poetry collection, that is now ready to leave the safe confines of my laptop.

The Poetry Book: Glow Stick by Jade M. Wong

A little unusual, perhaps, but yes, I titled my book Glow Stick. The title was inspired by this quote:

“It’s okay to be a glow stick—sometimes we need to break before we shine.”

~Unknown

Which leads me to the hardest thing I will have shared with you all thus far on this blog.

Glow Stick is a collection that explores mental illness, specifically depression on a spectrum, the ups and the downs, the good days and the bad days, the suicidal thoughts and the fight for survival. In addition, Glow Stick examines self-love, asks exactly what it means to be brave, and guides the reader on a rollercoaster journey of the fight against darkness into a place of hope and light. 

As I’m sure you’ve all guessed by now, Glow Stick is the result of my own struggle, spanning many years, with my depression and anxiety. It consists of familiar poems I’ve already shared here on my blog as well as many poems never shared with anyone before. There are poems written years ago when writing was the only thing tethering me to life, and there are poems written just a few months ago when the world didn’t seem quite so dark. In a way, Glow Stick is a book I could not have written until now, because I needed to learn how to accept all of myself, mental illnesses included, before I could share my story with anyone else.

Wanted: Agent and/or Publisher!

After doing my research, I’ve decided I want to attempt the traditional publishing route as opposed to self-publishing, so my next step is looking for indie publishing agencies, which research says will be the more likely way I get published. However, I’ll also be on the lookout for agents willing to represent me to submit to the bigger publishing houses, because what’s life without a little risk? (Also, what’s life without a high likelihood of heartbreaking rejection, sigh.)

Anyway, this blog will be my safe zone as I trek into the unfamiliar terrain of publishing and writing professionally. I’ll keep you all updated on my journey, and I’m hoping this blog, along with myself, will grow into something more. 

0 thoughts on “Re-Introducing Me in 2019”

  2. New theme and layout look great! As to the ‘neon sign’ of your photo, I think I can understand the hesitation you once had. I never considered myself a writer, before I started blogging almost three years ago now. In some ways I still don’t, even though people tell me they like my posts. I don’t consider myself a photographer, even though people tell me they like my photos. And this is now…when I first started I did it with massive amounts of self-doubt that anyone would want to read my assortment of ramblings. For some reason though when I started, I decided to ‘own it’. Just say look at me, this is what I am doing now. Not every post has the same desired effect of course, but overall, I’m happy that I keep writing, keep exploring this concept that I thought of and have proudly made my own. So I get the hesitation, but at the same time, its nice to have a face behind some great writing!

    Reply

    • Thanks Robert! Glad you like the blog’s look 🙂 And yes, I’m so glad you understand. I think the doubt ultimately will make us write better and be better (if we don’t succumb to it, that is, and I’m glad you chose not to!) I hope you keep exploring and owning it, and I shall too 🙂

      Reply

  3. Well, hello real you. 😊 I’m happy to see you. I’m always afraid people will judge me for my looks, and more often than not, they do. But it’s me, and there’s nothing I can do about it. If people judge, it’s on them. You definitely don’t have anything to worry about.

    Reply

  4. Hey! Jade! What a great move! I am sure at least in our blogging space everyone is encouraging and all of us admire each other’s work! I think it is this trust that has helped us get to meet you behind the pseudonym 🙂 I really admire your step and congratulate you! Your upcoming plans are inspiring for every blogger and I wish you from my heart that you do great in your writing projects 🙂

    Reply

    • Hey! Yes, everyone in our blog-o-sphere has been incredibly supportive and it’s one of the reasons why I thought it would be okay to show myself lol. Thank you for the support!! I’ll do my best, and I wish the same for you ^_^

      Reply

  9. Nice to see your pretty face 🙂 You are a wonderful and talented writer and I’m absolutely sure, you can publish your novel, fan fiction, and have your work published in magazines etc. Best of luck my friend!

    Reply

    • Thank you Mandi!! You’re incredibly sweet for leaving thoughtful comments, and for giving your support. I’m so glad to have made your friendship here on WordPress <3 Here’s to the best of luck for us both!

      Reply

  13. Hi, Jade! Nice to put a name to the prose. Looks like you have big dreams and I respect that. I have some big ones myself. I look forward to seeing your ambitions come to life and reading more of your stories and poems. From one writer to another, I hope we both stay encouraged and passionate about what we do.

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  15. You can do it! All your goals are achievable. I’m doing it and I’m no one special, so anyone can do it. I’ll bring digital cupcakes and swop whatever knowledge I’ve gleaned from my journey. I salute you for putting your goals out there. I haven’t. I’m afraid my goals will scare folks because they are really ambitious. I posted a visual reminder on my wall at home to make sure it stays front and center in the crowded cortex. Good luck to you and I’ll be here watching!

    Reply

    • Aww thanks Melinda! I’ll gladly accept digital cupcakes and nuggets of information <3 I was really nervous about putting my plan out there but I figured it was the best way to make sure I stick to it. I admire ambitious goals, and I wish you the best of luck in your journey! I’ll be here supporting you 🙂

      P.S. There’s one thing I disagree with though: you are definitely someone special!

      Reply

  18. Hi real Jade! I am happy to finally ‘meet’ you! 🙂 I have the same thoughts and that is why my Facebook pages and my IG pages uses a caricature instead of me. People do really judge by looks, always.
    But you are gorgeous, inside and out! 🙂 I have nothing but hopes and prayers that you will achieve your goals!! I will not guess because I am SURE you can do them! 😀 We are on the same boat, darling, and I will be rooting for you always! <3

    Reply

  19. Raise that neon sign up high, Jade! I’m truly glad to have finally met the lovely person behind Jade M. Wong. <3 It feels a whole lot better to have a picture in mind as I drown in your poetry and prose– and now your fan-fictions. I wish you and your plans all the best. Go get ’em tiger!! I’ll be looking forward, along with everybody here, to more of your posts and, of course, your Charmed Series. hugs and kisses

    Reply

  21. Hello Jade. 🙂 I already told you I loved the new pic but I hadn’t read this at that point. I know it’s scary to put yourself out there but it’s also a bot freeing. Hugs to you.

    Reply

  23. Hello Jade. I really enjoyed reading a little about you here – your thoughts and feelings about yourself and your writing, and your aspirations for the future. Most writers are scared, even after they’ve published their first novel or poetry book, or whatever. Yet we move on and remember that writing improves with practice. Even authors who have published lots of books say thy are still learning. I wish you every bit of luck on your journey. 🙂

    Reply

    • Thank you Millie! I agree, I think that fear we have never really goes away and I think that’s a good thing because the fear keeps us working hard and improving. I truly appreciate the luck and support from you 🙂

      Reply

  24. Heyaaa Mei <3 (or would you rather prefer Jade?)
    I was keeping this post for the end, sorta like a treat to me 😉 and I am so so happy that you are gonna embark on the publishing and novel writing. You will ultimately come out in flying colors dear. Don worry. Maybe the initial struggles might be a nuisance but then all the accomplished writers had to face that and broke through it and you would too. And at that time we can all say ” hey we knew her from WP. She used to write so well from her blogging days” 🙂 Good luck dear. hugs
    P.S.- So now I can call you Pretty Poetess in WP too 😉

    Reply

    • I do prefer Jade (but I guess it doesn’t matter too much now, does it? Call me whichever you wish, Minaxi ^_^)
      Thank you for the encouragement!! I’ll do my best! Your kind words will stay with me <3
      P.S. That is so sweet of you!

      Reply

  25. Hahaaha! I totally get the pull of putting up an anime profile picture. Was great to meet you and #Madrespect to you for dreaming BIG. Here’s to your awesome future agent & publisher.

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    • Thank you! I really appreciate the support 🙂 And yes, plus it took me days to find an anime profile picture I was satisfied with so to part with it was hard LOL.

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  26. Yay!!! I see I am late to the party…. Oops… Sorry Jade. And congratulations on taking this new step. Change is good and I wish you all the very best in achieving your Goals, and will be looking forward to these virtual parties where we will be celebrating your publishing milestones. Just don’t forget to order lemon and mint juice 😉😉

    Reply

  31. Nice to put a face to a wonderful writer that is you 🙂 You are like your writings. Beautiful 🙂 Someday, I hope to be as courageous as you are 😉

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  32. Nice to meet you! Sounds like you are onto some great things. I totally get the hesitation; I still hold my real name close, just in case. It’s scary to put ourselves out there. I’m sure the risk is not as great as people think though; people in all sorts of business promote themselves all the time.

    Reply

    • That’s true! There are a lot of people out there who feel comfortable to share about themselves all the time. Still, to each their own, right?

      Thank you! It’s wonderful to meet you too! If you ever decide to reveal your real name, I look forward to re-meeting you then 🙂

      Reply

  33. Loved the new features and photos as soon as I got on this morning! looking forward to your amazing writing and inspiration as always! your face mirrors all the emotions in your heart, lovely to see the sweet Jade!

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  34. Love it!! As lovely as you’ve always been…but it’s lovely to see you come into your own 🙂 Congratulations!! Now…to get to freshening my blog…..

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  35. I hope one day too i can also do the re introducing me thing…as you can see i too am not totally out and open..

    Its the same hesitation as yours but also mostly when you are unknown to everybody you can just be yourself too..

    Reply

    • I completely understand. And please never feel any pressure to do anything you’re not comfortable with and to be anyone you are not. Your blog should be your safe space too 🙂 <3

      Reply

  37. Super late but I know how you feel. I recently started using a photo of me in my profile as well. Eep! I guess I just figured if I’m going to work as hard as I am on my blog I may as well own up to it. And delete all the lame posts I wrote months ago. 😉

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  38. Sorry…I realize this post is from a while back but just came across it. I started out using a pen name for my fiction writing for similar reasons to you. I worked a highly-visible job in a very conservative community. I wrestled about whether or not to continue using the pen name for more than a year, and decided to put it to bed with 2016. For me, it was a matter of no longer writing (and living) in fear (mostly of people not liking my work). I wrote about it on my blog last month (fairly new to WordPress). Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • No need to apologize! Writing does not expire 😉

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. It always helps to know one is not alone. Making the decision to drop a pen name and really put yourself out there is a difficult one, to say the least. Good luck on your writing career! 🙂

      Reply

  40. Getting vulnerable is the part of writer who writes for others, and being in harmony with that vulnerability is what he/she needs to learn. This post of yours reflects that you have learned that and I am glad that you did, Mei. 🙂

    Reply

  41. Dammit! I missed your coming out party. 😉 First of all, I love the new look of the blog. Secondly, and much more importantly, I’m glad you took this step. I relate to what you said. I used (and still use) the pseudonym “The Voice” for the same reasons. (Although I too found the courage to reveal the man behind the curtain.)

    I’m honored that I’ve had the opportunity to get to know you a bit and that we’ve had the chance to write together. I think you are truly fantastic. A great writer and a sweet person. ‘Jade” is a great alias and I hope you keep her around, but I’m glad Mei is getting a chance to shine. The world really should get to know you.

    And if you’re ever interested, I’m still up for any new collaborations. 🙂

    Reply

    • Aww shucks, V, you made me blush!

      First off, yes you did miss the party! It was a helluva party, lemme tell ya. Mountains of pizza, yards of confetti, and a lot of heart-to-heart conversations among strangers. But, a late straggler is better than one who never shows up, so thanks for finding your way here sooner rather than later :).

      Secondly, thank you also for the sweet and encouraging words! Kindness from strangers-turned-friends such as yourself has made this decision much easier and helped me to realize it was the right one. I think both Jade and Mei are here to stay and co-exist together. After all, at the end of the day, they’re kind of like two sides of the same person.

      Lastly, glad you like the new look! I’m quite satisfied with it myself. You should get nice and comfortable with this look; I don’t think this theme will be changing anytime soon. And I am always interested in collaborations. I had such a blast with the last one! You have my email, V, feel free to send something my way once you have it!

      Reply

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