Last month I got to interview path blazing Asian American actor and queer icon George Takei about his new picture book My Lost Freedom, a chronicle of the years Takie spent incarcerated in Japanese internment camps. In an increasingly overwhelming world, I found it incredibly healing to speak to an elder who’s been all the way through it, yet still maintains his sense of optimism. I hope that when I transition from Aunty to Paati, I’m as kooky, quirky, and sassy as he is.
#Goals
How to Become George Takei in 6 Easy Steps
They say that there is only one George Takei. But that is because they (whoever they are) haven’t met you! Here are six ways Moon Rabbit Writing Studio can help you become a jolly Asian uncle, i.e. realize your highest form.
1. Write a picture book with Moon Rabbit’s summer picture book intensive (in person)!
Want to tell a deeply meaningful, fabulously compelling story in 700 words or less? Sounds like you want to write a picture book! I’m offering an in person 4-week picture book intensive in partnership with Second Star to the Right Books (1455 S Pearl St.) on Sundays from June 2-23 from 3:30-5:30 pm. We’ll work on telling very, very short stories, learn about how to vibe with illustrators, and explore the best titles in the genre. I love writing picture books - one of mine is in the Nobel museum!!! - and I love geeking out with fellow picture book enthusiasts, so please sign up!
Dr. Esther Duflo putting my book in the Nobel Museum! (The bottom title is mine.)
2. Write a memoir with Moon Rabbit’s introductory memoir class!
George Takei’s first book was a memoir - and yours can be too! Dip your toes into the telling-your-true-story waters with Moon Rabbit’s Writing Our Lives: Introduction to Memoir & Personal Essay, online on May 25th at 10:30 AM MST. You don’t have to be a lieutenant commander of the USS Enterprise to lead a super interesting, extremely writeable life!
George Takei as intergalactic hottie Hikaru Sulu.
3. Write books while working a full time job with the latest paid issue of the Moon Rabbit Reader.
You think George Takei quit his full time job as a celebrity just to write a few books? Obviously he did not, and you shouldn’t either! In this month’s paid content, I’ll outline strategies for finishing for your book without the pressure of writing daily. These are strategies I use, and they work - I’ve got three adult-length books and a whole bunch of picture books to prove it. If this sounds like something you need, upgrade to a paid subscription today!
4. Support diverse creators with Moon Rabbit’s Decolonize Your (Kids’) Bookshelf class, now online and by reading my latest essay for Kirkus!
Do you want to support more queer, Asian American authors like George Takei? More importantly, do you want to be woker, hipper, and better read than your friends / frenemies / Becky in HR? Cement your superiority with Moon Rabbit’s Decolonize Your (Kids’) Bookshelf class, online on June 1st, and by reading my latest essay In Praise of Diverse Books that Bring Joy, in which I wax poetic about diverse literary characters getting to be their fullest selves and provide a pretty amazing booklist that my uncle (George Takei) totally approves.
5. Get sassy by leaving a question for me to answer in a future issue!
When necessary, George Takei is a savage, and you can be too! Practice your sass by getting literarily petty in the comments. What creative advice drives you the most bonkers? What is your biggest challenge / complaint about your creative life? What do you wish you knew about gatekeepers like agents and publishers? Leave your question in the comments, and I’ll write a newsletter about it! (Believe me, I won’t hold back - one symptom of ADHD is oversharing, which I’m sure you NEVER would’ve guessed from this publication! )
6. Make your voice heard by letting me know what online classes you want to take!
George Takei isn’t afraid to make his voice heard - and you shouldn’t be either! Take this poll and let me know what classes you’d like to take ONLINE at Moon Rabbit Writing Studio. Voting in this poll, voting in the 2024 election - who’s to say what is more important?!*
*The election is more important. Please vote.
Bye friends, and in the words of my (non)-Uncle, live long and prosper!