Here We Go

The book is starting to feel real

As I type this sentence, around 15 people are reading PDF’s of Asian American Apostate: Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University. Honestly, it’s a little bit unnerving to think that people are reading it. I know, I know. That’s kind of why someone writes a book in the first place, but the idea that people I know and respect are reading it and having to think of nice things to “blurb” about it…gulp.

In addition to wrapping up season 2 of Chapel Probation, I’ve been vacillating between feeling damn proud of my book and freaking out because maybe it sucks and I wasted my time and should just go work at the 7-11 a block from my house. They’re hiring right now.

Such is the interior mind and psyche of a new writer. It’s quite a ride. The good news is, early opinions have been positive. At least to my face. My publisher, Lake Drive Books, is already spreading the word about the book, and it has already paid off.

Publisher’s Weekly listed Asian American Apostate at the top of its Top 10 Spring releases for 2023 in the Religion and Spirituality category. See?

A year ago, I was re-writing this thing I had started back in 2013 and launching the Chapel Probation podcast. I’ve done 48 episodes, I’ve met and become friends with other writers and podcasters I once just followed and admired, and I have a book coming out. It would be cliche to say that it all doesn’t feel real, but…ok I won’t say it.

It’s a fascinating experience to put stuff out into the world. The idea that people across the country listen to Chapel Probation and like it is so gratifying. Those stories told by real people have laid the groundwork for Asian American Apostate to come out. The message remains the same through it all: Evangelical culture is an insidious force in America. It’s a hotbed of White Nationalism, anti-LGBTQIA hatred, misogyny, and racism. My story in the book is a precursor to how we got to MAGA-nation, but it is also a glimmer of hope. We can find love and community. People can change. And maybe, if you all like my book, I won’t have to work at 7-11.

More to come.