Instagram Story Save

🎁 ALL MAY LONG GIVEAWAY
Asian Heritage Month 2026
75 books • 33 creators • 15 winners

TO ENTER:
💫 Tag a Canadian book lover

💫 Follow all 33 creators:

@nadiabmad
@julienchungdesigns
@steph_steph_sy
@ohtruth
@susansyoon
@gilliansze
@fangmousbooks
@books.beyond.bedtime
@christinamatula
@moniqueleonardocarlos
@ginger.ngo
@msmarianayagam
@anita.yasuda
@bshum79
@charlenedraws
@soyeonis
@leahhongdraws
@thaohlam
@camelliakoostoryteller
@grumpythebird
@pritibirlamaheshwari
@kuljinderwrites
@mitaliruths
@sitajit
@ohmyartchan
@doroleung
@aaronchanvan
@squeaknbanana
@leetropolis
@storiesbysingh
@maggie.draws.stuff
@zeniawadhwaniwrites
@dawndawndawnillustration

📅 HOW IT WORKS:
💫 One winner drawn every other day through May 30

💫 Enter once and stay eligible for every draw ��

💫 Winner wins a surprise 5-book bundle

Good luck, and happy Asian Heritage Month!

#asianheritagemonth #contest #canlit #kidlit #canadian

🎁 ALL MAY LONG GIVEAWAY
Asian Heritage Month 2026
75 books • 33 creators • 15 winners

TO ENTER:
💫 Tag a Canadian book lover

💫 Follow all 33 creators:

@nadiabmad
@julienchungdesigns
@steph_steph_sy
@ohtruth
@susansyoon
@gilliansze
@fangmousbooks
@books.beyond.bedtime
@christinamatula
@moniqueleonardocarlos
@ginger.ngo
@msmarianayagam
@anita.yasuda
@bshum79
@charlenedraws
@soyeonis
@leahhongdraws
@thaohlam
@camelliakoostoryteller
@grumpythebird
@pritibirlamaheshwari
@kuljinderwrites
@mitaliruths
@sitajit
@ohmyartchan
@doroleung
@aaronchanvan
@squeaknbanana
@leetropolis
@storiesbysingh
@maggie.draws.stuff
@zeniawadhwaniwrites
@dawndawndawnillustration

📅 HOW IT WORKS:
💫 One winner drawn every other day through May 30

💫 Enter once and stay eligible for every draw ��

💫 Winner wins a surprise 5-book bundle

Good luck, and happy Asian Heritage Month!

#asianheritagemonth #contest #canlit #kidlit #canadian

🎁 ALL MAY LONG GIVEAWAY
Asian Heritage Month 2026
75 books • 33 creators • 15 winners

TO ENTER:
💫 Tag a Canadian book lover

💫 Follow all 33 creators:

@nadiabmad
@julienchungdesigns
@steph_steph_sy
@ohtruth
@susansyoon
@gilliansze
@fangmousbooks
@books.beyond.bedtime
@christinamatula
@moniqueleonardocarlos
@ginger.ngo
@msmarianayagam
@anita.yasuda
@bshum79
@charlenedraws
@soyeonis
@leahhongdraws
@thaohlam
@camelliakoostoryteller
@grumpythebird
@pritibirlamaheshwari
@kuljinderwrites
@mitaliruths
@sitajit
@ohmyartchan
@doroleung
@aaronchanvan
@squeaknbanana
@leetropolis
@storiesbysingh
@maggie.draws.stuff
@zeniawadhwaniwrites
@dawndawndawnillustration

📅 HOW IT WORKS:
💫 One winner drawn every other day through May 30

💫 Enter once and stay eligible for every draw ��

💫 Winner wins a surprise 5-book bundle

Good luck, and happy Asian Heritage Month!

#asianheritagemonth #contest #canlit #kidlit #canadian

🎁 ALL MAY LONG GIVEAWAY
Asian Heritage Month 2026
75 books • 33 creators • 15 winners

TO ENTER:
💫 Tag a Canadian book lover

💫 Follow all 33 creators:

@nadiabmad
@julienchungdesigns
@steph_steph_sy
@ohtruth
@susansyoon
@gilliansze
@fangmousbooks
@books.beyond.bedtime
@christinamatula
@moniqueleonardocarlos
@ginger.ngo
@msmarianayagam
@anita.yasuda
@bshum79
@charlenedraws
@soyeonis
@leahhongdraws
@thaohlam
@camelliakoostoryteller
@grumpythebird
@pritibirlamaheshwari
@kuljinderwrites
@mitaliruths
@sitajit
@ohmyartchan
@doroleung
@aaronchanvan
@squeaknbanana
@leetropolis
@storiesbysingh
@maggie.draws.stuff
@zeniawadhwaniwrites
@dawndawndawnillustration

📅 HOW IT WORKS:
💫 One winner drawn every other day through May 30

💫 Enter once and stay eligible for every draw ��

💫 Winner wins a surprise 5-book bundle

Good luck, and happy Asian Heritage Month!

#asianheritagemonth #contest #canlit #kidlit #canadian

So it (my writing residency) begins! 🥳

For a long time, I believed that real, professional authors got opportunities like writer-in-residencies. I, meanwhile, languished in the amateur leagues. I didn't know how to get to the level of these pro writers or if it would always remain out of reach for me, especially as a writer whose books have not been published by Canadian publishers.

Representing Vancouver and Richmond as the city's writer-in-residence feels like a big step on my writing journey. It's so validating, that people believe in my skills as both a writer and instructor. I admit it's a little strange seeing my face in print around Richmond but it just makes the dream that much more real 🥲

Thanks for an awesome opening event (special shout-out to Charlotte for picking up the tasty snacks!).

Link in bio for program registration and more details 🔗

@howartworks @rplbc @cityofrichmondbc

#writing #celebration #vancouver #authorsofinstagram #cityofrichmondbc

So it (my writing residency) begins! 🥳

For a long time, I believed that real, professional authors got opportunities like writer-in-residencies. I, meanwhile, languished in the amateur leagues. I didn't know how to get to the level of these pro writers or if it would always remain out of reach for me, especially as a writer whose books have not been published by Canadian publishers.

Representing Vancouver and Richmond as the city's writer-in-residence feels like a big step on my writing journey. It's so validating, that people believe in my skills as both a writer and instructor. I admit it's a little strange seeing my face in print around Richmond but it just makes the dream that much more real 🥲

Thanks for an awesome opening event (special shout-out to Charlotte for picking up the tasty snacks!).

Link in bio for program registration and more details 🔗

@howartworks @rplbc @cityofrichmondbc

#writing #celebration #vancouver #authorsofinstagram #cityofrichmondbc

It's publication day!!! 🎂 🎉 (ok, it was actually yesterday but I was busy!) So thrilled that my children's picture book, THE BROKEN HEART, is finally out in the world! 🥳

THE BROKEN HEART is the story of a little girl named Stephanie whose older brother recently had his heart broken. His heart has shattered, and the pieces have flown to places that were once special to him and his now ex-boyfriend, but he is too sad to get off the couch. Seeing him sad makes her sad, so Stephanie takes it upon herself to help find the pieces of his broken heart and put it back together for her brother. THE BROKEN HEART is about family, support, love, and healing. Stephanie is the sibling or friend we should all have, someone who can hold our hands and hearts through tough times. ❤️

It's been a long journey to publication, and here is a non-exhaustive list of thanks to some folks who were a part of the ride one way or another: @whishthefish and those in Maggie DeVries's workshop class at @ubccreativewriting for your notes on the very first draft; @wwlc and @eric.n.wright for your notes in subsequent drafts; @emmy_of_spines for championing this project; @radicalarhea for putting me in touch with @josianevlitos and her amazing illustrations that brought the book to life; the lovely folks at @rockypondbooks and @penguinkids for seeing the specialness in this story; and of course my chosen family @awzy @chels.leung @annwang24 @dan_ysi @yanagis25. I'm so grateful to have you all in my life. ❤️

Order links in bio.

#book #books #booksofinstagram #writersofinstagram #writing #publishing #publicationday #gay #asian #gaysian #lgbtreads #lgbtq #lgbtpride #queer #queerreads #asianheritagemonth #pride🌈 #reading #readingtime #kidslit #kids #picturebook #canlit #writer

Three programs this week including your chance to ask me all your burning questions at my AMA!

Creative Nonfiction Tour 🪄
📍Brighouse Library
📅 May 19, 5-6:30pm

A Literary AMA with Aaron Chan 💬
📍Richmond Cultural Centre Annex, Creativity Lab
📅 May 19, 7-8:30pm

The Hermit Crab Essay 🪄
📍Richmond Cultural Centre Annex, Creativity Lab
📅 May 20, 7-8:30pm

Writing for Rebels: Breaking the Rules 🪄
📍Brighouse Library
📅 May 27, 7-8:30pm

Events are free! More details and registration in bio link 🔗

See ya there!

@howartworks @rplbc

#writing #writerinresidence #cityofrichmondbc #vancouver #events #free #writingcommunity #writersofinstagram #vancity #author #authorsofinstagram

#tbt to pattern mixing

#fashion #style #pattern #fashionstyle

So a cool thing happened 😊
Thank you to @writerstrust for this amazing opportunity. I've felt on the outside of "Canlit" looking in for a long time--neither of my books were published by Canadian publishers--but being selected for this program makes me feel a little more included. Thank you for supporting emerging writers trying to find their paths in the world. I'm grateful this program exists.

A big thank you to the wonderful, knowledgeable @pseesequasis for selecting me, for seeing and understanding my work, and for your kind words about my writing:

"It is the honest and courage prose inherent in Chan’s writing that excites me for his future. He is giving voice to so many who fall between margins, who fit and don’t fit, and who must forge, through trial and error, their own personal path.”

Last but not least, a shout-out to Reza Aslan for nominating me and probably noting in the application that I was the only one he didn't make cry in the MFA program 😛

#yay #writerstrust #canlit #writing #writersofinstagram #author #authorsofinstagram

✨ Join exhibiting artist August Klintberg and 2026 Richmond Writer in Residence, Aaron Chan for a special Talkback Tour exploring how both creators use personal storytelling and queer perspectives to examine identity, place, and community!

📍 Talkback Tour with August Klintberg & Aaron Chan
🗓 Saturday, May 16, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
🔗 RSVP with link in bio!

This free, drop-in session invites visitors to share their responses while engaging in an open, thoughtful conversation with two artists whose practices overlap in meaningful and resonant ways.

Talkback Tours are open to everyone—no art expertise required. Community members are encouraged to share personal responses, ask questions, and explore multiple perspectives together in a welcoming, participatory setting.

RSVP encouraged.
Light refreshments provided.

Image:August Klintberg. (@august.klintberg)Photo by C John Gaucher. R: Aaron Chan. (@aaronchanvan) Photo courtesy of the artist. Image description in alternate text.

Adventures in Creative Writing continue in May, including the first of two social events!

Creative Nonfiction Tour 🪄
📍Brighouse Library
📅 May 5, 5-6:30pm

The Hermit Crab Essay 🪄
📍Richmond Cultural Centre Annex, Creativity Lab
📅 May 5, 5-6:30pm

Asian Writers' Social
📍Richmond Cultural Centre Annex, Fabric Arts Studio
📅 May 9, 2-4pm

Creative Nonfiction Tour ✍️
📍Brighouse Library
📅 May 12, 5-6:30pm

Events are free! More details and registration in bio link 🔗

See ya there!

@howartworks @rplbc

#writing #writerinresidence #cityofrichmondbc #vancouver #events #free #writingcommunity #writersofinstagram #vancity

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

Recent happenings around town

#photodump #vancouver #recent4recent #life #writersofinstagram

I'm hosting some more fun creative writing workshops from April 20-30th:

The Magic of Words 🪄
📍Brighouse Library
📅 Apr. 21, 7-8:30pm

Writing Queer Joy 🌈
📍Branscombe House
📅 Apr. 22, 7-8:30pm

The Magic of Words 🪄
📍Brighouse Library
📅 Apr. 28, 7-8:30pm

Fundamentals of Storytelling ✍️
📍Brighouse Library
📅 Apr. 29, 7-8:30pm

Events are free! More details and registration in bio link 🔗

See ya there!

@howartworks @rplbc

#writing #writerinresidence #cityofrichmondbc #vancouver #events #free #writingcommunity #writersofinstagram #vancity

It's my first week of public programs as writer-in-residence and one is already full! 😮

Events are free! Registration and more events in bio link 🔗

@rplbc @howartworks

#writing #workshop #vancouver #cityofrichmondbc #writerscommunity