Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .

Why do you write the genre that you write?
I write traditional mysteries because of my mom, who gave me my first Nancy Drew book. My mom is also the one who got me hooked on Phyllis A. Whitney, Mary Higgins Clark, Velda Johnston and Doris Miles Disney ‘cause I used to steal her library books when she wasn’t looking. Later, reading Naomi Hirahara, Jan Burke and Sujata Massey planted the idea of writing a traditional mystery about an Asian American reporter.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
PoPo believes her Chinese elephant statue is a valuable antique her granddaughters will fight over after she dies, but Maya and her sister think it’s hideous.

How did you come up with your pseudonym?
I’ve always used my middle initial professionally because my family calls me by my Japanese middle name. I have cousins who have no idea my first name is Jennifer.

Tell us how you got into writing?
I always loved books and secretly wanted to be a writer. I didn’t think of it as a profession until I attended a two-week journalism conference for high school students put on by the city editor and a reporter from my local daily. I loved the idea that my words could maybe make a difference in the world.

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
I started as a staff writer for a small weekly newspaper in Paradise, CA and worked my way up to a large metro daily. I freelanced for several years while my daughters were young, and when the pandemic hit I started writing fiction. Now I juggle writing fiction with my day job writing articles for the university’s website.

How many books do you have published?
My debut novel, GHOSTS OF WAIKIKI, will be published by Crooked Lane Books in November 2024. The main character, Maya Wong, made her first appearance in my short story Cranes in the Cemetery, which was published in the 2021 Capitol Crimes anthology CEMETERY PLOTS.

Where do you write?
Anywhere I can find a little peace, not necessarily quiet. Mostly in my kitchen, sometimes in cafes or on campus. Universities have lots of tables with nearby power outlets – even outdoors! Sometimes I write on my phone while I’m waiting to pick up a kid, or on my iPad before a Zumba class.

What is your favorite deadline snack?
Caffeine is a must, and I never say no to potato chips. I also love kakimochi, or Japanese rice crackers. The spicy, crescent-shaped ones are my favorite. I like mixing it with popcorn and seasoning with furikake.

Who is an author you admire?
So many! Kellye Garrett for her wit and voice, and the way she champions other writers of color. Naomi Hirahara for her long publishing career, which started at a time when there were very few, if any, Asian American mystery writers. I’ve also gotten to know Cindy Fazzi, Claire Booth and James L’Etoile through Capitol Crimes. They’re amazing writers who have taught me a lot about the author side of the business.

What’s your favorite genre to read?
Mysteries. I love police procedurals.

What are you reading now?
Angela Crook’s debut HURT MOUNTAIN.

What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
A glass of sparkling wine mixed with a scoop of sorbet

What is next for you?
Writing Book No. 2, another Maya Wong mystery

Where can we find you?
At my website jenniferkmorita.com, where you can subscribe to my newsletter, as well as most social media platforms as @jenniferkmorita.

Now to have some fun . . .

Chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor
– Passion fruit sorbet

Ice cream or cake
– Cake (anything French and fancy)

Fruits or vegetables
– Fruit

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
– Dinner

Dining in or dining out
– Out

City life or country living
– City life

Beach or mountain
– Beach

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
– Spring

Extrovert or introvert
– Introvert

Early bird or night owl
– Night owl

And even more fun . . .

What’s your favorite movie?
“Crazy Rich Asians” and “Eat Drink Man Woman”

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
My books, rice, and a very sharp chef’s knife

My bio
A former newspaper reporter, Jennifer K. Morita writes for the communications department of a Northern California university. She was a runner up for the 2022 Sisters in Crime Eleanor Taylor Bland Award and now serves on the board for her local SinC chapter. Jennifer enjoys cooking, leisurely hikes with her family, Zumba, and Hot Hula. Her debut novel, GHOSTS OF WAIKIKI, will be released by Crooked Lane Books in November 2024.