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Well another book party is in the books and we must say it was a smashing success! The turnout was great, the conversation was enlightening and some great prizes were won. Deanna Fei, author of A Thread of Sky, did a wonderful job answering our readers’ questions and sharing stories about both writing her debut novel and about herself. The hour-long E-VENT just zoomed by!

Here is a full transcript of the E-VENT for those who missed it live…

BookTrib: Welcome to the E-VENTFUL book party to celebrate the paperback release of A THREAD OF SKY! Please watch the exclusive video above and the chat will begin shortly.

TokyoSuperFrog: I’m loving this video!

valerie2350: hello

aimala: Hi everyone!

Athira C: Video does look really good! Sadly, I’m at work, so no audio.

Jennifer Young: Hello

BookTrib: Welcome everyone! Please watch the exclusive video and we’ll start chatting shortly.

teresasreading: Good afternoon!

B00kW0rm: Fantastic video!

aimala: The video is great. I have read many reviews about A Thread of Sky but it’s gret to hear Deanna talk about her book!

kaybstew: Really enjoyed the video. Photography by a relative – sister maybe?

BookTrib: Hope you all enjoyed the video! Thank you to our sponsors Dollbirdies, Dumb Kid Designs and Jenni Bick! We’ll announce the winners of the 10 goodie bags at the end of the chat.

Kathy Worrell-Newton: How do I find the video?

BookTrib: Let’s all welcome Deanna Fei! Hi Deanna. How does it feel to have your book as a New York Times Editors’ Choice? How did you celebrate when you found out?!

Praire Dawn: loved your video

Jennifer Young: Hi Deanna Fei! Thanks for being here with us!

BookTrib: @Kathy – the video is right on our homepage http://booktrib.com

DeannaFei: Hi everyone! Thanks so much for joining me!

Athira C: Welcome Deanna! So glad to have this chance to talk with you!

aimala: Hi Deanna! Great video!

DeannaFei: Yes, the NYT Editors’ Choice was an exciting morning. I think I probably celebrated internally. I’m kind of that way…

aimala: Thank you for making it!

crystalfulcher: Wonderful video – I now can’t wait to read the book.

aimala: congratulations! It’s wonderful news.

DeannaFei: So glad you enjoyed the video. Some of the photos were taken by me, some by my younger sister, Jessica Fei

Praire Dawn: are you the sisters in your book…?

aimala: the photos and the video have me even more excited to read your book.

DeannaFei: Well, my family definitely inspired the characters in A THREAD OF SKY. I went on a tour of China w/ my 2 sisters (I’m the middle one), my mother, my aunt, and my grandmother

DeannaFei: And, like the characters in my novel, we are all probably a little too strong-willed and independent-minded for our own good!

aimala: What a wonderful trip that must have been!

aimala: and a little tense! lol

Kathy Worrell-Newton: I just read and very much enjoyed your book. Question? What did you mean about the land at the Palace having been set on crisscross levels so it couldn’t be tunneled?

kaybstew: I enjoyed A Thread of Sky so much. I loved the astronomy, moon, sky references. After I noticed a few, I kept looking for them.

laura lanham: I unfortunately have a dial up connection so can’t watch the video.

DeannaFei: But I really found that once I started writing, the characters took on lives of their own. I would say at this point that none of them really represents their counterpart. They’re all a part of me–and equally outside of me

Wishing Penny: Hello everyone – have I missed anything?

DeannaFei: Lots of tension, for sure! As with most people’s family reunions, I think. But also with wonderful moments

Kathryn Poulin: Hello Deanna and everyone!

aimala: that’s a terrific description of the characters

B00kW0rm: Deanna, is there any writing exercise that you do when you get writer’s block?

Jennifer Young: Deanna, what is your favorite genre to read and if you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

booksnyc: I can’t imagine undertaking such a trip with my family

laura lanham: I noticed the two different cover pictures. The blue one made me think of the sacred place Shambhala.

booksnyc: although I am sure the memories are priceless

aimala: that’s the beauty of traveling with family…lots of highs but you can bicker and bounce back from it!

DeannaFei: Kay, I love that you enjoyed the astronomy references!

chicklitclub: Hello All!

Athira C: I was fascinated by the identity issues you tackled in the book. Do you identify with any of the characters on that aspect? Has that ever been a part of your life?

laura lanham: Deanna do you have a special place you like to go to when you write?

valerie2350: Does your family see it as clearly fiction? Or does it feel more like non-fiction to them?

DeannaFei: I’m sorry if I’m skipping over Qs–I will try to respond to all!

Kathryn Poulin: I think that if I undertook a trip like this with my sisters we would end up wanting to murder each other!

booksnyc: Was there any significance in making Irene an Alzheimer’s researcher?

kaybstew: Lots of queries coming all at once. We’ll be patient! LOL

DeannaFei: Athira, I think identity issues are inevitable for most immigrants/children of immigrants/people of color/women/maybe everyone! Like Kay, I grew up resentful of how often my peers and I would be asked things like, “Where are you from?”–as if we weren’t fully American

chicklitclub: It’s great to meet you, Deanna! You’re book is great and really interesting…especially since I’m a travel fanatic who has never gotten the chance to travel!

DeannaFei: And for me, exploring China on my own terms was a way of confronting some of those issues–though I never anticipated how much more foreign I would feel in China than I ever did growing up in America!

Athira C: That is so true! I was curious because I myself grew up from home and have faced those same questions. I loved how I could identify with the characters in that sense.

laura lanham: Take your time Deanna, answer those which you feel compelled to answer. We all may have just slightly overwhelmed you at once.

DeannaFei: Laura, I’m lucky in that I have a little office in our Brooklyn apartment that I keep VERY closed off from everyone. But sometimes I like to work in coffeeshops, or outside–though usually, the plainer and more closed off the space, the better!

aimala: That must have been strange and unexpected, to feel foreign in China

kaybstew: I wondered if your character Kay had some of aspects of your own experience in China.

Angela Smith: I’m back, sorry, I signed in under the user chicklitclub, but would rather use my facebook account. So much easier!

DeannaFei: Aimala, it was very strange. But also strange that it was unexpected, considering that my own parents didn’t really grow up in China, and the China they and my grandparents knew mostly doesn’t exist anymore. The pace of change is so incredibly fast.

Wishing Penny: This is an interesting read just reading this discussion

aimala: When you were in China with your family did you have the idea for your book already or did that come later on?

DeannaFei: Kathryn: I think murder crossed each of our minds at least once during the trip!

Kathryn Poulin: Good to know that I’m not the only one!

DeannaFei: Booksnyc, that’s a great Q about Irene being an Alzheimer’s researcher. I had in mind that she was preoccupied with issues of memory, history, what we try to carry with us, what we lose along the way–and trying to recapture the most precious memories

Angela Smith: Deanna,

laura lanham: The ine thing your story made me realize is often we simply must just go back to the beginning and begin again.. Thank you for that.

Angela Smith: what did you think when you first saw your book on shelves? What did your family think?

booksnyc: very interesting connection – I never thought of that. I was very impressed by how technical the sections in which Irene talked about her research were

DeannaFei: kaybstew: it’s true that Kay, like me, is the one who’s spent time in China and has a strong desire to reclaim her heritage and master the language and history. But I would never have the nerve to launch an outreach program for prostitutes in Beijing like she does!

Wishing Penny: nice @laura

kaybstew: That was very brave of her (Kay I mean)! I laughed a bit. I also enjoyed the sections about Alzheimer’s. Good research there as I have experienced that with my parents.

DeannaFei: Also like Kay, I was often dismayed to see how the new forces of tourism and economic development have also exposed Chinese women to what often feels like degrading encounters w/ Western men. But I had to adopt more of a “live and let live” approach–otherwise it would’ve driven me crazy!

Jennifer Young: Hi Deanna, are you currently involved with anymore writing projects?


laura lanham: @thanks wishing penny

Angela Smith: You’re book is full of great dialogue and interesting topics. It was brilliantly written!

DeannaFei: laura, that is such a lovely way of putting it: about going back to the beginning. i LOVE how readers often have the most eloquent way of saying what the book is about!

clareswindlehurst: Hi Deanna. I was wondering what book you are reading right now?

DeannaFei: about the Alzheimer’s sections: I have to say, the research was pretty intimidating! But also more fascinating than I ever anticipated. in many ways, science is like any art–the creative process, the shots in the dark, the high hopes and (often) disillusionment…

Praire Dawn: I have to share – I opened your book to begin reading while in the emergency room with my mother who had just broken her hip. I couldn’t believe your intro. Reading your book was meant to be.

JAGed Otter: I’d be very curious about what writers influenced you. Who did you love growing up?

booksnyc: yes – that is very true

DeannaFei: Aimala, I think I had the idea for the novel either during or right after the trip. And though I was terrified to tackle it, the idea stayed with me for years, until I finally started writing it

booksnyc: research and writing are both passions – you have so much invested in the work and its product

Angela Smith: Sorry, I’m just firing off questions here… Do you think that you’ll write another book in the future, deanna, and will it be along the same lines or will you go in a different direction?

DeannaFei: Praire Dawn, that is one of the most moving things I’ve heard in a long while. I’m so glad to hear it, and so grateful to know that my book was of some comfort. One of my favorite writing quotes is from Annie Dillard, and it goes something like: Write as if you were dying. Write as if for an audience of terminal patients. That is, after all, the case.

laura lanham: Deanna if you HAD to make a choice to live either in America or China for the remainder of your life would you consider China to learn more of your ancient heritage or choose America and do it via internet and books?

teric: I have to say that the story sounds fantastic. I cannot wait to read it.

DeannaFei: Maybe that sounds a bit brutal, but I think writers should always remind ourselves that, if we’re asking for readers’ precious time, we need to use it well.

Robyn Dones: Just wanted to let you know how much I really enjoyed your book. I will be looking forward to the next one.

Howell Lee: Deanna,

DeannaFei: Angela and Robyn, your praise means a lot to me. Thanks so much!

Debbie Whittemore: Finding home and losing home are such powerful subjects to write about. Did you think of that while you were writing?

Diane L Pollock: Really enjoy your writing!

Angela Smith: your welcome – it’s well deserved!

DeannaFei: As for my family’s reactions (which a few of you asked about, I think), the truth is, i was very secretive about what I was writing during the process. I feel like any book in progress is almost like an embryo–it needs to be protected! So even though I worked on the book for 5 years, my family had very little idea about any of it!

Alexis2000: I must confess that I have not yet read any of your books. Are any of them in e-book form that I can borrow from my library?

DeannaFei: They finally saw it when I got the first galleys, and though there was some discomfort based on how others might assume the story to be totally autobiographical, I think that as soon as they read it, they recognized that it wasn’t ABOUT them. They’ve been amazingly supportive. It’s tough to be the family of a writer, I think!

BookTrib: @Alexis A THREAD OF SKY is available as an e-book!

Deena Mayhew: I’m just joining your book party, and the chatter is really making me anxious to read your book! Sounds like a Great read! We are taking a train trip in May and I think that I’ll be “turning some pages” of your book during that trip!

mrsmooncat: Hi Deanna, I’m curious what subject you’re tackling next?

DeannaFei: Thanks, Deena! Great to see you here.

Kelley Cassity: Alexis just asked the question I was going to say. I’d love something in e-book form.

aimala: That is very understandable and it makes sense that you would be extremely protective of your book, like it’s a newborn

BookTrib: Here is the link to buy A THREAD OF SKY for your Kindle

valerie2350: deanna – think that sounds wise would be hard to have people jump in and give their opinions before it was just the way you wanted it to be.

crystalfulcher: Wow – to keep that mostly secret for 5 years – that is pretty amazing!

Beverly Archer: I am also looking forward to reading this book. Right now all copies at my library are out.

Stacy Melendez: sounds like a wonderful book!

laura lanham: Did you incorporate a lot of your actual family dynamics into the storyline?

Karen Barnett: Such wonderful comments on your book – looking forward to reading it!

Alexis2000: The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has many digital books that they loan out to people with e-readers. And they are open to suggestions, so I will suggest your book!

DeannaFei: Ah, yes–I didn’t get to that Q before. I am working on a new novel that feels very different from my first. It’s not centered on China or issues of cultural identity (though I would say the themes in A THREAD OF SKY are universal, too). My protagonist is a former war correspondent who was based in Iraq and is now trying to settle into marriage and motherhood back in her hometown of NY, only to find that she is haunted by the traumas she witnessed and experienced

Heather Gudenkauf: Congratulations, Deanna! It’s great to see a fellow teacher follow her dream of writing. Sounds like a wonderful book!

Colleen Turner: This sounds just brilliant! I will try to catch up to the comment screen before asking questions !

Jennifer Young: So glad it’s in e-book form too! I can’t wait to read it, Deanna.

clareswindlehurst: @deena. I have my copy packed for a train journey tomorrow!

booksnyc: The new book sounds interesting too!

orchid7: Wow, Deanna- I just watched your book trailer, and it was really interesting! I love how you went on your trip with family, and then went back again on your own with your book characters as your travel companions. I’m really interested to read your book now! I find the ancient Chinese culture to be fascinating. My daughter and I were just talking about some of it due to her world history class- she was looking up foot binding and how women were treated. Good luck with your new book!

DeannaFei: Thanks so much! You know, writers worry so much about reviews, sales, etc. but the truth is, nothing is more gratifying than hearing from readers.

Howell Lee: Deanna, would you want to live in china for any extended period of time–like a year?

Praire Dawn: wow – I am at a party with Deanna Fei AND Heather Gudenkauf – how cool is that!

Athira C: Your next book sounds fascinating! I can’t wait for it to be out!

Angela Smith: While you were writing did you expect readers would be so moved by your storyline?

Jennifer Young: Your new project sounds really interesting. Best of luck with it.

kaybstew: I love the sound of your new work. I’ll be eagerly anticipating it. A woman war correspondent would be very interesting.

Debbie Whittemore: I’m so interested in reading this story. Sounds very powerful.

denisecrawford: I’ll be reading this one soon.

DeannaFei: As for those who asked about writers who’ve influenced me: some of my favorites are Shirley Hazzard, Alice Munro, Margaret Atwood, Edith Wharton, John Cheever, and Maxine Hong Kingston. The truth is, I get very anxious every time I answer this Q, but I’m omitting so many names! Still, that is a start.

Deena Mayhew: Gotta ask…. How did you stay motivated to finish your book during that 5 years? As a new author, I would think that the monster known as “self-doubt” would scare off some would-be novelists! Good for you that you “slayed” the dragon! What a life accomplishment!

laura lanham: I guess I am so old school I can not get into E-books. I find I cannot connect to the energy of the book unless I am holding the book in my hands. I guess some spiritual connection to the paper used t0 be a tree kinda energy thingy lol..yeah I know …crazy…

aimala: Prairie D I was just thinking the same thing, 2 great writers!

teric: The trailer and the cover are fantastic.

Paula Carlson: The book sounds wonderful.

B00kW0rm: I love Maxine Hong Kingston!

DeannaFei: Ah, self-doubt: none of us writers escape it entirely! Maybe for a few days or hours at a time… I had my moments of wanting to throw in the towel like anyone else. It was really the characters who kept me going. I would’ve felt like I was abandoning them.

Jennifer Young: Deana, how did you go about finding your editor/publisher?

Deborah Sloan: Deanna; Your book A Thread of Sky sounds wonderful! It’s going on my reading list!

Brenda V Rupp: Hello

laura lanham: @ Heather Gudenkauf..it is lovely to see you here….I loved your book as well

Deena Mayhew: Claire – enjoy your train trip! (and the novel!) :0)

Paula Carlson: How did you get started writing books?

DeannaFei: For those who asked about whether I would live in China: I lived there for 4 years, and I wouldn’t have traded that experience for anything, but right now I think that was enough. My family and friends are all in America, and O

DeannaFei: oops–sent that prematurely! … and this really feels like home. But life is long, and you never know!

JAGed Otter: I love Maxine Hong Kingston, too. The Woman Warrior was an epic book and a great influence on me as a writer.

Susan Smoaks: i just got am email to remind me, so i came on over

teresasreading: It does. I’m hoping to read it soon

Colleen Turner: Wow, the next book sounds amazing as well…looks like i have two more books to add to my toppling TBR piles

xiaguan: Congrats on your release. A Thread of Sky looks like a wonderfully complex novel. It is going on my Must read list

Margie Takala: I’m looking forward to reading your book. Interesting…

Susan Smoaks: yes i will have to add these to my must read list as well

Elizabeth Vollbach: laura lanham:me, too. Deanna, I look forward to reading your books–hard cover!

DeannaFei: As for how I got started writing, I really can’t remember a time when literature wasn’t what I loved above all else. When I first started preschool, I was so shy that my teachers thought I had a mental handicap. My mother had to tape me reading “The Cat in the Hat” aloud so that they wouldn’t kick me out of the program! Ever since then, I think I’ve had the idea that books can transform a life.

Colleen Turner: I like the questions someone else asked a little bit ago and I don’t remember seeing the answer: how did you get into writing in the first place? also, if you couldn’t be a writer what do you think you would do?

denisecrawford: I’m coming a bit late to this party but I wonder it you find it sometimes hard to END a book and leave those characters you’ve created and grown to love?

booksnyc: For those that have not read Thread of Sky yet – definitely read it! I heard about it last year when it first came out but then didn’t get around to reading it until last week – I wonder why I waited!

DeannaFei: A few years later, I wrote my first short story about a mouse who has no friends b/c she’s too shy to speak–until she gets on a rollercoaster, starts screaming, and finds her voice. I still think that’s a pretty good metaphor for writing!

misslauren: I can’t wait to read your book, Deanna!

aimala: The book you’re writing now sounds fascinating, Deanna!

Deborah Sloan: What was the hardest part of connecting to the generations on your original trip?

DeannaFei: If I couldn’t be a writer, I’d probably teach full-time. That’s my other passion. But I’d like to think that even if I could never make a “career” out of writing, I’d still find a way to do it for myself.

Deena Mayhew: Deanna – That is interesting! It just shows that you had a committment to making sure that “their story” got told. Did you personally know any authors that gave you encouragement to write a novel? Any BFF’s that gave you a push to finish your novel?

Linda LeVan: Following on Denise’s comment do you think it was harder to leave this book because as you said in your interview, these were your only friends when you first moved to China.

mrsmooncat: I love that statement about books transforming a life. I agree 100% with that. It’s amazing what reading can do!

Paula Carlson: Your answer about how you got started writing put a smile on my face! I’d love to write and have several “beginnings”, but never seem to get much farther than that.

Jennifer Young: How do you make time to write and what are your muses?

laura lanham: Did you find that in writing about dysfunction in families it helped to heal any discord within your own?

aimala: I was wondering if you already had the end of your book in mind when you started writing or if the ending came to you over time

kaybstew: I suspect many of us share your passion for literature. I, too, can’t remember when reading was not my best solace or relaxation tool.

DeannaFei: Deborah, I think one of the hardest part of connecting between the generations was the lack of a common language–and I don’t mean only literally, though there is a language gap between my grandmother and me and my sisters. Her generation doesn’t identify with the American values of “letting it all out,” this belief that if we just talk it out, we can heal. To her, the past is just too heavy for that. And I think that’s a totally legitimate viewpoint that can be very frustrating for people of my generation

mrsmooncat: Do your characters come to you first or do you think of storylines and then populate them?

Kathryn Poulin: My grandmother was the same way…leave the past in the past.

Leslie Shelor: I think a lot of people of earlier generations didn’t talk about feelings.

DeannaFei: Because if our own ancestors won’t teach us about our family history, how are we supposed to learn it? In some ways, I think that’s why I wrote this book. I know more details about the grandmother in the book than I may ever know about my own grandmother.

holycackle: That makes sense. I have an uncle who died when he was 11. My grandmother never wants to talk about it, which is sad. But then, I can’t judge. I’ve never lost a child–it must be heartbreaking.

Paula Carlson: Whatever the nationality, I think many grandparents feel the same way.

DeannaFei: It’s true–we all have our secrets, the wounds that we might not want to expose, whether or not it might help others to know them.

booksnyc: I find my family also grudgingly reveals bits of history and doesn’t understand why I am so interested in it or feel entitled to know about it – I guess they too what to leave the past in the past

holycackle: What authors have inspired you over the years?

Michelle Miller: My grandmother tells a lot of stories about when she was a child. I wasn’t around her a lot when I was growing up, but I am now and I really listen to what she has to say.

Leslie Shelor: I know a lot of things about the family and the past, because people in our area love stories. But I want the story behind the story!

Mary Meyer Johnson: Sorry, I just got here, but glad I made it in time. Deanna – are you planning a return trip to China and a sequel?

laura lanham: @Leslie Shelor..I don’t think the older generation discussed anything. I think it was all spwept into the closet and locked with the skeleton key. Don’t discuss it and it goes away.. till twenty/ thirty years later and all us totally warped kids emerge…lol..Now we teach scream and kick and discuss it ..till it is fixed or partially healed anyway.lol

DeannaFei: Linda, you’re right: I actually went into a period of mourning when it was time to leave my characters and this book. My editor had to ban me from looking at it! And when the book came out, as exciting as that was, I also had a sense of loss, because the family in A THREAD OF SKY really became my family while I was living in China and writing their stories.

DeannaFei: And once the book was out in the world, I knew it really didn’t belong to me anymore. honestly, when readers ask me Qs like “What did Nora decide to do about …” or “What happened to … ‘s relationship?” I feel like the answer belongs to them more than to me.

Wishing Penny: Aside from the research you did from the book – what was the best partof returning to

Colleen Turner: I can’t imagine having to put so much time into a “book baby” and having to give it up or share it with the rest of the world! Must be SO hard!

Michelle Miller: This may have been asked already, but are you working on your next book?

Linda LeVan:

DeannaFei: @Leslie: I know just what you mean. Some of us will always hunger to know more.

Alexis2000: What one piece of advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Wishing Penny: oops – I hit enter too soon. What was the best part of returing to China?

Di Henry: Just watched the trailer – can’t wait to read this!

Leslie Shelor: Absolutely!

DeannaFei: Alexis, I know this sounds overly simplistic, but my best advice is this: Read and write. Read great books again and again, with an eye for what you can learn as opposed to what you like. And write every day, whether it’s for an hour or 9, whether you produce 1 sentence or 10 pages. Make that time sacred.

DeannaFei: And try not to worry too much about publication, etc. The truth is, so much of it is a crapshoot!

Mary Meyer Johnson: What great books have you read again and again?

xiaguan: Best of luck to you! My 15yo son is a writer at heart. I hope that one day he will find success in his endevors! Thank you for sharing your inner muse!

Paula Carlson: I like your advice about writing every day. How do you know when your “words” are ready to seek publication?

Leslie Shelor: I think writers that write best write because they have something to say, not because they want to be published.

Eugenie Wu: The trailer made the book sound very interesting. I definitely want to read it.

laura lanham: You can always do a sequel set 40 or 50 years into the future where you as the matriarch of the family insist you take your kicking and screaming great grandkids , grandkids, and kids to China for the same soul bonding trip full of every crazy thing that could happen in a family. rflho

Rhonda Laney: what do you of smashwords?

DeannaFei: Mary, I have the full list on my Facebook page, but here are a few of my “great books”: The Blind Assassin, Margaret Atwood; Emperor of the Air, Ethan Canin; The Big Sleep, Raymond Chandler; Edinburgh, Alexander Chee; most stories of John Cheever and Anton Chekhov; Drown, Junot Diaz; Play It As It Lays, Joan Didion; The Virgin Suicides, Jeffrey Eugenides; Bad Behavior, Mary Gaitskill; The Comedians, Graham Greene.

BookTrib: Deanna, what’s the best fan reaction you’ve gotten?

sammie4: Your book sounds so interesting, how lucky that you were able to travel with your sisters, mother and grandmother. Memories that will last a lifetime.

DeannaFei: For those who asked about a sequel: I feel like I reached a point of completion with these characters, and I really don’t know what’s become of them since the end of the story. But again, you never know! They are and will always be very close to my heart.

Deborah Sloan: Will the book be published in China?

aimala: Great list of books and authors, Deanna!!

DeannaFei: @BookTrib, I love every time a reader talks about my characters as if they’re real people–because of course, they are to me! And it’s so deeply rewarding to feel like they exist in the consciousness of others.

Brenda V Rupp: Are any of your characters based on people that you know?

Mary Meyer Johnson: Any plans for a screenplay?

Ricki Marking-Camuto: If the book is published in China (as Deborah’s question asks), will there be any changes?

laura lanham: Deanna You have had a beautiful turn out here today and I am honored to have been one of them.. But I must leave now so thank you for coming and answering my questions.

DeannaFei: Also, I love when readers articulate what the novel is about in a way I hadn’t thought of before. Once, a reader in Seattle told me that the book spoke to her so deeply b/c it’s about how us women get so used to fighting for everything that we don’t know when to stop. And I thought, that’s so true!

Jennifer Young: Thanks for sharing with us Deanna

Mary Meyer Johnson: Ricki – great Q about potential changes if the book is published in Chinese!

Michelle Miller: Will new books–non-sequels–be set in China also?

Leslie Shelor: Thank you so much; it has been very interesting and the book sounds fantastic!

DeannaFei: I don’t know about publication in China–though it is interesting to wonder about potential censorship. Of course, the Chinese authorities had plenty of opportunity to censor my work while I was living there, and they never did. As for a screenplay, it’s out of my hands! I certainly would be interested to see one.

BookTrib: Thank you all so much for coming to celebrate the paperback release of A Thread of Sky! Please sign the guest book at http://booktrib.com/e-ventful-book-party-with-deanna-fei

BookTrib: We will now announce the lucky winners that will receive a gift bag filled with beautiful goodies! Thank you, again, to our sponsors Dollbirdies, Dumb Kid Designs and Jenni Bick.

ljlevan: Thanks for doing this!

kaybstew: Deanna, this was delightful. Best wishes! And thanks so much!

DeannaFei: I’m so glad to have had the chance to chat with all of you today. Thanks for all your wonderful questions and comments. Please connect with me anytime on FB, Twitter, or my website, deannafei.com!

Athira C: Thank you so much for this party! I feel thrilled to have been a part of this!

regulus57: Glad I was on to see the chat and I have another book to read now, thanks

BookTrib: Kaybstew, booksnyc, Jennifer Young, Aimala, Kathryn Poulin, Kathy Worrell-Newton, Angela Smith, Deborah Sloan, Deena Mayhew, Mrsmooncat

Wishing Penny: Thank you!

Kathryn Poulin: Thank you for visiting with us Deanna!

Kris Becker: I lovebooks like this.

booksnyc: great to chat – thanks!

BookTrib: Thank you so much, Deanna, for joining us today! It was great!

DeannaFei: Congrats to the winners of the gift bags! I confess, I want one…

TokyoSuperFrog: Congrats to the winners and thank you Deanna for taking the time to chat with everyone!

Kelley Cassity: Thank you for sharing with us Deanna!

BookTrib: Again the winners of the goodie bags are…

BookTrib: Kaybstew, booksnyc, Jennifer Young, Aimala, Kathryn Poulin, Kathy Worrell-Newton, Angela Smith, Deborah Sloan, Deena Mayhew, Mrsmooncat

Jennifer Young: thank you!

bookbrainy: Congrats winners!

Kathryn Poulin: Thank you so much!!!!

BookTrib: If you’re a winner please email deannafei@booktrib.com to claim your goodie bag.

BookTrib: Thank you all so much for coming!

booksnyc: wow! thanks!

DeannaFei: Thanks again, everyone! Happy reading, and I hope to talk with all of you again.

BookTrib: Congrats to all of the winners!

kaybstew: Thank you for making this possible! And thanks for the gift bag! I’m excited!!

BookTrib: Winners please email deannafei@booktrib.com with your mailing address!

Wishing Penny: Congrat to the winners – thank you for a fun party!

BookTrib: Thanks everyone!

A huge thanks to Deanna for taking the time to answer questions and to everyone who attended! If you haven’t already, be sure to pick up a copy of A Thread of Sky!

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