Girl Wears Those Shoes

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

One evening over dinner, I talked about one day that I would really sit down and write a novel. My mom said, “Of all the time you talk about it, taking your hours-long baths and sipping wine, you would have already completed the book.” I thank my mom, who had put a spell on me, that may have saved me another ten years in talking about it. I thank my dad, who’s given me the genes to put up with my mom’s “critics,” and my brother ignore my “crazy ideas” all the time.

Mom’s words stuck in my head. I let my thoughts run, fly, and weigh more and more until one day, the pressure felt like my head was about to burst. It was a Sunday afternoon after the Fourth of July in 2019. I walked downstairs and made an announcement to my husband and two puppies:

“Guess what?! I’m going to write a book!”

“Okay.”

He looked at me. If he were in shock, he didn’t show it. And that’s him. I thank my husband for accepting my ongoing life choices with all his unconditional love and support. I thank our puppies, Sunny and Yuanyuan, for being my writing mates for two years.

It’s no doubt that creating fiction has been the toughest project I’ve undertaken. I wanted to portray a character that can inspire young female professionals in the business. I wanted to share the ideas, experiences, answers, values, and even controversial issues in a young realtor’s life. Gigi O represents a new model of contemporary Chinese immigrant. Through personal and professional growth, her spirit, principle, and value are universal. The battle, discipline, and the strength it takes to run through the course are the same for everybody, regardless of any race, s*x, or ethnic background. Like the Red Sole, this triumph does not prejudice. It loves the woman who rocks it!

I don’t know how many times I rewrote Parts 1 through 4. My pen started to flow when I reached part 7, so I rewrote part 1 again—never mind of running a business and trying to take care of family at the same time. As I wrote, I cried, laughed, and laughed and cried. It’s been quite a journey. And all of that started with that pair of “red sole.” But it’s what we do for “love,” right? And it’s always going back to that cliche: “Love conquers all things.”

This daring creation would never have seen the “light” without Stephen Geez, founder of indie publisher Fresh Ink Group. Stephen is an author, a literary teacher, and a brilliant entrepreneur. How lucky I am to be in the “school” of StephenGeez! How fortunate I am to have Beem Weeks, another talented author, as my editor! I thank all the members of the “author team” for their generosity in bringing this work to life!

This novel is a part of our voice. I share this accomplishment with my hard-working JWang Properties’ team. I wouldn’t have done it without the ongoing care and support from Rob Arnold, Delara Aubon, and Chianti Washington and the rest of my team.

Delara always tells me that “friends are the family we choose.” No doubt. Friends, I cherish all the time we could be together, sharing our laughter and tears. I thank you all for always being there for me. You all have made me such a warm and sweet harbor.

Anthony Bianchi and Margaret Tsanais, thank you for the good old times. The black phone on the desk and that old blue silver Christmas tree accompanied us. The office of RE/MAX Metro has always been “home” to me. I’ve never gone too far away.

Steve Teoh, I know you have been watching me smiling from heaven. And

Scott Wilmeth, I know you are there with Steven and perhaps taking a break from “nagging.”

Rita Satamaria, thank you for your mentorship and the powerful education from your Champions Real Estate school. You have always been my greatest inspiration!

“Hail to the Chief” to our CEO of Houston Association of Realtors, Bob Hale. We stand tall because of your fearless lead.

Much appreciation to our Chief Economist of Stewart Title, Ted Jones. In good or bad days, you always enlighten us with the greatest wisdom and encouragement.

And much gratitude goes to the leading organizations in our realestate industry and communities:

Women’s Council of Realtors, Houston Network

Women’s Council of Realtors, Texas Network

Women’s Council of Realtors, National Network

Certified Residential Specialist Council

Nancy Owen’s Breast Cancer Foundation

National Realtors Association

Texas Realtors Association

Houston Ballet Ambassadors’ Committee

University of Houston, Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management

Finally, I bow to the City of Houston, our home with love, liberty, resilience, and diversity under the bright Texas sun!