What Did I Miss? – January 2021

Published Works

Review of A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland – For Goodreads, after receiving an ARC of this upcoming middle grade novel from Disney Books, I give my brief thoughts about it.

The Backstory ‘Cobra Kai’ Should Tell – For The Nerds of Color, I argue my case for why the backstory of a gone but not forgotten character from “The Karate Kid” universe should be brought to life for the hit Netflix series.

The Stars of ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ Discuss Filming in Hawaii and Hawaiian Representation – For The Nerds of Color, I talked story with the four stars of this new family adventure Netflix film.

Review of Into the Dark by Claudia Gray – For Goodreads, ahead of its February release, I give my take on the first young adult novel from “The High Republic” era of “Star Wars.”

Appearances

Amazing Asians in the Arts: Lauren Lola – I am the first featured creative for The Cr8sian Project’s Amazing Asians in the Arts series for the year. I talk about my work as a writer, challenges and moments from my journey, and goals I have set for myself.

Jan. 5, 2021 – Screenwriter Lauren Lola (An Absolute Mind) – I take part in a short interview for WILDsound Podcast about the screenplay adaptation of An Absolute Mind, my journey as a writer, as well as which “Star Wars” film I’ve seen the most times.

Rainy Day Artistic Collective Interview – Ahead of the inaugural Winter One Act Festival, as one of the playwrights who will have work featured in it, I’m interviewed about my journey in the theatre world for the collective’s Facebook page.

Interview with Screenwriter Lauren Lola (AN ABSOLUTE MIND) – Matthew Toffolo, CEO of the WILDsound Film Festival, interviews me about the screenplay adaptation of “An Absolute Mind”.

News

The Short Screenplay Challenge 2020 | 1st Round, Challenge #2 Results – My scores from the first two challenges of this screenwriting competition are added up, placing me in the Top 15 for my assigned group.

Trailers

SCREENPLAY TRAILER: An Absolute Mind Script Trailer – WILDsound’s Fantasy/Sci-Fi Film & Writing Festival produces an epic trailer for the screenplay adaptation of my second novel of the same name.

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What Did I Miss?: September 2020

Published Works

‘Mulan’ is a Thoughtful but Clunky Iteration of the Chinese Folktale – For The Nerds of Color, after being granted access to a screener of this highly anticipated live-action remake from Disney, I get down to business and give my take on it.

Patrick Clanton on Exploring Disney’s Hidden Gems on Behind the Ears YouTube Channel – For The Nerds of Color, I interview the creator and host of this new Disney-focused YouTube Channel about how it came together during the COVID-19 crisis.

Review of Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger – For Goodreads, I give my two cents on this debut work from a brilliant author on the rise.

Jessica Henwick: The Hapa Franchise Queen on Growing Up Between Two Cultures – For my debut issue as the new writer of Hapa Mag, Lauren Winn and I collaborated on this interview with this extraordinary actress and writer on her journey in the entertainment industry over the past decade.

The Presentation of Multiculturalism in the World of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” – For my debut issue as the new writer of Hapa Mag, I do an in-depth dive into how multiculturalism is presented in this beloved franchise, at a time of its resurgence into popularity.

What Did I Miss?: July 2019

Published Works

Review of Unsung Heroine by Sarah Kuhn – For Goodreads, I provide my impressions on this novella companion to this author’s beloved super heroine trilogy.

Director Lulu Wang Explores Telling a Story Based on an Actual Lie in “The Farewell” – For the Center for Asian American Media, I sat down with this thoughtful director on the making of this very moving film.

From Fan to Writer: F.C. Yee on Developing the Story of Avatar Kyoshi – For The Nerds of Color, I got deep and geeky with this author/Avatar fan about the honor (*wink*) of writing the first YA novel in the Avatar universe.

The Circle of Life of “He Lives in You” from ‘The Lion King’ – For The Nerds of Color, I give an overview of the different iterations over the years of this underrated yet powerful song from “The Lion King” repertoire.

Review of The Rise of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee – For Goodreads, I explain why fans of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” will relish in this novel about one of the most incredible avatars prior to Aang.

‘Cobra Kai’ Has Got to Step Up Its Representation Game in Season 3 – For The Nerds of Color, I address a flaw this YouTube series has had over the course of its first two seasons, in the midst of a recent reveal about what’s to come in the new season.

Appearances

Lauren (San Francisco Bay Area, California) – I recently shared my experience for Mixed (Me)dia about being a mixed race person, by explaining a little bit about who I am, my thoughts about being mixed race, and advice for those who’re navigating their own mixed race journeys.

Writers’ Spotlight: Summer 2019 – Asienne Magazine gives previews to two separate interviews that were done with two California-based Filipino American writers (I being one of them).

Other News

CAAM Production of Wayne Wang’s “Coming Home Again” to World Premiere at TIFF – A film I briefly worked on last year, “Coming Home Again,” will be having its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

What Did I Miss?: May 2019

Published Works

Review of This Is Paradise: Stories by Kristiana Kahakauwila – For Goodreads, I give my general impression on this debut collection that gives a very real look at Hawaii.

Actor Charles Melton Discusses Filming “The Sun Is Also a Star” – For the Center for Asian American Media, I sit down with the “Riverdale” star as he gives me a deep analysis of his role in the upcoming teen drama.

Review of Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen – For Goodreads, I give a brief rundown of my thoughts on this debut novel that will surely tug on the heartstrings.

Actress Nichole Bloom Discusses Her Journey to “Superstore” at CAAMFest 37 – For the Center for Asian American Media, I did a cover story on the conversation with one of the lead actors of the NBC hit series on how she got her start and her journey in acting.

The Stars and Director of “Always Be My Maybe” on Creative Collaboration and Love for San Francisco – For the Center for Asian American Media, I sit down with Ali Wong, Randall Park, and Nahnatchka Khan to discuss the making of this upcoming Netflix rom-com.

Review of I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn – For Goodreads, I go over my general impressions of this author’s first venture into the YA genre.

Appearances

defining the fil-am identity with lauren lola – I was recently interviewed for a feature profile for Asienne Magazine. I talk about living life as a mixed race Filipino American, my journey as a writer, and my desire to collaborate with Wong Fu Productions on a short film one day.