Joanne Nixon Writes Across Borders: Essays on Life, Resilience, and Immigrant Stories
- Unique Wisdom
- May 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 14, 2025
After moving to the United States with her husband, Joanne Nixon embraced the challenges of building a new life. With determination, she wrote a collection of essays that combined passion with perseverance. Joanne’s journey reminds us that with courage and clarity, every step taken with intention leads to meaningful creation.
I first arrived in Houston, Texas, 45 years ago after getting married to my husband in Singapore, and have lived here ever since. I worked here for over 40 years and semi-retired two years ago.
I still do part-time interpretation work as a private contractor for two companies because I enjoy staying active in the community and engaging with society. It also allows me to polish my Mandarin and English skills. I maintain contact with my friends and relatives in Singapore and try to visit every other year.
Photo Credit: Joanne Nixon
Publishing Reflections in Two Languages
I recently published a book containing 100 essays, totaling about 83,000 words in English, with similar stories in Chinese presented side by side. The book is available on Amazon, and I have received numerous positive reviews.
Writing as a Lifelong Outlet for Expression
I have always loved writing. In my younger days, I wrote Chinese articles and submitted them to Chinese newspapers.
After living in the U.S. for 40 years, with fewer interactions in Chinese, I found that my thoughts began to flow in English. So, I started writing my stories in English.
Over the years, I have witnessed much corruption and injustice, which compelled me to bring these issues to light and let go of my anger or sorrow through writing.
Other times, I enjoy sharing humor and satire about those around me. Writing brings me joy and allows me to express myself, as I am not much of a public speaker.
Documenting Life Through Work, History, and Everyday Moments
I have never taken professional writing classes, but I have always enjoyed reading. From a young age, I would read both English and Chinese novels, often so engrossed that my schoolwork was somewhat neglected.
After becoming a published writer with a Chinese newspaper, I became even more enthusiastic about writing. However, after moving to Houston and living and working here for the past 40 years, my thoughts began to flow in English.
I write as my thoughts come to me, and my readers have told me that they appreciate how my writing feels like I am speaking directly to them.
Photo Credit: Joanne Nixon
I have worked at multiple companies and held various jobs, so I organized my essays into 10 chapters, each representing a different job and time frame. Within each chapter, I write about my personal experiences and global events.
You will find stories about Y2K, COVID-19, 9/11, Hurricane Harvey, and how we dealt with each of these events. The stories also highlight the immigrant experience - from China, South America, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia.
Perseverance as the Heart of the Rainbow Ride
I believe perseverance is the most essential virtue in riding the rainbow. Don’t be discouraged by the first stumbling block, and certainly don’t give up just because someone tells you it won’t work. Have no fear and no regrets. This is why my first book is titled Trip Trap Trot—keep on trotting.
Stay Connected
I am very active on Facebook under the name Joanne Nixon. You can also email me or contact me at 713-823-8963. I would love to share my book with you.