Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Osmundsen.
Hi Megan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It was February of 2025 when I was looking for a birthday present for my dear friend Felicia who I play Mahjong with. I really wanted to give her a fun Mahjong gift book and realized it didn’t exist. There were American Mahjong books on the market but they felt more instructional and textbook-like. I wanted a gift book with humor and heart so I decided to create it myself. I had worked in publishing at Andrews McMeel Universal before I left to stay home with my daughter, Lydia. Luckily, I still had friends who worked there. One in particular, Jean, is an Editor and I pitched my idea. Turns out, they had been looking for a Mahjong author. It was meant to be!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think I signed the contract literally on the last day of school in May 2025. Last summer was challenging because my manuscript was due on August 1 and my two young children were home. It was a tricky balance of giving them a idyllic summer but also writing my book which included having to play Mahjong with my friends for “research”. It was mostly a smooth road minus the mom guilt.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am really excited about my book – Mahj+Mix: The Little of American Mahjong + Crafted Cocktails. It is the perfect gift and self purchase for the Mahjong player at any level. After being a stay a home mom for six years, it was an extremely cathartic experience to use my brain in a completely different way. But it wasn’t all work, lots of games of Mahjong with my beloved friends and testing cocktail recipes with my husband! My book is a comprised of two parts. Part one is your go-to guide for all things American Mahjong. It has rules, tips, tricks and strategies for game play. Part two focuses on the entertaining and social aspect with crafted batched cocktails in servings of four because Mahj is played with four people. It is also a gorgeous addition to any coffee table.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think American Mahjong is only going to get bigger and bigger. It is the perfect anti-screen activity that is mentally challenging but also extremely fun. For some reason it skews female players so there is a huge opportunity for men to start playing. The cognitive benefits make it a wonderful game for seniors while the emotional and mental wellness benefits can be for any and everyone.
Pricing:
- 16.99 for the book
Contact Info:
- Website: https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/book/mahj-mix-megan-sinclair-osmundsen/
- Instagram: @mahjmixbook
