March 11
MARCH 11: A HAIBUN The Ginza Line was pulling out of Ueno Station when the quake hit, jolting the train to a hard stop, then vibrating it like a car … Continue readingMarch 11
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On Sake, Dogs and Community
With a sudden tug, Henry sends a slug of sake over my hand. Blame it on the toy poodle in the distance. Or me for trying to hold a one-cup … Continue readingOn Sake, Dogs and Community
The Sackings – A piece of flash fiction
The Sackings Gossip had awoken the staff room from a monotony-induced slumber. A teacher had been fired. Something to do with harassing female students during class was one of the … Continue readingThe Sackings – A piece of flash fiction
Why I Don’t Like Anti-NaNoWriMo Snobbery
This post might well come across as grumpy. Partly, I’m blaming the weather—as I write, Tokyo is getting its first snowfall in November for 54 years, and it’s grim. Mainly, … Continue readingWhy I Don’t Like Anti-NaNoWriMo Snobbery
A Hike in the Tanzawa Range
AS DAWN APPROACHES atop Tonodake (Mount To), a chill wind whips over the exposed peak. Off to the west, Mount Fuji begins to emerge as the darkness that cups the peaks … Continue readingA Hike in the Tanzawa Range
The business of being a freelance writer in Japan, part 2
And here is the second installment of notes from my presentation for the Society of Writers, Editors and Translators on the business side of being a freelance writer in Japan (the first … Continue readingThe business of being a freelance writer in Japan, part 2
The business of being a freelance writer in Japan, part 1
[Updated March 2022] From time to time, new writers and students get in touch to ask for advice about becoming a writer, so I thought I’d post my notes from … Continue readingThe business of being a freelance writer in Japan, part 1
More micro fiction – five new stories
A month or so ago, I posted something about micro fiction and why I’ve found myself drawn to writing it. Call this an update of sorts to share the following handful … Continue readingMore micro fiction – five new stories
On “concrete” (or visual) haiku
It’s a funny thing sending off haiku to haiku journals. Even with the most recognized publications, the variety in the styles of poetry – and the execution of them – … Continue readingOn “concrete” (or visual) haiku
Assignment red flags and sniffing out potential deadbeats
Recently, I ditched an occasional client in relation to copyright infringement of my work. The details aren’t important here, but it did make me realize how fortunate I’ve been to … Continue readingAssignment red flags and sniffing out potential deadbeats