A Spring Haibun
In Japan’s 72 traditional micro seasons, winter gradually hints at giving way to spring with rain moistening the soil, mists that linger, and the surfacing of hibernating insects. In Tokyo, … Continue readingA Spring Haibun
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2024: The Year of Gnawing
It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to the past and future, and for me three words come to mind: gnawing, frustration, and creativity. Let me get the good … Continue reading2024: The Year of Gnawing
A New Thing About New Things
I’ve never been good at promoting myself on social media. I don’t have a strong urge to spam feeds with links to every story I write or share updates about … Continue readingA New Thing About New Things
August 2024 Haiku
I don’t know what to say about this month without swearing. Megaquake alert, multiple typhoons, a rice shortage, ridiculous heat and humidity…all we need now is Godzilla to awaken in … Continue readingAugust 2024 Haiku
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
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 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