Hisashiburi…

It doesn’t seem to matter how long I’ve been gone from Japan, some words and phrases still come naturally. Take “hisashiburi” for example. It is the equivalent to “long time no see.” I would never say it in English, because the high pitched “ohmygod long time no see!” in a nobody-believes-you false happy voice that I hear at social gatherings is truly cringe worthy. It ruins the phrase for me. But hisashiburi? It just wants to pop out.

Hisashiburi indeed. It’s been two years. No apologies, I’ve been busy. And I no longer have a dedicated weekly writing time. So….

I’m on my 4th draft of the Nome novel. Parts of it are brilliant, and others are still too rough. I plod away at it when I have time. No new research on it now, except for double checking facts. Though I did go back and change some chapter dates. Each chapter has a relevant quote and the date at the beginning, pseudo diary entry format. I went back and aligned the dates with the weather. Can’t say they went for a walk in the sunshine if it rained all week… because, you know, someone else might fact check that and accuse me of not enough research.

Yes, I realize they are meaningless details that no one would likely object to. It’s more a nod to my anxiety, needing to prevent ANY possible objections or criticisms. Yes, I realize I have to get over it if I’m to ever finish the damn book. But see? I’m doing it again. Responding to imaginary criticism in my blog! Good gravy…

However, I am back. Because I like to blog? Sure, but I have an ulterior motive: I’m getting ready to publish my Memphis Belle story. I’ve got an illustrator and paid for the first 10 pages, made a Kickstarter, and have looked into starting my own publishing business. And in order to have a successful Kickstarter and book sales, I need to be more visible. Maybe eventually I’ll need to have accounts on other platforms, but I’ll start with one update and one book review each week. I’ve got to ease my introvert-self into the public.

Stay tuned for next time, when I share a few illustrations of Memphis Belle!