How to Read a Novel

Do you think writers record their lives in their novels? Some do, but only the amateurs. The rest of us write what we think about life, and we make up characters that illustrate our thoughts.

If I just rambled on about what I thought about this or that, you might not enjoy reading it. But if I make Yu Ganaha, Dr. Karen Holt, Mr. Shiroma and Daichi Tomori act out my ideas on life and love, you can have a lot of fun with the story.

There's even a butterfly who makes a point.

Have fun!

What is a novel?

This is from my hero, the writer James Michener, who answers a popular question from novel readers: Did the events in the story really happen?

He says: "Yes, but only in the mind of the writer. And, of course, in your mind too. That's what a novel is: the exchange of dreams."

I hope that Katsuren, too, is that kind of novel--as vivid as a dream, one that you'd like to linger in.

How to Write your Novel (2)

Ya gotta have heart! The human heart (some might call it soul) is a one size fits all kind of gadget--it can stretch or shrink, according to the demands we make on it.

Two years ago, when I was facing painful and complicated surgery, my heart (soul) was in danger of shrinking to the size of a dried up pea, or maybe even smaller. It had room for only one thought: survival.

Then I asked myself, if survival were a given, then what? What would I most like to do?

Take a moment. Ask yourself the same question. Are you answering, I really want to wash more dishes and vacuum more floors, ride the commuter train more hours and spend more downtime playing internet solitaire?

I didn't think so. Neither did I.

That's when I really made up my mind to finish my novel and publish it. When you ask a lot of yourself, it's amazing how you can find the heart to accomplish it.

How to Write your Novel (1)

You know what makes it really easy to get started? Being part of a writing group! Inspiration is infectious, and when you're around people who live to write, you'll find yourself wanting to write more and more.

What's more, when you've got something down on paper, you'll have enthusiastic readers to show it to. Here is some of the feedback I got from my writing group on my first draft of Katsuren:

"You have put into play some of the most powerful dramatic themes: love, belonging, a sense of place, and the contrast between cultures."

"You have an amazing story. Do not ever think otherwise."

"Send it out. See you in print!"

"I am totally in awe of your ending!"


See? With feedback like this, you can't help but want to write.

Starting with a Place

Saaa... as they say in Japan when they mean "hmmm..." How do you start writing a novel?

I knew mine would have Okinawa for a setting, but Okinawa is a pretty big island with a lot to offer. Every island--even Antarctica--has sea and scenery, so what does Okinawa have that other islands don't? Short answer: it's own kind of people.

* You know you're in Okinawa when you hear someone play a sanshin.
* You know you're in Okinawa when you see the exotic seafood in the central market. In Okinawa, fishermen and "men of the sea" are heroes.
* You know you're in Okinawa when a taxi driver offers you a full day tour, a half day tour, a ride around the block.

For starters, I decided to match up my main character with an Okinawa taxi driver and put them on the road to Katsuren.