Ground Control to Major Tom
The book launch looms, in Tokyo and online.
The sweet scent of osmanthus in bloom has whisked me over the threshold of my thirty-ninth year. Sometime around a decade ago, I decided to patient myself and play the long game with this writing business. So long as I could publish a novel before I turned forty, I thought, I’d be golden. Arbitrary, sure, but as a goal it seemed both distant and plausible enough.
Almost a miracle, but I’ve just about followed through. Not that age means anything. I still feel as artless and existentially confused, at times, as I did twenty years ago, let alone ten. What is life if not an endless becoming.
But anyway, the day I long dreamt of, fought for, had second thoughts about, flimflammed an agent and editor into is (almost) here!
Next week I’ll be joining Zach Power of The Writer’s Center for a virtual craft chat the day Masquerade officially hits the shelves. The event will be on Tuesday, October 29 at 7 pm EST, which is October 30 at 8 am Japan Standard Time (I’ll be at my desk with an entire French press at the ready). I don’t believe there is an interactive portion for people tuning in, but you’re welcome to join if it piques your interest!
Then on Saturday, November 9, I have an in-person launch event in Hatagaya, Tokyo. I’ll give a short reading and then chat with Yuki Tejima, the wonderful translator, critic, and bridge-builder behind @booknerdtokyo, about the (often excruciating) work of writing and publishing.
As for the States, there are a few bookstore engagements in December that I’ll share a bit later.
I’m a pretty social person, but I honestly feel awkward and even somewhat embarrassed to consistently ask for so much attention. Yet here we are. Part of me pines for the experience of being author in an analog age, when you could ostensibly do this kind of thing more quietly. Or maybe I’m romanticizing?
While we’re at it, I should share the happy news that my novel has been featured on the Indie Next List from the American Booksellers Association. Bookstores are hands down my favorite places to poke around in whenever I travel, and living in Japan has made the experience even more exquisite (re: returning to the U.S. and basking in the privilege of browsing tens of thousands of books in a language to which I have full access).
Also, here’s a meaty review of my novel by Michael Knapp for Full Stop. I must say, to be read is an intensely intimate feeling, and especially when someone has so carefully apportioned their time and consideration to this wispy story I spent years scrabbling desperately at.
That’s all for now, folks. Take care and be well. ✌️
Feliz cumpleaños hermano - can’t wait to read Masquerade
Congratulations Mike, this is such an accomplishment! I too have a goal of having my first novel published by the time I turn 40 (not before, but not after too).
I have been dilly dallying writing slowly for the past four years, but now I feel some urgency to finish so I can write other works and therefore, that is likely what I will do. Action behind intention has helped me immensely in arriving to where I want to be.
Also super mega congratulations on making the Indie Next List, which will offer you some visibility. It is important as newly published writers that we ensure our audience can find us, so let yourself be found. I look forward to reading your work.
~S