Too Foreign?

Ad Astra · Oct 9, 2006

It is me, yet again.

I've had but one very good idea for a suspense novel in my head. I got the first two chapter outlines down and am starting to write the first chapter. I got this idea a while ago, but there's one problem:

It takes place in Japan (no, it's not manga or anything like that), and the names are presented in Japanese style: Last name first, Christian name last. Also, there's many references to Japanese culture.

If this idea is actually presented in a manuscript, should I put something in the beginning that clarifies much of the content in the MS?

Thanks.

Elektra · Oct 9, 2006

Read Memoirs of a Geisha. Chock-full of culture, but 100% accessable.

Ad Astra · Oct 9, 2006

I read it at my cousin's recommendation, and I found it to be very good.

But I was just wondering...

Silver King · Oct 9, 2006

Also, if you have a chance, read Hawaii, by James Michener, which offers helpful references to Japanese "style" written in English.

RedWombat · Oct 9, 2006

There's a set of mysteries set in Japan by...um...someone or other. I remember the titles--"The Pillow-Book of Lady Wisteria," "The Dragon King's Daughter," and a few others.

I'm not sure what idea you think you have to clarify--if you mean the naming convention of personal name last, then you could mention it unobtrusively, and I don't think anyone's going to scream.

PeeDee · Oct 9, 2006

We read books with names like "Aall'Fah'Maharat" in them. I think we can handle proper Japanese naming style. Heck, you can probably write "Myamato-San" and people will follow you decently enough.

nevada · Oct 10, 2006

Barry Eisler writes a series about a japanese hitman set in Japan. Great books. (Rainfall, Hard Rain, etc) Gorky Park takes place in Russia, with a Russian protagonist. Not a westerner in sight.

I wouldnt worry about it. Make the book as good as you can. That's all that's necessary.

Nicholas S.H.J.M Woodhouse · Oct 10, 2006

i agree with all above.
remember Haruki Murakami sets all his stuff in Japan and it sells like hot warm lint over here

DamaNegra · Oct 10, 2006

Yeah, take SF and Fantasy for example. It's all made up, you can't even go looking for an almanac or something if you don't understand.

Japanese is fine

Stop worrying and get on writing.

Kate Thornton · Oct 10, 2006

Dale Furutani's books set in medieval Japan are wonderful - great mysteries with a foreign (in time as well as place) setting - no explanations necessary!

Elektra · Oct 10, 2006

Just make a few references to Iron Chef and you'll be fine.

Prawn · Oct 10, 2006

Elektra said:
Just make a few references to Iron Chef and you'll be fine.

Is it just me? I get the creeps when that guy bites into that bell pepper.

janetbellinger · Oct 10, 2006

I set my first novel, Teacher on the Run, in Japan. I used proper Japanese names and never considered modifying them. I did not put in anything at the beginning to clarify the content of the ms. I tried to show it instead, through dialogue, etc. I don't know whether or not I was successful, since the novel is now out of print, due to me pulling it from publcation by Publish America.

Ad Astra said:
It is me, yet again.

I've had but one very good idea for a suspense novel in my head. I got the first two chapter outlines down and am starting to write the first chapter. I got this idea a while ago, but there's one problem:

It takes place in Japan (no, it's not manga or anything like that), and the names are presented in Japanese style: Last name first, Christian name last. Also, there's many references to Japanese culture.

If this idea is actually presented in a manuscript, should I put something in the beginning that clarifies much of the content in the MS?

Thanks.

Too Foreign?

Ad Astra

Cok Seviyorum!!

Elektra

Don't Call Me Sweetheart

Ad Astra

Cok Seviyorum!!

Silver King

Megalops Erectus

RedWombat

Runs With Scissors

PeeDee

Where's my tea, please...?

nevada

Nicholas S.H.J.M Woodhouse

swooping after you

DamaNegra

Mexican on the loose!

Kate Thornton

Still Happy to be Here. Or Anywhere

Elektra

Don't Call Me Sweetheart

Prawn

Writing is finite,revising infinite

janetbellinger