Not in Japan, but I'd loved to be. Been working on my Rosetta Stone biz so I'm getting to the point where a future visit is a little more realistic. It's awesome that you're there though, I'm super jealous!
日本語
- Thread starter Liosse de Velishaf
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I'm here, too. I doubt I'll ever be going back to the states. I've kinda put roots down.
I read sf/f and a smattering of other stuff from particular authors I like. Write mostly fantasy that is slightly off from many of the standard tropes.
But, yeah, there are a few of us around.
I read sf/f and a smattering of other stuff from particular authors I like. Write mostly fantasy that is slightly off from many of the standard tropes.
But, yeah, there are a few of us around.
retlaw
Banned
I've _been_ to Japan. Does that count? 
Sadly, only Tokyo. Would love to get out into the country my next visit.
p.s. oh, and i'm a huge naruto nerd!
Sadly, only Tokyo. Would love to get out into the country my next visit. p.s. oh, and i'm a huge naruto nerd!
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I did it. I wrote for the western market because it was in English, after all. Did the whole querying process from Japan and what not. Tips: Querying isn't that hard, and it's not as big a deal anymore if you have an agent in another country. Email queries are (obviously) the easiest and cheapest.
However, they had a certain type of mail (document mail or something?) that was much cheaper than normal mail. It was still more expensive than sending paper queries domestically, but it cut down on costs of paper ones dramatically. I sent probably thirty or forty paper queries, so this was a big deal for me. That's can add up to a lot, especially when you're adding writing samples more than a couple of pages.
The SASE was more difficult. People don't like international reply coupons. I had family send me a ton of forever stamps from the states and used those. I think I typically put two per small envelope, which was usually enough. A couple of times there was an issue when a person wanted to send back more than one sheet of paper, but literally only like two times. I'd probably include a note next time that samples can be recycled to eliminate this problem.
Last thought: most American agents ask specifically for 8 1/2 x 11 paper, which is completely unavailable in Japan. Send A4. They understand and no one cares and they get enough mail internationally that it isn't a problem. (asked a couple of agents before I started sending)
Otherwise, it's not different from querying from anywhere else. My goal had been to get published in English and then have interest for translations so that my Japanese friends could read it as well, but my Japanese skills just aren't good enough to produce a novel. It was fun, though. Totally missing Japan!
However, they had a certain type of mail (document mail or something?) that was much cheaper than normal mail. It was still more expensive than sending paper queries domestically, but it cut down on costs of paper ones dramatically. I sent probably thirty or forty paper queries, so this was a big deal for me. That's can add up to a lot, especially when you're adding writing samples more than a couple of pages.
The SASE was more difficult. People don't like international reply coupons. I had family send me a ton of forever stamps from the states and used those. I think I typically put two per small envelope, which was usually enough. A couple of times there was an issue when a person wanted to send back more than one sheet of paper, but literally only like two times. I'd probably include a note next time that samples can be recycled to eliminate this problem.
Last thought: most American agents ask specifically for 8 1/2 x 11 paper, which is completely unavailable in Japan. Send A4. They understand and no one cares and they get enough mail internationally that it isn't a problem. (asked a couple of agents before I started sending)
Otherwise, it's not different from querying from anywhere else. My goal had been to get published in English and then have interest for translations so that my Japanese friends could read it as well, but my Japanese skills just aren't good enough to produce a novel. It was fun, though.
Totally missing Japan!
So sorry, everyone! For some reason these messages were getting buried in my spam folder >.<
Anyway...
Anyway...
Hi,
lol, you sound just like me! And, I used to live in Chiba!
Good luck in your writing!
Thank you, I will send a PM in a moment!
I've never tried Rosetta, though I've been hearing about it for a long time. I have used japanesepod101.com in the past and liked it. Good luck!
How long have you been here? Next month will mark four years since I came here.
I usually write fantasy or horror; read anything I can get my hands on
but especially SF/F, Horror, Thrillers, etc.
I did it. I wrote for the western market because it was in English, after all. Did the whole querying process from Japan and what not. Tips: Querying isn't that hard, and it's not as big a deal anymore if you have an agent in another country. Email queries are (obviously) the easiest and cheapest.
Thank you for this. I have not yet started querying from here (letting my latest finished MS breath before taking a last pass; working on something new now).
However, they had a certain type of mail (document mail or something?) that was much cheaper than normal mail. It was still more expensive than sending paper queries domestically, but it cut down on costs of paper ones dramatically. I sent probably thirty or forty paper queries, so this was a big deal for me. That's can add up to a lot, especially when you're adding writing samples more than a couple of pages.
The SASE was more difficult. People don't like international reply coupons. I had family send me a ton of forever stamps from the states and used those. I think I typically put two per small envelope, which was usually enough. A couple of times there was an issue when a person wanted to send back more than one sheet of paper, but literally only like two times. I'd probably include a note next time that samples can be recycled to eliminate this problem.
I've been thinking about sending paper queries through my family in the States and have them forward any responses to me in bulk, but just as a maybe.
Last thought: most American agents ask specifically for 8 1/2 x 11 paper, which is completely unavailable in Japan. Send A4. They understand and no one cares and they get enough mail internationally that it isn't a problem. (asked a couple of agents before I started sending)
I have also been wondering about this too. Good to know!
Otherwise, it's not different from querying from anywhere else. My goal had been to get published in English and then have interest for translations so that my Japanese friends could read it as well, but my Japanese skills just aren't good enough to produce a novel. It was fun, though.
In the back on my mind, I have been kind of hoping for this as well. My husband is a writer as well (music/lyrics), so if it (every!) comes to that, he would love to translate my work (I often translate his to English from time to time). Who knows, but it would be nice!
Thank you so much for all the helpful tips and advice!
I've been here since '97. So, I guess 15 years now. I spent the whole time here in Toyama. It's a great place, but not for everyone.
Many people come with a certain set of expectations that get horribly smashed when the reality hits. I was lucky and able to make some good friendships that weren't based on certain types of short term interests that I'm reluctant to actually mention because I'd sound like an arrogant jerk.
Once you start understanding how things work, you can find a place for yourself. Then it becomes comfortable, even after the "oh shiny" feeling wears off.
I'm very glad that I'm not in a major city like Tokyo or Oosaka.
Many people come with a certain set of expectations that get horribly smashed when the reality hits. I was lucky and able to make some good friendships that weren't based on certain types of short term interests that I'm reluctant to actually mention because I'd sound like an arrogant jerk.
Once you start understanding how things work, you can find a place for yourself. Then it becomes comfortable, even after the "oh shiny" feeling wears off.
I'm very glad that I'm not in a major city like Tokyo or Oosaka.
Yeah, one tends to forget about the sky in Tokyo...
But I love it here too--been here about 4 years and still learning things. Sadly, my Japanese is still pretty rough. I've also used Jpod101 and like it. Actually, what's helped me a lot is playing 逆転裁判. (that's Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney for our American brethren) I mean, apart from great practice reading kanji, I now have the confidence and expertise to pursue a career in Japanese law.
Oh, and Kaitie, thanks for the info. I've not sent anything paper yet, but hope to soon!
But I love it here too--been here about 4 years and still learning things. Sadly, my Japanese is still pretty rough. I've also used Jpod101 and like it. Actually, what's helped me a lot is playing 逆転裁判. (that's Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney for our American brethren) I mean, apart from great practice reading kanji, I now have the confidence and expertise to pursue a career in Japanese law.
Oh, and Kaitie, thanks for the info. I've not sent anything paper yet, but hope to soon!
*moves thread to the master thread about Japanese*
Everyone ok? I'm sorry the landing was a little rough, but the thread has safely landed.
Everyone ok? I'm sorry the landing was a little rough, but the thread has safely landed.
No worries on my part Sarah. Now I only have to look for one thread instead of two.
And how can you have a rough landing with a sparky pink Uni?
And how can you have a rough landing with a sparky pink Uni?
Accidents have been known to happen.
I mean, the glitter episode was totally not my fault. *nods*
I mean, the glitter episode was totally not my fault. *nods*
I took Japanese for two years, then had to stop due to scheduling stuff. I do plan to buy the next textbook in the series we were using though, so I can keep studying
日本でラノベのマーケットはすごく活発なマーケットだって知っていますか？ ラノベっていうのは「ライトノベル」であり、西洋の「NOVELLA」と似ている。小説と違う。ライノベは大部分キャラクターのダイアログと小さい段落（～５文）である。それに、キャラクターのイラストを入れる。 最近、アニメの原作は漫画よりラノベである。
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On Youtube, the commercials that i sometimes get before the videos, they have recently begun to more and more often be in Japanese. 
On Youtube, the commercials that i sometimes get before the videos, they have recently begun to more and more often be in Japanese.
I never get commercials before videos on youtube. Interesting.
Did they give you the one with Jean Reno as Doraemon?
Oh, glad I found this thread! I minored in Asian Studies with a focus on Japan in college. I was fluent, and spent a couple of weeks in Japan. Then I moved to Oklahoma, where I know exactly 0 people who speak Japanese. I lost it. I would like to relearn though! I need to get on that.
Spent 4 years at Japanese major but after 5 years I have difficulties putting together a sentence :C
A wise man once said, "You learn to play the flute by playing the flute". In other words, keep practicing.
I won't say I'm 100% fluent even though I've lived here almost half my life (!) but I can get by and then some. My kanji still sucks, though.
Iceland sounds fascinating. Ever since I saw the original Journey to the Center of the Earth I've always wanted to go there. Someday, someday...
I won't say I'm 100% fluent even though I've lived here almost half my life (!) but I can get by and then some. My kanji still sucks, though.
Iceland sounds fascinating. Ever since I saw the original Journey to the Center of the Earth I've always wanted to go there. Someday, someday...
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My ability in Japanese tends to fluctuate depending on what I'm focusing on at any given moment. Currently I'm deep into my work, so my Japanese has taken a nose dive, but when I'm heavily involved in martial arts, it all bubbles back up.
I've been lazily studying it since high school and moving here has improved it of course, but I'm still at "that foreigner who tries" level. I blame a complete lack of discipline and pursuing my interests in chunks rather than simply picking one goal and completing it.
I've been lazily studying it since high school and moving here has improved it of course, but I'm still at "that foreigner who tries" level. I blame a complete lack of discipline and pursuing my interests in chunks rather than simply picking one goal and completing it.
