The Writer's Life 12/11 - Cultures

Have you ever imagined living in a foreign country? How about one that has a completely different culture? It’s not something that interests me. I’m one of those weirdos who does not even like to travel. I do occasionally dream of moving to a warmer climate within the U.S., especially this time of year, but I don’t know if I’ll ever do it. In Losing Kei, a novel by Suzanne Kamata, the author portrays one westerner’s experience living in Japan -- a young artist who marries and bears a son. Apparently, it doesn’t wholly reflect Kamata’s own life, as she still lives there and is the mother of twins. I’d guess the work is a combination of her own experiences and that of friends and acquaintances. While the character of the central figure is revealed to a large extent, that of the others is not. This is especially disappointing in the portraits of her husband and mother in law, although the latter is easily imagined. Her mate is almost a complete mystery. Are they stereotypes? I'm not sure, but it is wrong for readers to base the character of an entire society on the actions and words of a few of its citizens. The novel’s best aspect is the love of the mother for her little boy. It is frequently touching. There is an element of suspense, but it never really takes off. That may be said of the entire work. The dialogue and prose are fine. My only quibble is with the overuse of “that,” which is often problematic and which I’m sure most readers wouldn’t even notice. The 180 or so pages read more like 150. On a scale of five, I’d rate it 2.5. The nine users who have rated it at Amazon disagree, forging to a consensus of four out of five. This was Kamata’s first novel. It followed a story collection. She has eight books in print overall, two in non-fiction. She is a five-time Pushcart nominee and, unlike yours truly, has won awards and contests. I will go the sexist route and say Losing Kei will probably appeal more to women. It’s largest appeal would likely be to those with experience in interracial relationships.

I’ve proofed 345 pages of my rock n roll epic, Rising Star. I have less than a hundred to go. I hope I’m not rushing it, but the foul weather has confined me to the apartment and I try to use the time productively. I’ve found 24 errors, stated certain thoughts more clearly, and made a few additions that have not added even a single page to the manuscript. When I finish this phase, I will query my literary angel, Victoria Valentine of Water Forest Press. She uses Create Space for all her books. I’m not sure if I have to include a title page or if they will do it automatically. And I’d like to know if the About the Author and Acknowledgments have to be submitted separately. Despite the commercial failure of my other books, I’m still excited. I believe it’s a good, entertaining story, but I have reservations about a few of the plot machinations, and I'm sure that anyone who has worked behind the scenes in the music industry, especially the business side, will know it was written by an outsider.

The book shop was a last minute decision, a go when I found the wind wasn't as fierce as the radio forecaster said it would be. Still, it was cold and flurries were in the air, even when the sun was out. My thanks to the middle aged woman who bought an odd pairing:  Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youth's Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa by Mark Mathabane, and Assassins, a thriller whose author escapes me.

Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/