Increase the Resolution of Your Desire to Write: Report on the Note Exchange Meeting

I had a conversation at Tomoshibi-san's note exchange meeting.

Tomoshibi-san was truly a wonderful person.
Just as I had imagined from their writing, they carried a gentle atmosphere and listened carefully to everything I had to say, one point at a time. And without ever being dismissive, they helped me search for the best path forward. That is exactly the kind of person they were.

Now, lately, I have been struggling with the question of "how can I continue to create?"

I want to write more. That is my greatest wish.
But reality is cruel; I have to work to survive. If I work, my writing time is cut, and conversely, if I prioritize writing time, my income decreases.

While holding onto that contradiction, I have been thinking about whether I could create a system like monetization or a basic income so that I wouldn't have to stop writing.

Tomoshibi-san gave me some words of advice regarding that.

"It seems like it would be good to increase the resolution of your desire to write."

That one sentence became the strength I needed to move forward.

What does that mean? I think "I want to write more," but I had left it ambiguous as to what exactly that "want to write" refers to. If I could make writing my job, there would be nothing happier than that. But what on earth does it mean to "make writing a job"?

I am someone who shouts about wanting to write novels, but I was made to realize that while I continue to do that, there might be other jobs derived from writing.

It is true that I have a tendency to be extreme, often thinking, "If I'm going to write anything other than novels, I'd rather just write novels!" But I don't have to be obsessed with just one thing. Writing text that is easier to get paid for is also a perfectly valid form of writing.

I thought, "I see!"

For example, being a writer or a blogger. I have written so much in the past that I am sick of it, but well, that is one path.
Watching books or movies and writing reviews to do affiliate marketing is another. Though time is a concern.
Paid notes or membership sites are also options, but can I handle themes that come up forever? Or not.

If I think about it more deeply, it seems there are many things I can do.

And they also said, "It is ambiguous what kind of character 'Hoshi Torako' is."

Ah, that is certainly true.

Whether it is a character or branding, I had nothing like a title that fits a certain type of person.

I really think people who are fully committed to something are wonderful. Yes, when I thought about committing to something, Tomoshibi-san gave me wonderful advice again.

"It seems like something like the Literary Flea Market would suit you."

Aha. I had been thinking about that a little recently. Isn't it fun to make books after all? While it is fine to challenge myself with public submissions and various things, I had been thinking that I could make books myself, even if they aren't commercial magazines!!!

As expected. They read my notes thoroughly and showed me my direction. And I decided.

Yes, I am going to open a booth!!!!

......My hands are shaking a little as I write this. Because until now, it was just a blurry future conversation of "what if" or "someday." But today, through my conversation with Tomoshibi-san, it has turned into a "specific date" and "action."

Isn't this amazing?

Creation is a series of lonely tasks. You write, but you don't know who it reaches. Monetization and branding are also full of worries. However, today's realization was about taking a vague dream and turning it into a concrete plan. I learned that just by doing that, the future becomes so much clearer.

The next few months will be a preparation period for that. Just thinking about it makes me excited.

It really is wonderful to talk to people and organize your own thoughts. Tomoshibi-san, who engages in such activities, is truly amazing.

Why do you do these activities?
As you wrote on your note, Tomoshibi-san, you said you "want to give light to minorities as well."

When I heard that, I thought it was nice. For some reason, I have always chosen a way of life that is called "minority."

I write novels while working as a corporate slave, I have stumbled many times with monetization, and yet I stand up again. Perhaps it is just a long way around with no efficiency or correct answers.

But that is exactly why the words "I want to give light to minorities as well" overlapped with my own story.

Creation is sometimes lonely and hard for those around you to understand. But there are people who share that loneliness and say, "Your story can also be a light." I realized how much strength that sense of security gives you.

Tomoshibi-san was not just someone who listened and gave advice, but someone who "affirmed what the person themselves values." That is why I think I was able to gain courage.

And I thought,

--I, too, want to be a small light for someone.

If the book I hand out at the Literary Flea Market, even if it is just one copy, can make someone somewhere think, "It's okay to write" or "It's okay to continue," then imagining that future makes me tremble with excitement.

Now, what should I write? What should I make~!!!

Tomoshibi-san, thank you for the conversation. I look forward to working with you again.

Secret announcement
I was invited to a book recommendation meeting♡♡♡
Next time, Hoshi Torako will participate.