The reason I was able to do my best was because of you. Introducing the notes, novels, and works of those who gave me feedback and comments

　The other day, "That's Not Plagiarism!", which I had submitted to the Work Novel category of the Creative Awards, was completed.

　I received more likes and comments than I ever imagined, and I am surprised by the positive response.

　I mixed in things I felt from my own real-life experiences here and there in this work. I even included a tiny bit of my struggles with work from the past to the present.

　The plagiarism scandal, stories from when I used to apply to contests, crowdsourcing, stories about writers, and things that happened in the office are all based on real experiences. Perhaps that is why I occasionally get comments saying the realism is amazing (lol).

　Writing this work, I realized once again that it is easier to write and easier for people to empathize with things that have real-life models or real experiences included.

　In that sense, it might be better to have various experiences to create works.

　Since I have participated in the Creative Awards in the past, I am well aware that just because there are many likes and comments, it does not necessarily mean I will win.

　Last year, too, there were countless times when I thought, "Huh... why? I thought for sure this would be chosen!" even though there were many works that were read a lot and had many likes.

　I don't know the selection criteria, so I don't know what the result will be... but even so, I am extremely satisfied at this point and feel a sense of accomplishment.

　That is because I received many happy comments and feedback from so many people! I was truly happy. Thank you very much.

　I did my best this year, so I feel like I can honestly accept any result. (Though I might feel disappointed when I actually find out the result...)

　Perhaps the thing that makes me happiest when creating articles and works is having people read them or being able to make someone happy. I felt that once again.

　I usually work as a writer. Last year, my sales were the highest ever (I didn't intend for that to happen, but they significantly exceeded the sales from the year before last), and I paid my city tax in a lump sum, so a large amount of money flew away.

　For the past few years, I have been spending my days silently submitting articles. My work is fun, and I am grateful to be given work.

　However. Sometimes when I stop working, I suddenly wonder. What am I writing for? Why do I keep writing this much? Why am I working so hard?

　Because I like writing?
　Because I want money? For my daughter's education?
　Because I want new jewelry? For cafe money? Or are you planning to go to Hermes again?
　Because I want to buy more US stocks? Anxiety about the future? Social contribution?
　Because I can make clients and readers happy? (That sounds like someone who is overly conscious of their image)

　That is of course true, but there was one other big worry separate from that.

　Am I truly a person who can write? I want to know that.

　Am I just lucky enough to get work because I can write about topics that are in demand right now?

　If I am only blessed with topics that are in demand, work will surely stop coming someday. Once those topics run out, won't the contracts end?

This is the first time I've talked about this. It's because I thought, if things continue like this, it's no good.

I want to go back to my roots once more. And I want to re-examine my own strength.

Not by relying on topics that might get page views.

In the commercial world, in a world where writing is everything, how far can I go? Do I have the strength to turn my writing into money? I want to know! Hey, do I really have writing ability, the power of expression? Tell me, God! Note-sama!

With those thoughts in mind, I decided to take on the Creative Awards.

Thanks to the Creative Awards, it became a good opportunity to realize once again that 'there is a reader on the other side of the article.'

I hope to continue creating articles and works that readers will enjoy.

This time, as 'Mikumayutan's Reader All-Star Thanksgiving,' I will be introducing the articles, novels, etc., of those who gave me feedback and comments as a token of my gratitude.

Also, for those reading this article, I imagine some of you are also applying for the Creative Awards. I have sprinkled in things I kept in mind during my application throughout the text!

① The way you introduced it was so divine and kind that I fell in love with it / Hibiki-sama

Hibiki-sama recently wrote a feedback article for my work, 'That is not plagiarism!'

The feedback was a parade of incredibly happy words. Can I share them with you?

The moment I saw that... before I knew it, tears were...

Is there any other feedback that could make me this happy?

I think you wrote your feedback with honest expressions while thinking of the author, and it just pierced my heart so deeply; I am so happy.

I couldn't help but do a somersault on the spot.

I reread your feedback about ten times and kept ruminating on it over and over.

I'm probably so happy that I'll read it another 100 times! Thank you so much!

I couldn't help but say to my husband, 'Look, look! I got such a happy comment! I'm about to cry!' and when I showed him Hibiki-sama's feedback, for some reason, my husband also got teary-eyed.

'You know, maybe this novel will be adapted into a drama or a movie (please forgive me for skipping over the Creative Awards and getting too far ahead of myself).

What will you do if that happens?
You're going to be in big trouble!
Your life might change!

But keep doing your best!'

As he said that, my husband was also half-crying for some reason. I was able to have this interaction thanks to Hibiki-sama's article.

It seems Hibiki-sama works behind the scenes in the forestry industry.

Speaking of forestry, there was a movie in the past called 'Wood Job!' starring Hideaki Ito, Shota Sometani, and Masami Nagasawa.

The filming took place in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, and at the time, there were successive reports from locals saying things like, 'Hideaki Ito waved at me! He was incredibly cool!' and 'I saw Masami Nagasawa.'

I was a resident of Tsu at the time, and back then, I used to wander around town aimlessly hoping to run into Hideaki Ito.

In the end, I never got to meet him. Ever since that movie, whenever I hear the word forestry, I think of Hideaki Ito.

Please forgive me for the long digression when I think of Hideaki Ito. He's cool, isn't he, Hideaki Ito!

Well, I apologize for the tangent. Let me return to the story about Hibiki-sama.

Hibiki-sama majored in law at university. They also love reading and apparently read at least five books a month.

I thought their way of writing feedback was exceptionally good, and it makes sense now. They are someone who has a habit of reading books regularly.

In the future, I would like to read Hibiki-sama's essays and novels as well. Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback this time!

I met Hibiki-sama because I commented on an article that said, 'I am writing feedback for the Creative Awards.'

　On note and Twitter, there are people who say, "I will write feedback for you," so if you want feedback, it might be a good idea to ask them.

　If you are interested in Hibiki-sama's feedback, please try commenting on Hibiki-sama's articles.

② A superb fantasy by a talented mystery writer with a brilliant career / Returning to Purple

(Click here for the magazine)

　This is a work by Ayumu Sakamoto-sama, who is active as a mystery writer and has won numerous literary awards.

　Sakamoto-sama's background is also incredible.

　I was curious after seeing the profile, so I couldn't help but Google Sakamoto-sama.

　In it, tips for writing happily are introduced, and it was incredibly good, so if you are interested, please check it out!

　I unilaterally revere Sakamoto-sama as my "novel-writing mentor," and I have read many of their articles on how to write plots.

　Depending on the author, explanations can be difficult to understand, but Sakamoto-sama's explanations are incredibly easy to read and understand.

　If you don't know how to write a plot, please check out Sakamoto-sama's articles.

　Sakamoto-sama, who has a brilliant career, praised my introductory sentence in the comments for the first episode of "That is not plagiarism!"

　A professional writer, whom I am stalking as my mentor without permission, read my novel and praised it...

I'm so honored, I'm in agony!!!!

　The moment I saw the comment, my heart wouldn't stop pounding.

　Isn't that crazy? My mentor gave me words of praise! (I just think of them as my mentor on my own. I'm basically a stalker now.)

I am overwhelmed with emotion. The moment I received those words from my mentor, I made up my mind to thoroughly polish the rest of the story.

Now, let me return to the subject of Sakamoto-sama's work. 'Returning to Purple' is a story about tribes struggling through a special power possessed by purple grass.

Without giving away any spoilers, something happens in the year the purple grass buds.

To be honest, I haven't read many fantasy works.

My image of it was something like Final Fantasy. I had this image of monsters and beasts swarming out. (I apologize for my lack of knowledge.)

I never imagined that the way a plant (purple grass) grows would threaten the warriors! I was impressed by such a novel way of expression.

Personally, I have an image that describing plants is extremely difficult.

For me, I can only think of things like 'the buds opened,' 'the flowers bloomed,' or 'the sprouts grew up.' But since they are a professional writer, their expressive power is outstanding.

The expression is so skillful that it's as if the purple grass really exists there. The expressive power is wonderful, and the writing is clear and easy to read, so it keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

Please take a look at this authentic fantasy novel released by a professional mystery writer.

3. The Trap of Stylish Work Shoes / Aruron

Do you have any preferences when it comes to work shoes? I sometimes browse for work shoes at Workman. There are more and more stylish designs for work shoes these days, aren't there?

The work I am introducing this time is an essay by Aruron that focuses on work shoes.

Aruron gave me some wonderful feedback on Twitter for 'Genius and Mediocrity'.

Thank you for the wonderful feedback! That's exactly right.

Actually, for that work, I was very conscious of the tastes of 'The Laughing Salesman,' 'Tales of the Unusual,' and 'Weekly Storyland.'

As a token of my gratitude, I will introduce my thoughts on your essay.

In the essay, you find work shoes that are both functional and stylish, but then a 'certain event' triggers a conflict in your heart... that is how the work unfolds.

Work shoes can be tricky to wear if they have a cool design, right? I enjoyed reading this while empathizing with the struggle, which was depicted very well.

I used to think that the excitement men feel when looking for work shoes was more understated. It was a new discovery for me that men can get just as excited and hyped up as women.

4. Hair removal costs money, doesn't it? / Hey, you still have hair?

Mother @ Aozora Chikuwa, who writes essays and other things on note, left a happy comment on the first episode of 'That is not plagiarism'.

Thank you for your kind words!

As a token of my gratitude, please allow me to introduce a work that has been submitted to the Creative Awards 2024 essay category.

To introduce it without giving away any spoilers, the essay starts with a promotional copy from a hair removal salon that feels a bit exaggerated.

There are some exaggerated advertisements for beauty salons and hair removal services that make you wonder, 'Is this really okay?' aren't there?

Regulations for magazines and web media have become stricter, but I get the impression that local shops are still quite lax. Come to think of it, I spent about 400,000 yen on hair removal. It's expensive just to shave off hair, isn't it!

Anyway, sorry for the many digressions. Let me get back to the essay.

Mother's essay expands from a certain hair removal salon's ad copy that makes you think, 'Isn't that a bit exaggerated?', and it's filled with relatable phrases throughout, showing great skill in how the reader is guided.

The line breaks are also in just the right places, making it very easy to read.

I've read many works so far, but it's really great when something is easy to read (lol).

Sometimes there are works with absolutely no line breaks, packed tightly with text. I suppose in the world of creative writing and novels, that might not be wrong.

Books are often packed with text, and I remember that many people on Kakuyomu and Shousetsuka ni Narou also used few line breaks.

But I feel like it might be hard to read on the web... (This might be a controversial comment for those who are deeply into creative writing).

The frequency of line breaks is a matter of personal preference, but it's easier to read when they are provided at reasonable intervals.

Actually, in my work as a writer, there is a rule like 'insert a line break every 3 to 4 lines'.

Whenever I see an article with line breaks in just the right places, I sometimes think, 'Oh, are they a writer?'

Looking at Chikuwa-san's work, I immediately knew that this person is a web writer just like me!

The moment I saw the opening, I thought the story would revolve around Chikuwa-san, but then it took an unexpected turn! That shift was incredibly innovative and caught me off guard.

5. The time I spent away from note / Yunguu-san's article

I received some wonderful feedback from Yunguu-san regarding 'Linna and Canna,' which I had submitted to the 'Creative Awards 2024' in the past.

Here is the grateful feedback from Yunguu-san. This is the comment from the article that made me especially happy!

Oh, I'm so happy. Honestly, I don't know how many times I've reread it. I'm glad I worked hard to write it.

I also revised it again, taking Yunguu-san's comments and others into account. It was fun to feel like I was creating the work together with the readers.

Here is 'Linna and Canna,' which received the feedback.

This time, I will write my thoughts on an article of Yunguu-san's that I was curious about.

I had been secretly curious about 'The time I spent away from note.'

Reading this article made me reflect on myself. Although I am active now, there was a time when I myself was away from note... I also left my main social media account for various reasons.

No matter the tool, there are times when you suddenly wonder if it suits you and end up pausing, aren't there?

In this article, the struggles Yunguu-san faced while away from note are described with great care.

What I learned from this article is that Yunguu-san was actually a creator in the past as well.

On note, honest emotions are revealed, and the words resonated with me the whole time. I would be happy if I could see Yunguu-san's creative work someday.

Among Yunguu-san's articles, there are also some that serve as a reference for Creative Awards 2024 applicants.

Actually, I also secretly see works here and there where I think, 'Is this okay for the application requirements...? Are they really checking the requirements?'... No, I actually see a huge number of them.

Among them, there are influencers whose works are wonderful and have many likes, and I think, 'This is definitely going to win,' but then I realize they didn't attach the essay category tag! (If I knew them, I would have pointed it out, but they are such a super-seller that it's hard for someone like me to point it out... Someone please tell them!)

There are also works that are huge masterpieces but have no synopsis!
They don't have the specified tags either! The tag notation is wrong!
The synopsis must be within 300 characters! (Among the ones I saw today, there was an incredibly long synopsis, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was okay...)

The links to other articles aren't posted at the bottom of the article! (I think I saw a case where it said 'Click here for other articles' and those links were posted in that article, but looking at the application requirements, I believe it said to post links to all chapters in the first chapter!)

...There were more of those than I could hold in both hands.

Everyone, please check the application requirements one more time!

6. Could this become the new standard? The twin brother is an esper

From Suno Honda, I have received happy comments in the past regarding my work "Virgin Becomes an Erotic Novelist," which I submitted to the manga original story category.

I was quite particular about the titles, so I'm very happy to hear that. After all, when many works are lined up, I feel like the title and thumbnail become the criteria for whether or not someone will read it.

In the past, I saw a post by a noter saying, "I decide whether or not to read something based on the title and synopsis." I was very particular about those aspects!

Here, I will introduce the works of Suno Honda, who is also a catalyst for boosting my motivation.

I have introduced them in the past, but I thought I would explain the works a bit more thoroughly!

Honda-san's work, "The Twin Brother is an Esper," features Manaka, who has twin brothers. Both brothers have some kind of developmental characteristics, but the story progresses with the feeling that they are actually espers.

What I felt while reading it is that the character construction for each individual is very solid.

I have the impression that characters with developmental disabilities have not yet appeared in shonen manga? Or have they? (I'm sorry, I only know recent shonen manga like Demon Slayer and Roboco... Wait, why do I know Roboco?!) So, I feel this is a novel approach.

Even in dramas, recent hits like "Hatsukoi, Zarari," which depicts the love life of a girl with an intellectual disability, and "Chubo no Alice," where a girl with autism struggles, have been successful, so I feel that works featuring people with developmental characteristics will increase in the future.

Actually, my own child also has some developmental characteristics. They are receiving extra support and developmental therapy, so I hope this work becomes a source of hope for such children. I read it with that feeling in mind.

Also, here is the work "Virgin Becomes an Erotic Novelist" that Honda-san commented on. I would be happy if you could read this one too!

7. Introduced in Seto-san's article, I'm overwhelmed with emotion! / [Gratitude] 800 followers! I realized that feelings of gratitude can be conveyed by putting them into a single article.

I received feedback from Seto-san, so I wrote my thoughts out of pure joy, and then...

To my surprise, my article was introduced in Seto-san's article, "[Gratitude] 800 followers! I realized that feelings of gratitude can be conveyed by putting them into a single article."

The flow of writing thoughts on thoughts is also a bit interesting, isn't it? I was incredibly happy to have my article introduced in such a precious commemorative article for reaching 800 followers.

By the way, this is the article that was introduced.

I think this kind of spreading circle of gratitude is also one of the charms of note.

That concludes Mikumayutan's 'Reader All-Star Thanksgiving Festival'!

It really makes me happy to receive feedback. I would like to continue introducing works that I think are good or that I want to share as much as I can.

What I felt through note was,

Thinking, if it doesn't get read, that's fine.
Thinking, once I write it, that's the end of it.
Thinking, if I'm lucky, maybe I'll win an award.
Thinking, as long as I can write what I want to write, that's enough.

That's not it!

(↑Actually, before taking on this challenge, I'm embarrassed to admit I thought things like this)

Spreading connections between people and joy. Learning from people's works and thoughts.

That might be the real thrill of note.

Through people, the value of works and articles gains depth. I have that feeling.

The reason might be that I felt that those who sense those feelings leave behind better works. That's what I felt.

My mindset changed completely before and after starting. I'd like to summarize this on note someday too. I'm really glad I was able to take on this challenge.

For a while, I'd like to write about other people's impressions too. I show my gratitude, support, and respect to all the noters and readers. Including those who found their way here, thank you so much!

Mikumayutan

[Promotion]

I am also applying for the Creative Awards. At the suggestion of Hibiki-sama, I have compiled my entry works into a magazine.

I feel that when you compile them into a magazine, it's easier for readers to find the works.