Writing is Living. [note 7th Anniversary Project] I answered 30 questions

I am participating in Toshio Tsukuda's [note 7th Anniversary Project] "Please tell me about your 'writing'! 30 questions that reveal the real you."

Congratulations on your 6th anniversary.
Now, let's dive right into these 30 questions.

1. What is your most frequently used writing tool?

Overwhelmingly my PC. But I also use my smartphone and handwritten notes here and there.

2. Are you a morning person or a night owl when it comes to writing?

I write in both the morning and the night. And the time I most want to write is in the evening.
I wrote about the reason in detail here 👇

3. Is there anything you always drink while writing?

I'm a tea lover, but I get so focused while writing that I don't drink anything, and my husband gets mad at me.

4. Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind of songs?

I like music. It's a mix, from classical to pop and rock.
But I get so focused that even if it's playing, I don't hear it.

5. Are you the type to write everything at once? Or a little bit at a time?

I used to be the "all at once" type.Now that I'm raising a child, I've become the type who saves up little by little.

6. Do you like or dislike revising?

I like it. I like it so much that I'm the type who revises too much and gets confused. I just love thinking.

7. When does the urge to "write!" come to you?

When my head is bursting from thinking too much. I just want to get it all out.

8. Name one book that has most influenced your "writing."

Takayoshi Honda's novel "MISSING." I read it when I was in high school and thought I wanted to write a novel like that too. Recently, Hiroshi Homura's "
My First Tanka" was also very helpful for my writing 👇

9. What kind of human emotions make you want to write?

Feelings that make me want to cry, and feelings that warm my heart. Every emotion that touches my heartstrings.

10. How do you overcome a slump?

First, I sleep. Then, I take in new input. Eventually, the desire to write comes back.

11. In what kind of everyday scenery do you find the seeds of a story?

In moments when I can feel grateful for the mundane. It starts with looking for small happiness.

12. Do anger and sadness become energy for your creative work?

They do. I write to vent my frustrations.

13. What is your favorite word?

"Kotonoha" (words/leaves of language). I like how it feels soft and gently supportive.

14. What is a verbal tic you find yourself using too often?

According to my friends, I say "Indeed" (Tashikani) a lot.

15. Do you pay attention to the balance between kanji and hiragana?

I do, prioritizing readability above all else.

16. Do you prefer long sentences or short sentences?

I prefer short sentences when writing, and long sentences when reading.

17. Do you pay attention to the "rhythm" of your writing?

I do. Sometimes I read it aloud.

18. Do you like to re-read your own writing after some time has passed?

I do. Because there are many discoveries.

19. Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?

I'm not sure if it was the very first, but I've always liked writing. When I was in elementary school, I wrote a poem in my study notebook. The title was "Blind Spot".

20. What is your favorite article you have written?

It didn't get many likes, so I rewrote it but...
Original article👇

Rewritten version is here👇

21. Do you care about reader reactions (likes and comments)? Or not?

I try not to care, but I do care after all.

22. How do you feel when you receive critical comments?

I am happy to receive comments. I will accept them.

23. What does a "reader" mean to you?

Someone who feels something, whether it's empathy or opposition. I am grateful just to be read.

24. Is writing a "job"? A "hobby"? Or something else...?

It is a job, a hobby, and also a reason to live as well.

25. What genre would you like to try in the future?

I want to finish my incomplete novel someday.

26. Do you want to publish a book someday?

I do. I have always longed for books.

27. Do you want to influence someone's life with your writing?

Someday, I want to write a piece that serves as someone's "calling card." I would be happy if you could feel something.

28. What kind of writing do you want to be doing in 10 years?

Writing that makes people think, "I want to read this again."

29. Have you ever thought about quitting writing?

I have never thought about quitting. There are days when I cannot write, though.

30. In one word, what does "writing" mean to you?

Writing is living. I believe it serves as proof that I have lived.

Thank you for reading this far.
Tsukuda-san, thank you for the wonderful 30 questions and this project.
I will continue to write while gathering up my "words."

Sincerely, Yoshiki