So when I picked up my two kids from school today, I thought I’d surprise them.
I said, “Your Papa had a couple of his stories published in a book!”
Their response? “Oh…”
“Would you like to read it?”
Brooke said, “Umm… No-ah!”
The “-ah” is because she talks valley-girl sometimes and accentuates the end of words at the end of a short sentence with a “-ah”. In this case, her answer was resounding”No.”
________________________________
Fellow blogger Russ Towne (his blog here) invited me to consider contributing to a non-fiction anthology. Considering this would be the first time ever any story of mine would be published, I gave it a shot! Not that I know anything about writing let alone publishing.
The book is now published and available on Amazon for $8.99 – less than minimum wage! What a deal! He entitled his anthology “Slices of Life”. Russ wrote on his blog:
“I’m pleased to announce that Slices of Life has been released and is available on Amazon.com!
Slices of Life is an anthology of the selected non-fiction stories. From heart-warming memories of childhood, to humorous perspectives on aging and inspiring stories of survival to hilariously disastrous social encounters, this non-fiction anthology has it all! It features thirty-plus stories exploring the challenges, triumphs, and humor of life as seen through the eyes and experienced in the hearts of more than a dozen writers.
Please spread the word that this long-awaited book is now available.
Thank you to everyone who helped to turn this dream into a reality.”
A peek:
I’ll hope you’ll visit his blog and Amazon, too A direct link to Amazon is here.
Thank you, Russ, for the opportunity!
Masako and Spam Musubi 
Completely deserved and totally awesome! Congratulations!
That’s pretty kind of you…from wherever you are now!
Congratulations. I am willing to bet that your are totally pleased-ah.
LOL! Thank you, sir!
Congratulations Koji! I appreciate your stories of your family. I think you could and should do an entire book about them. I’m glad you contributed to Russ’ book. 🙂
Thanks, Chatter Master… but you have more than enough good stuff to issue several books! Indeed, I was fortunate to have been asked.
Uh…no. This is about you and YOUR fantastic writing good sir!
Thank you, Koji. I’m honored to have two of your powerful stories in this anthology and delighted that “Slices of Life” is your debut print publication. May it be the first of many books featuring your stories.
Thank you, Russ, for the invitation. Publishing – let alone writing – is very foreign to me so I am happy that I had this one opportunity. I also read a number the other stories – the one about “Reg” from Sherri Matthews was a tear-jerker.
Congratulations! They’re lucky to have your great writing included in the anthology. 🙂
You are much too kind! Thank you.
Cheers on your publishing my friend!! 🙂
Thank you so much!
おめでとうございます！！
I see it’s not available on Amazon Japan (yet), but when it is, I definitely order a copy! 🙂 🙂
有難う御座います！買う必要はありませんよ。コメントだけで’有難う！
本当に興味あります！！
元々読書が好きで、ちょうど新しい本（特にノンフィクション）を探していましたので。
TGIF 🙂 🙂
Update: I was able to place an order via Amazon Japan!
It will take a few weeks, but I can’t wait for my copy to arrive、楽しみです！
Congratulations! What a lovely feeling that must be 😀
It is…but seeing a pooch reunited with their owner is better! 🙂
Self-publishing is a great way to go to spread stories. I will be using Lulu.com for one veteran’s story.
Good luck, Pierre, and thank you!
Your stories needs to be spreaded around more. I am thinking of going the same route.
I think you have more than enough material to publish a couple of books.
just couples?
Fantastic, Koji!! Congratulations! I knew you could do it!! (and NO “ah” after it)
LOL! Thank you, gpcox!
Congatulations, I will be purchasing it this pay day, I have been waiting for it to come out. I may have to send it to you to “autograph” along with a few others! I also agree with chatter master, you really should do a whole book. You have interesting stories just waiting to be told. And as an afterthought, Russ asked me to partake in his next project about fiction….its great to be a part of the literary world isn’t it? 🙂 I hope this opens many doors for you.
I agree with my cousin.
I am sad that your children seem not interested, however.
Wow, that’s some kind of encouragement, sir. Thank you… but no-ah, my youngest didn’t have much interest. However, my oldest girl ordered one! Oo-rah.
I think that’s a great idea, Patty! This “publishing/writing” arena is so foreign to me and hopefully it won’t be for you. Keep us informed!
Koji-san, subarashii desu ne! I will be buying the book and have offered to host Russ on my blog to promote life writing. Short stories are much more manageable to write than a big memoir and just as valuable. Never mind the silly children, they will grow up and be glad you have stories written down, and everyone needs to read about the real nitty gritty of war, not just the textbook version. By the way, I just read the posts about Mr. Johnson – powerful. Yes, you are a good writer, and a good man.
有難う御座いました、月橋さん！:-) And thank you about mentioning Mr. Johnson.
Publishing, self-publishing, writing… are all so foreign to me. It’s hard to figure out!
Congrats, Koji. It is great to see your unique perspective on Japan and the Japanese people get further exposure. –Curt
Curt, thank you so much. Always the gentleman.
Koji, Congratulations on having your stories published. That is great – uh. I am happy for you! Al
Hahaha! Thank you, good sir.
Oh, what wonderful news! Congratulations, Koji! I’m thrilled, though not surprised, as you are a compelling story-teller. You are full of fascinating stories and have such an interesting, personal way of telling them that draws one in. Again, congratulations, my friend: ))
Jeannie, thank you so very much. You are always such a bright and happy soul!
[ off topic – thought you might be interested in this:
http://lostfamilystories.com/2014/10/10/a-brother-and-nephew-save-an-important-story-for-history/
hope you find it interesting.]
Thank you! Yes, Gordon is pretty famous amongst the “older” Japanese-America circles. But just like it is for many young Americans, stories like this are fading into the woodwork.
Is there an eBook version? I clicked the link, but it didn’t work. As I’m from the UK it has to be an ebook.
Hi, Hilary! Thanks for stopping by again. No, I don’t believe their is an e-version. I also do not believe it is for sale outside of the US. You are saved! LOL
Such good news, Koji! I’m thrilled for you. Your stories make such impact and I look forward to reading the book and seeing exactly which stories have been included. Our kids do keep us humble–if not beaten down. LOL!
LOL. “If not beaten down”! Russ has a number of his own non-fiction stories; quite touching.
Congratulations!
Thank you, sir!
Congratulations on this very exciting and well-deserved accomplishment! 🙂
Wait a minute here… Dee Dee from flickr???
I’m so dumb…and forgetful! Yes you are.