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Ever stare at the shelves at a bookstore or your own home library and think, “I wish there was a novel where the main character was [fill in the blank] and did [fill in the blank] but there’s no book like that. Hmmm. Why, in fact, if such a book existed, I would read it!”... Continue Reading →
Many have searched for the ruins of the Taka compound that existed 850 years ago in ancient O-Utsumi prefecture--the alleged site is shown in this photo. But there is no trace of the clan. Not even the footings of the giant estate houses that overlook Great Bay. No trace of the gardens and orchards where... Continue Reading →
Cold Heart is with my editor, Laura Lis Scott, for final revisions. It is my longest Yamabuki book to date—longer than the first three combined—over 80,000 words long. The first chapter is succinct and sets the tone and premise: the supernatural—which Yamabuki of course scoffs at—will play a central role in this story, and as always, the... Continue Reading →
Hello Wiscon,In light of Wisconsin’s recent attack on LGBTQ health coverage, Toot Sweet Inc will not be attending ANY events whatever in Wisconsin and that, alas, that includes Wiscon. We will not lend any financial support to such a State. Same with North Carolina. Same with Indiana, and any other state that discriminates against LGBTQ+.I... Continue Reading →
Some writers like to immerse themselves in the place and setting of the action. We put on our music and takes us to another world. Music helps the author visualize place, mood and setting. And it is not just in samurai novels.Some of my readers have asked me to name a few of the soundtracks... Continue Reading →
Painting the life of the common people in a world where the major daily chore was finding enough food, can lead readers to think they are indeed being presented with a bleak world. And yet, the Japanese culture has always been one of songs and dance and laughter. Some genre readers are excited by the... Continue Reading →
Painting the life of the common people in a world where the major daily chore was finding enough food, can lead readers to think they are indeed being presented with a bleak world. And yet, the Japanese culture has always been one of songs and dance and laughter. Some genre readers are excited by the swordplay, but wonder why... Continue Reading →
An Inspired Map of 12th century Akitsushima -- Japan Yamabuki travels from the Taka compound to the capital of Heian-kyo Readers of today have asked for a map of Yamabuki's world. However, a 21st century map based on satellite positioning would show a universe totally at odds with what Yamabuki would likely have known.... Continue Reading →
Hazard Sensei used to say that archery was the prefered method of fighting in old Japan. Swords were too personal. Too in close. Too involved with the opponent. Archery was "better." In fact, the old Japanese root word for "war" is said to come from something approximate to "archery exchange." As I draw to a... Continue Reading →
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