Rob Goss

Though even as an introvert, I sometimes get the urge to mingle. It’s just that formal events or meeting groups of new folk generally leaves me in need of a quiet, dark room for 24 hours. I’m appalled by and admire in equal measure people who seem to do those things effortlessly.

Another writer asked me about avoiding isolation as a freelancer. It’s a good question. I’m a happy introvert, content with a degree of isolation. Events, networking, “grabbing coffee” aren’t my thing, although I enjoy online chats with other writers. How do others avoid or deal with isolation?

I get Ross a lot in emails (sigh), but nothing irks quite like Bob.

Weighty deadline made. If anyone wants me, I'll be...
Actually, I have no idea what I'll be doing for the next few days. After several weeks of intense book hustle, that is absolutely lovely. #writerslife

Nice. I was in a town in Hyogo last week and the persimmon seemed to be going nuts in almost every garden.

I love this one.

First half of my next book is due tomorrow. All it needs is a final readthrough and a few minor tweaks. A tying up of loose ends. Yet all I want to do is something else. Write #haiku. Outline another book. Clean the loo. Anything else.

deadline day
an overwhelming desire
to rearrange my desk

A black and white dog (a kuroshiba) being an idle sod while its dog-dad scrambles to deliver the first half of a book on time.

A busy day in the office…

Hearing my own voice is offputting at the best of times, but listening back to interviews when I'm using Japanese is next level awkward. If only I had a pound for every naruhodo.

I have months where I read tons of it, then suddenly a month or two of almost none.

Same. Mine came about after an impromptu zoom with another writer, where at the end he suggested we invite a couple more writers next time and maybe do it monthly. I’m not usually into meetups (and definitely not networking), but I actually look forward to this every month.

I’m also part of a monthly writers zoom. We each have different areas of focus (albeit with some overlap) and it’s brilliant.

I bought a can of the Scotch Ale in Akiu a few weeks ago, then had it on the Shinkansen home from Sendai. Not bad. But a post-trip train brew usually feels good. The Scotch on tap in Tono (Tono Brewery) earlier in the trip was nice.

Thank you for the share @10millionhardbacks.bsky.social.

A screenshot from Nat Geo, introducing a story about Yamagata Prefecture in Japan.

The cover of a Lonely Planet book called Best Bike Rides Japan.

Work updates are like buses. For a while, there’s nothing, then several come at once. So, I’m happy to say National Geographic’s annual Best of the World list is out today, with a bit of #Japan on it. My latest Lonely Planet is out too: a co-written book about bike rides in Japan.

This October feels wetter than usual here in Japan. The last couple of work trips have been damp. Jogs are slippy. This morning, the hound’s damp towel has left the genkan with a sour air.

clearing skies
the dog
finds every puddle.

#haiku #haibun

That’s an unexpected stat. Though since our (rice-loving) lad has gone to uni, we are having it with far fewer meals. And cooking about half the amount when we do.

A clump of cooked bread dough. Not risen because I forgot to put yeast in the bread maker.

Message to self: remember the sodding yeast.

Book cover of British Railways Locomotives. 1957.

Two-page spread of steam engine photos.

A very geeky list of 1950s British Railways shed codes.

Sorting through bookcases today, tidying them up, making piles of things for book swaps and recycling. And finding some bangers I’d forgotten I have. Like this:

I'm similar. I get some of my most satisfying work done Saturday mornings, but don't have to do anything then. Sundays are off. Theres often flexibility to have a weekday off, usually after a tiring trip or after a big deadline. Every quarter I take a few days to review what I've done and refocus.

Also, it depends on the writing. If it’s an assignment with a deadline or part of a paying project, I rarely want to look at that on a day I’ve designated as a non-work day. A poem, scribbling thoughts, or tinkering with something I’m writing for me - any time is good for that.

It depends. An actual non-writing/work day or three off is great. Good for doing things with family. Good for thinking. And I usually feel ready/keen to write the next day. Long breaks are harder. I often start tinkering with writing or make time to write during them, or I get frustrated. You?

A different kind of Friday today. Went to immigration to collect my new visa. Home for a few online chats with other writers. Then city office to update my MyNumber card. Now trying to do an international bank transfer for college fees and making a pig’s ear of it. Not written a thing all day.

YouTube video by 053bss The Young Ones - Neil's Exam

Some days it feels like my “getting ready to write process” is even less efficient than Neil in the Young Ones prepping for an exam. Clear the desk. Do some dishes. Check to-do app. Emails. Kettle on. Write grocery list. Make drink. Tidy a desk drawer. Etc. Etc. Etc.

youtu.be/7FtcW9u0GDE?...

If, like me, some of your copyrighted books were used without permission to train AI, the settlement website is now up. You can search to see what work was used and register a claim. anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com

A black and white shiba (dog) looking at the screen of an iPad.

So I can write without the need to lug a laptop around, I got a keyboard for my iPad for work trips. Hound not entirely impressed, but hopefully it’ll be an ok setup for trains, planes and hotel rooms.

The following #haiku are brought to you courtesy of jetlag.

1 am
the caffeine-nap
bites back

2 am
the dog chases pigeons
in a squeaky dream

3 am
just darkness
creaking

Back in Tokyo, back to writing, and back to doing these online chats about travel writing/feature writing. I have time to fit in a few more this month, if anyone is interested. Details in the post below. #writingcommunity

They are nice. Melville feels like it could be applied to lots of locations. Kind of attainable for more people maybe. I like that.

For all sorts of reasons, I'm amazed travellers still want to go, and find it odd how much positive/unquestioning coverage there still is in travel media.