To help celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Storyshares is thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our talented authors, Yoko Fujimoto. Yoko’s book, “A Capsule of Stars” is scheduled for publication as part of the Storyshares Summer/Fall book release. Now on to the interview…!
Author Spotlight: Yoko Fujimoto, “A Capsule of Stars”
Name: Yoko Fujimoto (藤本庸子)
Where are you from? Tokyo, Japan
Where do you reside now? Los Angeles, CA
How long have you been writing/what inspired you to begin?
I have been writing since 1988 for magazines, newspapers and online etc. The reason I became a writer is Anne Frank. When I was 13 years old, I learned about her diary (The Diary of a Young Girl) in school (on April 25, 1977), I thought I wanted to write something like her. I also have been writing a diary since Oct. 27, 1976 (I was 12 years old).
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first story?
“Do what you love” is my motto, so write what you love is my advice to a writer working on their first story.
What comes first for you - the plot or the characters - and why?
Plot comes first, because I always have many story ideas.
What are the easiest/most difficult parts of the writing process for you?
To me, writing is like brushing my teeth every morning and every night, I mean, writing is like my habit or favorite activity, so there are no difficult parts of the writing process.
Are there authors that you turn to for inspiration and mentoring?
Soseki Natsume is a great Japanese author.
What prompted you to write for Storyshares?
“Easy to read. Hard to put down”, this concept is great. I love it!
What is your preferred writing environment?
Good energy with good music.
Do you have a standard routine when it comes to approaching writing?
Wake up early (at 5:00am) and drink a cup of hot water first, and make a good mood. Eat well and think well are the key to have a happy writing life.
What tips do you have for overcoming and dealing with writer’s block?
I don’t have a writer’s block, because I always write when I want to write.
Where do your ideas come from?
When I’m relaxing in the shower or walking or driving, good ideas come up.
What question do you wish you’d been asked about your work? What is the answer?
When I usually interview people, I usually ask them “What does your work (or something in the subject) mean to you”, so I want people to ask me something like “What is a writer to you?”. My answer is “A writer is open people’s hearts and make people think. I want people to feel happy with my writings. A writer is making people happy and has such a fun career.”