Long Time Expat In Japan
I'm starting to think that I should have taken these leveling tests a long time ago. The monthly grind is good, but progress is gradual. Then I take this test and Bam! 2 levels, or 3. Kana has been my strong suit all along, much to my surprise, and this time is no exception. I … Continue reading Results
I just submitted some kana for a level up test. This is the first time that I get to choose what to write, how to write it, and how to arrange it on a page. It was like trying to play improvisational jazz after two piano lessons. I was paralyzed. I finally struggled through and … Continue reading Testing Up
If you want to be a beta-reader, please send me an email or leave me a comment and I’ll share the rest of the story. — On the kitchen table was a dull gray arthropod the size of a mature Pit Bull Terrier. “Ginny Murphy,” I said. “Get here right now and apply this strip … Continue reading Story Excerpt – Springtails
Kanji for Feb, a little better than usual. Still struggling, but at least it's balanced. Kana is still about right. No leveling here, but solid stuff, imho.
A little over 2 years back I started shodo with my daughter. On the surface, it was all about helping her get over a slump at school. She had gotten a bad test grade in kanji, and she needed a boost. Or maybe it was about making it fun, or maybe she could teach her … Continue reading Testing Shodo
It's been a long time since I've leveled up in shodo. I've been plodding along for months now. One or two times, I was at the bottom of the pile even. You see, they rank your submissions. The better you write, the further to the right they put your name. And when they think you're … Continue reading Long Time No See – Level Up!
Not seeing progress these days. It's been months since I ranked up. Below is my kanji formDecember. While the powers that be didn't delist me, I was at the lowest position among the 6th kyu rank. I actually kind of thought this one was okay. My kana was not at the bottom, but not near … Continue reading December Shodo
I just checked out the kickstarter page for the anthology where my first published story will appear. And it looks like we made our target. As of this writing, the kickstarter was at $7,630. The goal was $7,500. So that does it! I made a joke the other day in an earlier post, saying that … Continue reading Thank You !
There are less than three days left ! If you could see your way to backing the kickstarter for my first published story, I will be your best friend forever. Really. For ever and ever ! Check the link here. We're only $705 dollars away (at the time of this writing) from meeting the goal. … Continue reading Please Support !
If you want to be a beta-reader, please send me an email or leave me a comment and I’ll share the rest of the story. — "I heard that their religion is based on pure contiguity," the captain said. "Admirable, to be sure, but hardly practical." "We have our own believers in contiguity, captain, using … Continue reading Story Excerpt – Enemy Within
B.S. Donovan 