Down the Line

Downunder Japan
Collection of Stories about Japan by (mainly) New Zealand and Australian writers

A book we hope to publish in 2011 will be short stories and possibly poems about Japan by writers mainly from New Zealand and Australia or with a strong connection to these countries. They will all have lived in Japan and will be able to write fascinating and telling tales about that country and their lives there. The book will also contain stories by two guest writers from "Forty Stories of Japan".

The guidelines for writing for "Downunder Japan" (working title):

  1. A moving (emotional even!) or arresting story (poem OK, too) of up to 5,000 words (poem shorter please!).
  2. Japan setting, authentically presenting people's lives, relationships and feelings, especially the writer's connection with Japan.
  3. Memorable images, lyrical style, elegant prose displaying plenty of insightful humour and understanding.
  4. References to NZ or OZ, the writers recalling their "past" lives (except for guest writers who can refer in other ways).
  5. Strong opinions on Japan are fine but the story or poem should emphasise the positive and / or conclude hopefully.