April Review

April 2013

A little chill in the air among the first warm days this year.
I was happy to see more new faces joining our circle of sharing the art of words.
Art from the Latin word meaning to arrange. Each person has their own unique
way with words. It gives me much pleasure to hear what patterns words can weave.

Readings:

Brett Hack ( USA )
prose     ~ A Conversation about Spartacus ~
We were both starved of conversation worthy of our skills.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )
poem     ~ Walk ~
Whichever window frame you might look through
It could only provides its own view
poem     ~ Me ~
It’s me on this side who’s not seeing anything at all

Leah Sullivan ( USA )
Yoshiko Shimoto’s Class
I am inspired by my colleage.

Albert Sussler ( USA )
essay     ~ Disdain ~
Suspicion and antagonistic behavior to others build a comfort zone
that helps to eliminate uncertainty in oneself.
prose     ~ Cycle to Kyoto ~
I let Dick with his limited vocabulary of 10 Japanese words handle
the negotiations.

Izma Effendi ( Indonesia ) debut
poem     ~ The Final Happiness ~
The breeze that comes from every droplet of rain absorbed into your
pores and reveals your very being as a human with emotions.

____________

Coming up:
May 19th:
Open Reading: 3:30 P.M.
Screen Play workshop organized by Rachel Deitch: 3:00 P.M.

At Mondo Books in Kamimaizu
Site: a used bookstore and lounge, on the second story
building next to the Bank of Nagoya just two blocks east from Kamimaizu
station gate 3,

____________

Thanks Jose for your hospitality and advice. Thanks to
the Nagoya Calendar for promoting our group.

If you plan to attend or not the next reading, do write me at:
qqma94r9@io.ocn.ne.jp

Help to spread the word.

Albert Sussler

quote: “the deeper you go into questions, the deeper the questions get. That’s the job of art.”
―Andre Dubus III

March Review

March 2013

It was a cool afternoon, hopefully the end of winter’s chill.
I heard that some new faces would be coming. This makes
me happy to take the long train ride into Nagoya.

What I didn’t expect was to have the most debuts every in all my years with the Nagoya Writes.
New works with new flavors made for a warm get together of sharing the word. It was also the final
Reading of Vash before she returns to the States.. She had come from Philadelphia 2 years ago and
quickly became a vital member of our circle. Her efforts got the critic workshops alive and kicking.
I hope here energy continue in all of use.

The Nine Open Readings:

Albert Sussler ( USA )
essay    ~ Reasoning vs Intuition ~
The problem with reasoning is that the mind can never reach a conclusion.
prose    ~ The cancelation ~
With that I left her with her Crime and Punishment and went on to the dinning room.

Ernie Schaal ( USA )
prose   ~ The Phone Call ~
I know your virtues and tolerance of people’s knowledge is not one of them.

Akiko Nose ( Japan ) debut
prose   ~ Self Intro ~
I haven’t played koto for 40 years.

Kayo Kazumi ( Japan ) debut
poem   ~ Absolute Colors: a translation of Fukumi Shimura ~
No one can complete their lives as pure white.

Ivy Hidaka ( Philippines ) debut
prose   ~Word Child ~
It felt like she wanted to avoid me.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )
poem     ~ Journey of a Bag ~
An empty bag is lonely.
poem    ~ Watashi ~
I have two faces, one is a poet, the other … a mask pressed for time.

Yuri Okayama ( Japan ) debut
poem   ~ I have a Cat ~
I see her ears move towards me.

Taiko Ito ( Japan ) debut
poem   ~ The Dance by Oriah Mountain Dreamer ~
Don’t say yes, just take my hand and dance with me.

Vash Bandy ( USA )
prose     ~ Until we Meet Again ~
Knowing what you are eating is highly overrated.

____________

Coming up:
April 14th: Open Reading,
Start at 3:30 P.M.
At Mondo Books in Kamimaizu
Thanks Jose and Hitomi for your warmth and hospitality.

If you have original work you would like critiqued at the next workshop,
please register and submit work here by the preceding Friday night for distribution.
____________

Site:

Mondo Books is a used bookstore and lounge, on the second story
building next to the Bank of Nagoya just two blocks east from Kamimaizu
station gate 3,

____________

If you plan to attend or not the next reading, do write me at:
qqma94r9@io.ocn.ne.jp

All your efforts keeps our circle alive.
Help to spread the word.
Albert Sussler

quote: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” ~ Anais Nin

January Review

January 2013

We got off to a good start. A critic of Tim working in the Iyric voice
and Iain’s narration verses dialog.  Vash and Albert adding their thoughts.

This was followed by a lively Open Reading.
Happy to see so many faces, both veterans and new and so much original work.

There is nothing like the spirit of creativity to warm the heart.

The Open Reading:

Vash Bandy ( USA )
prose     ~ Ain’t no Life being Afraid ~
Just as there wasn’t any point to being scared of the well
at all, even though the older kids liked to tell the younger … of the
girl who fell in and drowned .
prose    ~Sticks, Zack and Sunshine~
I only have a copy of the story I told myself on a memory chip…
and that ain’t enough.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )
poems     ~ Words that Fell Off, a collection ~
poem     ~ Pencil Sharpener ~
The inside of the trash can was all black from the lead grounded
into powder.
poem     ~ Traffic Accident ~
It was an accident that the word rushed out and hit the ear.
poem     ~ Snow Flake ~
The Chrystal of nature had instantly disappeared.

Miwako Someya   ( Japan ) debut
poems     ~ Haiku Collection ~
Somethings that agitate me, strong north wind.
Fixed carillon one stands dancing in a rainbow of sound.
A bird’s cry brings a fire of life.

Albert Sussler ( USA )
poem    ~ Personality Traits ~
Pleasure: enjoying the stimulation of senses or interchange of
social contact- the hummingbird

Brett Hack ( USA )
prose   ~ Maid Body Guard ~
They got by with subtle threats and the arts of crisis stoking.

Paul Binford ( USA )
prose     ~ She Might be Keiko ~
He had to remember that guy was in the circus.
____________

Coming up:
March 3rd,
Open Readings will start at 3:30 P.M.
The Writer’s Critique will be start at 1:30
Both events are held at Mondo Books in Kamimaizu

If you have original work you would like critiqued at the next workshop,
please register and submit work here by the preceding Friday night for distribution.
The address is LitCritsNagoya@yahoogroups.com.

____________

Site

Mondo Books is a used bookstore and lounge, on the second story
building next to the Bank of Nagoya just two blocks east from Kamimaizu
station gate 3,
____________

If you plan to attend or not the next reading, do write me at:
qqma94r9@io.ocn.ne.jp

Through shared expression that one’s talents are revealed.
Help to spread the word.
Albert Sussler

quote: To find yourself, think for yourself

December Review

December 2012

With much relief, the Nagoya Writes heard the call
to come together. It was the best turnout all year with over 10
in attendance. Some first timers and some who have not attended
for over a year.

Open Readings are fragile, as can be seen all over the world with
their disappearances. The NW is the last regular English friendly
Open Reading left in Japan. It has a 20 + year history, evolving
as members and demands change.
I am happy to say our writings are alive and kicking.

The Open Reading:

Paul Binford ( USA )
prose     ~ Cameron’s Luck ~
If you want it too badly you won’t get it.

Takashi Wakui ( Japan )
essay    ~ What if you Print Japanese banknotes like Crazy.
It is clear … that Japan currently has a huge pool of
unmet demand.

Leah Sullivan ( USA )
critique ~ Haiku
I’m in a tentative position.

Albert Sussler ( USA )
prose    ~ Tidbits of Christmas ~
I heard a gasp, its the real Santa, he speaks in a foreign language .
prose    ~ Gun Right ~
You can remove chewing gun from your hair with peanut butter
but how do you remove killings from schools.

Iain Maloney ( Scotland )
prose   ~ Freedom ~
Should I take advice from you?… You take drugs from me, why
draw the line.

———————————————————————

Coming up:
January 27th,
Open Readings will start at 3:30 P.M.
The Writer’s Critique will be start at 1:30
Both events are held at Mondo Books in Kamimaizu

If you have original work you would like critiqued at the next workshop,
please register and submit work here by the preceding Friday night for distribution.
The address is LitCritsNagoya@yahoogroups.com.

———————————————————————

Site:
Mondo Books is a used bookstore and lounge, on the second floor of the
building next to the Bank of Nagoya just two blocks east from Kamimaizu station gate 3.

———————————————————————

Please don’t be complacent. We are not a permanent group. Only with activity,
does our literary pursuits survive. We are not big enough for members to take
a back seat and just watch from the side lines. If you plan to attend or not the
next reading, do email me.
The Nagoya Writes needs readers. Encourage new faces to join. Your efforts
are always appreciated. It is though shared expression that one’s talents are
revealed. Being active helps both you and us.

Help to spread the word.
Albert Sussler

quote: Don’t go where you are tolerated, go where you are celebrated.

October Review

October 2012

October’s read was a small gathering at the Cafe Concrete.
Four Readers in the lower section of the cafe. The walls added
good ascetics to our voices.

The Open Reading:

Paul Binford ( USA )
prose     ~ Shade Makers ~
I have nothing to back up my name except my voice.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )
<Poems by Japanese elementary school pupils>
poem     ~ Bazaar ~
My mom was crawling through the crowd in the distance.
poem     ~Cockroaches~
Cockroaches are great I think though they’re hated by everyone.
poem    ~ The Aquarium ~
Fish look into the distance
poem    ~ Everyone’s Eyes ~
Looking through my brother’s eyes, baseball is fun.
<A poem by the reader himself>
poem    ~ Zero ~
One can’t become zero even when divided by infinity.

Albert Sussler ( USA )
poem    ~ Cycling the Backbone of Japan ~
In need of  communication, one is forced out to mingle
rather than just live in the bubble of one’s own group.

Brett Hack ( USA )
prose   ~ Legacy of the Maker ~
He winced at the lights of the florissant, like a homesick
cave creature .

There was no writer’s workshop held this month.

———————————————————————-

Coming up:
November 18th,
Open Readings will start at 4:00 P.M.
The Writer’s Critique will be start at 2:00
Both events are held at Mondo Books in Kamimaizu

———————————————————————-

Site:
Mondo Books is a used bookstore and lounge, on the second story
building next to the Bank of Nagoya just two blocks east from Kamimaizu
station gate 3,

———————————————————————-

Help to spread the word.
Albert Sussler

quote: ~What is the opposite of stagnation? … Agitation.

September Review

September 2012

Our fall season started with a workshop organized by Vash
to discuss the works of David, Tim and Albert.  Working on focus,
character development and transitions.

The Open Reading:

David Toohey ( USA ) debute
poem  ~ The Global Fall ~
Cold connected to coldness, Icy hands embrace.
poem  ~ August Heat ~
Consume Americaness, It’s your last chance before setting sail
poem  ~ Honolulu ~
In a city that never a sleeps yet rarely awakes
poem  ~ The Killing Winds ~
Office workers walk in shadows

Brett Hack ( USA )
prose  ~ Grocery Store Romance Amalgamation ~
He ducks under every once in a while to undo the crud-caking
of his hair by the pond scum and the sun.

Vash Bandy ( USA )
prose  ~ Dr. Hammond ~
The finality of death became both terrifying and exhilarating.

Albert Sussler ( USA )
poem  ~ Morning Paddle ~
yes the kayak is safer on the beach but it is made to explore
the fingers of the sea.
prose  ~ Soaked ~
The darkness came on with headlights shinning into my eyes.
prose  ~ Ojisan kirai ~
Someday you too will be an oji-san.
prose  ~ Blueberries ~
Are you going to arrest us for smuggling Canadian blueberries?

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )
poem  ~ Kotaro Takamura: The Journey ~
No path in front me, only from behind.
poem  ~ Shuntaro Tanigawa ~
Carefully, refuse the hidden evil.
poem  ~ Chuya Nakahara ~
I couldn’t get myself to throw it away.
poem  ~ Rin Ishigaki : Three Fish ~
If there’s anything more right than this
Said the fish
Name it.
poem  ~ Ritsuko Kawabata : Sisters ~
Now I’m going to the graveyard again with my little sister
Her ashes against my breast.

Ernie Schaal ( USA )
prose  ~ Daibutsu ~
Studying the statue, I found it beautiful and serene.

________

Coming up:

October 14,
Open Readings will start at 4:00 P.M.
The Writer’s Critique will be start at 2:00
Both events are held at “Cafe Concrete” in Kamimaizu

____________

Site:

Note our venue for next month will change, due to Mondo’s tight
schedule.  The entrance to Cafe Concrete is narrow, just east of
Akamon-higashi signal.
Kamimaizu Station Exit 1,  just cross the street, heading north for Sakae.

http://www.cafe-concrete.com/map.html

tel 052-262-5539
____________

Look forward to hearing your creativity at the next Open Reading.

Help to spread the word.
Albert Sussler

quote: ~Leaving tiny footprints in the sand, Plovers come to gather round~
Kotaro Takamura

July Review

July 2012

Trepidation about July’s Reading with half of our main supporters out
with summer colds or rival events, I wonder how long we will go on.
My blues vanished as 5 Readers and 3 bright new faces curious to join,
gathered for our monthly creative sharing.

The Open Reading:

Tim Chambers ( USA )
prose ~ Banana Republic Blues~
Freedom is another word for nothing to gain.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )
poem ~ Greetings~
We talk about the weather and forget about the rest.
poem ~ A China Pot~
Freedom liberated from the gravity
poem ~ Kaiseki, Caressing that warm stone~
We got stirred up like dirty clothes in the washer
poem ~ Adam’s Apple~
Swallowing something too distorted or too cruel

Albert Sussler ( USA )
poem ~ Words Worth ~
Wallowing intentions unspoken
prose ~ Snail weather cycling~
Stone steps framed snails out in numbers
essay ~ Winning Argument ~
Use pretentious vocabulary, fill it with jargon, to make
the other side feel ignorant, stupid and confused.

Paul Durant ( USA )
prose ~ Aomori ~
He hid behind the day before’s events.

Vash Bandy ( USA )
prose ~Razor dancer ~
Don’t fault me my profits, then I won’t fault you your principles.

The Critic was focused on the works of Tim and Paul. Suggestions
for plot development and consistency of narration. Keeping the narrator
separate from the characters.
________

Coming up:

September 23,
Open Readings will start at 4:00 P.M.
The Writer’s Critique will be start at 2:00
Both events are held at Mondo Books in Kamimaizu

If you have original work you would like critiqued at the next workshop, please
Contact Vash
haengbok92@gmail.com
____________

Site: Mondo Books is a used bookstore and lounge, on the second story
building next to the Bank of Nagoya just two blocks east from Kamimaizu station gate 3,
Thank you Hitomi, Jose and Mike of Mondo for providing the space for our endeavors .
____________

These Open Readings and Critics keep the creative juices flowing.
Don’t let your ideas stew in the tight space of your mind. Join us with
creative sharing. We all benefit.

Wish you all a good summer.

Help to spread the word.
Albert Sussler

quote: ~Education is knowing the limits of knowledge ~ unknown

May Review

May 2012

May’s Reading had a good theme of the mysteries of being on the road.
Six readers gathered for our literary circle .
There was good useful talk between the Readings
for listeners to learn more about the works presented.

The Open Reading:

Vash Bandy ( USA )
prose ~Dinosaurs at the bottom on the stairs ~
Monsters like acne, homework and belly lint, always return.

Paul Binford ( USA )
prose  ~ Police Protocol ~
Well officer, does that have anything to do with why you stopped me?

Tim Chambers ( USA )
prose       ~ Banana Republic Blues~
She flashed a smile that looked like a rusted radiator.

Albert Sussler ( USA )
prose      ~ What do you get from making whoopee~
Creating physical contact though ‘skin-ship’
prose     ~ Kyoto Cycle ~
I could still hear the shakuhachi music waif though the forest
when the wind bent his notes towards me.
prose     ~ What makes Japan a good cycle trekking Country~
Any river side or coast line is a public area and if done
non- conspicuously is fine to camp in.

Paul Durant ( USA ) *de’but
prose   ~ Carl Salinitro ~
I already violated every rule in the first paragraph, I guess that
is why I work in a bank.

Brett Hack ( USA )
prose      ~ The Night is a short walk fast maiden ~
( translation of  ‘Yoruga mijikashi arukeyo otome’ )
The wolf seems like a sexual predator as does the leering shepard
who knows his sheep.
prose  ~ Grocery Store Romance Amalgamation ~
When life ordains that you must send your fist on a visit to a nearby
human cheek.

The Critic was canceled do to lack of submissions.
Please get your work to Vash’s e-mail by June 26th. The critics are well
worth it. They are done in a honest and thoughtful way.
________

Coming up:

July  1st
Open Readings will start at 4:00 P.M.
The Writer’s Critique will be start at 2:00
at Mondo Books in Kamimaizu

If you have original work you would like critiqued at the next workshop, please
Contact Vash by June 26th
haengbok92@gmail.com
____________

Site: Mondo Books is a used bookstore and lounge, on the second story
building next to the Bank of Nagoya just two blocks east from Kamimaizu station,
Thanks staff of Mondo for our venue.
____________

Each Reading takes everyone’s effort. Each month we are able to continue
this long tradition. Thank you all. Keep writing, don’t work as a lone wolf, join us.
Your creativity is appreciated.

Looking forward to our next Open Reading,

Help to spread the word.
Albert Sussler

quote: ~Are you suggesting coconuts migrate? ~Monty Python The Holy Grail.

April Review

Nagoya Writes Open Reading Review:

April 2012

It was a clear but cold day. There was a weekend show of Sussler’s

ceramic tea bowls and sculpture. The Critic (2) and Reading turn

out (5) bump along.

The  Critic

The Critic organized by Vash but because of the low turn out

was only used to critic one piece by Albert ‘Psyche . Discussed

the role of women in Greek Myths and how they need more

character then just a passive tool for man.

In the future the Critic will be canceled if there is not work submitted

a week before the event. This means we need work by May 20 th

The Open Reading:

Brett Hack ( USA )

Prose ~ Grocery Store Romance Amalgamation ~

Part of the manager’s job is to out yell the other manager.

Vash Bandy ( USA )

Prose ~The Last Cupcake ~

Every type of chocolate she could ever imagine danced in her nose.

Ernie Schaal ( USA )

prose  ~ The Call ~

Margaret from your office told Nancy from my office and Nancy told

me, apparently our interdepartmental rivals don’t affect the staff.

Shoichi Miyamura ( Japan )

Poem ~” Kumu” by Noriko Ibaraki ~

Being vulnerable is important.

Poem ~ “The Incarnation” by Ritsuko Kawabata ~

Though the soil is poor, the palm trees stand tall like a manly group.

Poem ~ “Thoughts on the Iraq War” also by Ritsuko Kawabata ~

Is it true that the war industry makes up 55% of the US economy?

Poem  ~ “The Left Hand’s Job” by Kiyoko Ogawa ~

When the right hand wants to write with a fountain pen it is your left

hand that unfastens its cap.

Paul Binford ( USA )

Prose ~ I had a Dream ~

Nothing can take the place of lithium for me, but I will surely be dead

by now if I kept on taking it.

Albert Sussler ( USA )

Prose ~ Farewell Grasshopper ~

At the end I was picked up by my fellow teachers and thrown in the

air, first time to get such a close view of the ceiling

____________

Coming up:

May  27th

Open Readings will start at 4:00 P.M.

The Writer’s Critique will be start at 2:00

At held at Mondo Books in Kamimaizu

If you have original work you would like critiqued at the next workshop, contact Vash

by May 20th at :

haengbok92@gmail.com

____________

Site: Mondo Books is a used bookstore and lounge, on the second story

building next to the Bank of Nagoya just two blocks east from Kamimaizu station.

Thanks staff of Mondo for our venue.

____________

Help to spread the word.

Albert Sussler.

quote: I’m torn between what was and what could be.

March Review

Nagoya Writes Open Reading Review:

March 2012

Spring has been shy this year. The day of our open reading was not
the image I have of spring. It was cold. The Critic (4) and Reading turn
out (5) was a bit low for this month. Less than half of last year’s.

The  Critic

The Critic organized by Tim Chambers.
We took a good look at three works, Tim’s work’ Karma’,
Albert’s work ‘Freedom’ and Ernie’s work ‘Good Bye’
Character consistency in dialog was the focal point.

The Open Reading:

Ernie Schaal ( USA )
Prose ~ Goodbye
I found myself holding the urn tighter and tighter, as if
seeking warmth from the ashes.

Brett Hack ( USA )
Prose ~ Grocery Store Romance Amalgamaton
It is as if the eyes are sapping energy from the rest of him
to keep themselves running.

Tim Chambers ( USA )
prose  ~ Karma
Watching his old portfolio charts crash as quick as lightning
bolts was punishment enough, but everything that happened since
seemed like penance and retribution piled on top of comeuppance.

Paul Binford ( USA )
essay ~ The Big T ~ by Mike Foley
What is a tangent, a side trip like with any side trip, a writer
can get lost.

Albert Sussler ( USA )
Prose ~ Freedom (2 )
There as no season for penguins in Tokyo.
Essay ~ Micro-Aggression
Your only qualification is that you are a ‘gaijin’.

____________

Coming up:

April  15th
Open Readings will start at 4:00 P.M.
The Writer’s Critique will be start at 2:00
At held at Mondo Books in Kamimaizu

If you have original work you would like critiqued at the next workshop, contact Vash at :
haengbok92@gmail.com
____________

Site: Mondo Books is a used bookstore and lounge, on the second story
building next to the Bank of Nagoya just two blocks east from Kamimaizu station,
____________

Thanks  Hitomi, Jose, and Mike of Mondo Books for all your help.

I have received mails of people wishing to be taken off our mailing list.
I am sad to hear you will not be with us but wish you the best in your
life’s journey.

Our literary group is a struggle in survival. I am amazed it has lasted over 20 years.
We depend not in applause but in active writing.  Sweat, create and do share. That
is the only way the Nagoya Writes survives.

Help to spread the word.
Albert Sussler.

quote: A student states, ‘I tend to paint what I see.’
Whistler replies, ‘Ah! The shock will come when you see what you paint!’
(James Whistler)