Soundtracks

I am behind on everything. I haven't started edits on "The B-Team" (I have to print it out), nine of the ten shorts I have to edit are still waiting, and I'm not studying hiragana or using the treadmill enough. In other words, I have been doing the bare minimum (and sometimes less). The culprit is stress, mostly involving a flatulent dog who should learn to do what he's told. Don't worry, he's fine. He's also willful and smelly.

If I get my schedule together, I will have ample time to edit a short story a week, and work on "The B-Team," while also writing the novella. As for hiragana, by using Japanese tweets and Facebook posts I can test myself even on the days I don't "officially" practice. And I can always use the treadmill late at night, instead of watching mindless TV. It's certainly more relaxing. And it gives me a chance to listen to music, especially the albums/songs I associate with my stories. Including the new novella I started, because I am crazy. I don't like listening to music too much while I write, but it's great for brain storming:

THE B-TEAM: a CD of Elvis's greatest hits. There are scenes with Fuji, where "Hound Dog" and "Blue Suede Shoes" does wonders. When I edit, I'll bring in more Japanese Rockabilly, especially TROUBLE, HOUND DOG, and THE MACKSHOW.

OCEAN: "Fish & Peace". I'll probably have to change the title of this novella. It's the English translation of my Japanese protagonist's name, Kaito. It also sounds a little too close to Gyoko's latest album, "Sea" (which I look forward to getting in the mail). "Fish and Peace" is great for inspiration, because it embodies the spirit of fish culture and the ocean. My novella isn't about fish culture, but the ocean is a major character: It's where Kaito's life stops being ordinary. The ocean loves Kaito. Unfortunately, it has a big favor to ask him.

*You can download Gyoko songs here. If you've ever been curious about Japanese rock, now is the time!