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Between the lines

11/12/2019

16 Comments

 
PicturePhoto: Robert Kenyon
By Etsuko Yasunaga
​

IT ALL started like this. Miriam asked me one day “How is your writing going, Etsuko?” I can’t recall exactly when she asked this vital question. It must have been at least 18 months after my book launch back in November 2016. To be honest my writing wasn’t going anywhere. I wasn’t writing as much because I didn’t have readers to write for. I knew I would pick up my writing again soon, somehow. When the pivotal question was asked, however, I was on a sabbatical. “I’m not writing much lately.” At least I was honest with her.

“Why don’t you write for the Bass Coast Post? Introduce yourself to Catherine, the editor. Start from there.”

I already received this online magazine’s update fortnightly as I was subscribed to the Post. I also knew Miriam sometimes wrote for them. Unlike my own blog, which I constantly needed to promote, the Post was already a reputable online magazine with a considerable subscription. With this I could focus just on my writing. The simplicity was alluring. There was nothing to lose. I contacted Catherine straight away and expressed my desire to write for the Post.  

I was eager. I wanted to write. I might have said to her “I would like to write every single edition, if not, at least once a month please”.  As a wise editor, Catherine tamed my impatience right away. Then she asked me to write about myself. It was a brilliant idea, I thought. An introduction piece of writing would go down well as my first column because I was a new contributor. I poured my heart into it – the story of my life in Japan and in Australia. My love of writing returned almost immediately. I titled my first writing ‘Belonging’. I was thrilled to see my own writing being published in the Bass Coast Post on October 31 2018. I noticed the title was ‘A sense of belonging’. I thought to myself “It describes my writing more clearly.”

In December I wrote a kind of reflective piece for the year 2018 and titled it ‘All’s well that ends well’. Although the expression wasn’t uniquely mine, I thought this summarised my year very well. When it was published the title was completely different. ‘A clean break’ – it was simple, pure and powerful. I liked it much better than my original title. The old title was rather awkward and clumsy. Catherine was so talented at this. I began to appreciate her small yet significant input into my writing.

I still bothered to title my 2019 February article, but secretly I was looking forward to discovering Catherine’s title. It was brilliant. ‘Riding a wave of goodwill’ captured the essence of my writing on volunteering. Accompanied by my husband Robert’s amazing photograph to further enhance my humble writing, it was a real triumphant article in so many levels. I felt fully supported by Catherine. At the same time I did my bit to promote the Disabled Surfers Association’s event through my writing. It was such a memorable piece for me.

From then on, I didn’t bother giving a title to my pieces. I just put the month at the top of my writing and waited for another creative title from our editor. ‘Checking out’ clearly illustrated my experiment of giving up Facebook for three months. The two words rolled out easily. Once again it was clear, simple and sounded a kind of cool thing to do with social media platforms. I felt as if I were a trendsetter.

In June, I wrote about my 50th parkrun experience, titled by Catherine ‘Born to run.’ The experience itself was incredible, but the writing was a real turning point for me as a writer. When I send my article, Catherine usually reads it straight away and replies with the comments like “Another fine piece, Etsuko.” On this occasion she asked me to explore further. So I did. Like Bruce Springsteen’s famous song, this piece was the greatest hit amongst my parkrun community, and it was published in both English and Japanese on the official parkrun website as well.

When I read Bob Middleton’s ‘The final flight’ I was deeply moved. His words were pure, effortless and eloquent, with no waste. His writing reminded me of haiku, a Japanese poem of seventeen syllables. Something profound was also brewing in me for a while. I decided to write three short pieces on grieving. ‘What remains’ was a cathartic release, and I feel it marked the culmination of years of evocative writing in my second language. Furthermore, the comments I received from readers touched me immensely. The words from those kind people were an outpouring of compassion to ease my pain and heartache. The connection I felt with readers was sublime. Gratitude filled my heart. I wept.

My reflective piece on travelling was aptly titled ‘New horizons’ in October. Travelling always broadens our perspective. Similarly, I feel I obtained a new set of wings through writing regularly. Writing for an audience has opened up a whole new horizon for me. It has been over a year since I started to write for the Post. Each endeavour taught me something new. The discipline of it brought enormous joy and unforgettable connection with many readers in my life.

That includes our editor Catherine. Our correspondences are often brief. I appreciate her gentle yet disciplining presence in my writing life. I will never ever forget what she wrote to encourage me to expand my writing. ‘You have a rare ability to capture the moment, Etsuko.’ Hearing words like that as a writer, I can die contentedly even tomorrow. Or perhaps after I write the literary masterpiece that all writers aspire to. 

16 Comments
Miriam Strickland
13/12/2019 08:40:26 am

Keep it up Etsuko! But consider this...a literary masterpiece does not have to be a critically acclaimed work that turns up in major bookshops, or wins a big award. A small piece that touches someone deeply and is a catalyst for an important change for them is just as important. Maybe you have already written it...

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
13/12/2019 12:32:32 pm

That's exactly what I meant by a masterpiece - if my writing touches someone's heart deeply and I'm content with it. I would love to be a small ripple that can create big waves. If I have already written such a piece for someone, I am complete as a writer. At the same time there is always a next better piece to aim for because I continue to grow as a human. I apply Japanese philosophy of kaizen to everything I do, and so are you, Miriam. Gratitude.

Reply
Anne Tindall
13/12/2019 09:36:36 am

Dearest Etsuko,
What a wonderful, inspiring person you are.
I first wrote about you in the local paper back in 2016 and felt so privileged to be welcomed into your tranquil home and to hear about your life.
I gobble up everything I find on you. Absolutely love you and your writing.
You are honest, humble and incredibly inspiring!

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
13/12/2019 12:47:15 pm

Dearest Anne, oh how fondly I remember our special meeting in 2016! I kept your article till this day and treasure it by rereading from time to time. Your words were so warm and encouraging. The best thing is that I'm still writing thanks to the nurturing support from people like you. I humbly receive your kind words. It's an absolute honour as a writer.

Reply
Verena Hoefler
14/12/2019 09:38:07 am

Dear Etsuko, I have known you only for a short time, but am continuously thrilled about your humanity and excitement in life.
Writing is not one of my strength but reading and experiencing other thinking and new looks at life are wonderful.

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
14/12/2019 10:30:47 am

Thank you Verena for your kind words and taking time to read my writing. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by many intelligent, fun loving people in my French community. Regarding writing, you'll never know unless you try. I'm sure you would say the same for painting, learning a language or two or playing an instrument. If my writing help you gain a new perspective, I would be humbled.

Reply
Ebony
14/12/2019 08:19:33 pm

Inspiring to read Etsuko! Your passion for writing and open mindedness is everywhere in this piece. I currently have your book on hold at the library awaiting collection. Can’t wait to read it. x

Reply
Etsuko
15/12/2019 08:09:43 am

Thank you for taking time to read my piece, Ebony. You are a fine writer yourself, too. I highly encourage you to explore your talent more, especially you are now in such a special phase of your life. I appreciate your kind words. See you at the next parkrun.

Reply
Geoff Ellis
16/12/2019 12:05:30 am

Etsuko,

Your pieces are delightful and The Post always brings out the best in us.

Titles? Catherine always nails it with wry aplomb.

Reply
Etsuko
16/12/2019 07:47:37 am

It's so true that The Post always brings out the best in us. I totally agree. Thanks to you I learned a new word today. Aplomb - what a well articulated word to describe Catherine's flair!

Reply
Bernadette
16/12/2019 04:59:05 pm

Ma chère Etsuko,
C’était, encore une fois, un vrai plaisir de vous lire!
Vous savez trouver les mots justes pour exprimer votre passion pour l’écriture ainsi que votre reconnaissance envers votre éditrice.
Bravo!!!
Je me languis de lire un de vos articles en français!!!
“L’écriture est la peinture de la voix “
(Voltaire 1764)
Also, I would like to add that I adore the picture that Rob took of you!
It does represent you perfectly.
He is a very talented photographer!!!

Reply
Etsuko
16/12/2019 05:48:47 pm

Merci beaucoup pour vos aimables mots. J'aime votre citation. Je vais étudier dur parce que j'ai envie d'écrire mon article dans Français un jour. Rob will be thrilled to bits to read your compliment. Yes, Rob is very talented.

Reply
Lois
16/12/2019 06:00:03 pm

Etsuko, what a lovely reflection of the journey, both as a person and as a writer, that you have been on over the last couple of years. You are so talented and thoughtful. Thank you so much for sharing! And Rob’s photo of you is outstanding!! He’s captured your quiet, deep intelligence.

Reply
Etsuko
16/12/2019 08:46:58 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words, Lois. I think we all have an aptitude or two for creativity. I guess I'm making up for those years I couldn't write in English. I'm very fond of Rob's picture, too. He captured a contemplative nature of writing so perfectly.

Reply
Kathy Hill
24/12/2019 06:06:18 pm

Dear Etsuko- thanks for sharing your writing- there is a real lyricism to your work- I enjoyed it immensely.
Kathy

Reply
Etsuko Yasunaga
24/12/2019 07:01:09 pm

Lyricism - what a beautiful word! Another new English word for me. Thank you Kathy very much for taking time to read, and also for your kind words.

Reply



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