CHAPTER 4 – MAY 1, I TAUGHT HERI’m a High School Boy and a Bestselling Light Novel author, strangled by my female cla.s.smate who is my junior and a voice actress.
This is my current predicament.
The ‘near-death experience’ referred to the swirling lights that could cause movie film to move.
Modern people would use such an expression ‘a fatal near-death experience’, and some would even shorten it to describe the moment ‘when people continued to recall the past before they died’.
I once read it in the books.
People would quickly see their past memories before they died.
It was said to be because the mind was searching for a certain something at full speed.
Seeking for a clue to escape the crisis from their past experiences.
Thus, I vividly recalled the past.
Recalling everything that happened from the first time I met her, till this point.
May had arrived.
The first week was commonly dubbed as ‘Golden Week’, but this day and the following day were still normal days. I had to attend cla.s.ses on this day, and to visit the After Record the the following day. (TN Snark: The last time I read a series where the protagonist had to go somewhere during Golden Week, he ended up drowned and dead in a river)
After school, I changed from my uniform into plain clothes, and got on the same Limited Express train as usual.
The pa.s.sengers on this day were a lot more than the previous week. It’s Golden Week, and there are many dressed up for hiking.
Having already antic.i.p.ated this, I queued earlier than usual, and managed to secure the usual seat right at the back, placing the luggage right beside it. (TN Snark: You could have done the Singaporean method, place tissue paper packets on seats to basically ‘book’ your seats. Hey, I’m Singaporean, I can lampoon myself out of this.)
There was still some time until the train departed. I wondered if Nitadori would wait till the train departed before coming over as per usual, so I continued to wait leisurely, without any worry. (TN Snark: Let’s face it, you like her already)
A few days ago, I realized,
Did Nitadori deliberately wait until the last moment to arrive at the platform, and came in from the other carriages?
This station was a little distant from school, but there were still students who would head to school from there. If any particular person was to see Nitadori and me walking side by side with each other at the platform,
“What are these two doing?”
There surely would be such rumors. As both of us would take leaves every Friday, I didn’t have belief that I could fool others if I was to be questioned. (TN Snark: You sure you aren’t enjoying it?)
And if she really did put in such thought—
I surely would have to thank Nitadori here. (TN Snark: or not.)
I suppose it was because of my manly plea that she did not choose ‘Vice Versa’. (TN Snark: Manly, as I’ll use that term loosely.)
What did she choose then? Surely there wasn’t anyone who didn’t know what it was. The answer’s ‘Momotaro’. (TN Snark: If we’re not careful, this series will end up being Ookami-san.)
She brought a picture book directed for children,
“A long, long time ago, at a certain place (TN Snark: in a galaxy far, far away)—”
And recited from the beginning.
It really was a ‘professional prank’. (TN Snark: Let’s go home, guys. Let’s just see who’s going for second place)
With much poise and care, she narrated the text. Her voice was ostensibly a textbook example, each word spoken with such clarity there was no way any word could have been mistaken. (TN Snark: Unlike what I’ll actually be able to orate, it’s sad that no matter where I go, people think of me as a foreigner, even in my own country)
The lines themselves were really exciting. Nitadori showcased all her acting talents, not withholding anything at all, using different voices for the old granny, the old grandpa, Momotaro, the dog, monkey, pheasant and the demons. (TN: And the monk, the pig, and whatever Sha Wujing is)
I was looking forward, so I really couldn’t see her, but she probably was acting with her entire body like what professional voice actors will do. I could see my cla.s.smates look on, completely flabbergasted.
“Congratulations, congratulations.” (TN Snark: 10 points for Gryffindor)
Eri Nitadori’s solo performance ended after 6 minutes and 34 seconds.
For us, who did not pay a single cent hearing this, we were first stunned momentarily, and then we applauded. (TN Snark: Shut up and take my money)
The teacher praised her exuberantly with grandeur words, and simply continued,
“Now then, the next one will be Suzuki, and after that Hisakawa.”
That Suzuki who’ll be following up after Nitadori really is very pitiful here. As for who that Suzuki, I don’t even remember how he looks like now. (TN Snark: In other words, one of the mook characters left to die. Pretty apt in this situation)
After cla.s.s, the girls were gathered around Nitadori; some boys joined in too. (TN Snark: To ask her out for a date?)
I decided to get up a little later for a stroll.
Many of my cla.s.smates were hailing Nitadori for how amazing she was,
“Have you acted before?” (TN Snarks: Aren’t humans actors in life?)
Someone posed Nitadori this question, and she answered,
“Actually, I did join the drama club in my previous school, and I really put in a lot of effort practicing my recital acting. The teacher was strict, but I did recite the story very well today, so I wonder if he’ll praise me.” (TN Snark: Who’s your instructor? Alan Rickman? )
“Eh?” “Oo” I heard such voices. Now that she mentioned it, I recalled her specifically stating in her self-introduction that she transferred in from the previous year. I had no idea exactly where she was prior to that.(TN Snark: And I hear voices in my head)
“Aren’t you going to join the drama club?” (TN Snark: The story’s dramatic enough. No need to join the drama club. Hori-senpai isn’t there.)
A certain male cla.s.smate asked that.
Anyone would have thought about that—if they didn’t know about her job at that moment.
“I decided not to join a club due to various reasons.” (TN Snark: Basketball reasons)
Nitadori replied with an answer that could barely be considered one.
While I intended to stop eavesdropping and get up,
“Why aren’t you around on Fridays? Is it related to the various reasons you mentioned?” (TN Snark: How about you ask the uppercla.s.sman of a cla.s.smate you have? Unless you fear him so much you’re thinking he’s a delinquent king or something. Sorry there, Koremitsu.)
A certain girl, poor in comprehending the mood, asked without holding back. Hearing her tone, I suppose there was no malice at all.(TN Snark: No, there’s only amus.e.m.e.nt.)
“No, that’s not it.”
Nitadori responded curtly,
“Then what it is?”
And that girl pressed on with the question. (TN Snark: What are you, the paparazzi?)
“Erm…”
She let out a slightly perturbed voice.
There’s another cla.s.smate who’s definitely never around on Friday here, but it seemed that cla.s.smate wasn’t being noticed in any way. My presence so small it’s shocking, and only in this situation did it help me out here. (TN Snark: More like they’re going the ‘notice me please, senpai’ route)
But I was still worried if I would end up distracting her. I missed the opportunity to leave while pondering if I should quickly leave my seat. (TN Snark: Excuses. You just want to be with her as much as you can)
At this moment, it’ll be worse for us if I’m to slip off here. While pondering over what I should be doing at this moment, Nitadori said,
“My dad’s currently living alone in j.a.pan, due to busy work, and not because my parents are talking about divorce here, you know?” (TN Snark: Why mention divorce? It’s depressing)
That was the first time I heard of such matters.
But even so, I practically knew nothing about her. (TN Snark: Has anyone?)
“But I can only meet him in Tokyo on Friday, so I have to do so even if I have to take leaves from school. That’s how it is.”
Of course, all that has to be a lie. Her tone however was so overly natural and fluent, even I was about to blurt out, I see, so that’s how it is, and believe her here.
As for the other cla.s.smates’ reactions.
“Eh?”
“So that’s why!”
“I see.”
Hearing their reactions, I knew that they bought the story,
The acting skills of a professional voice actor’s really amazing.
Feeling relieved, I went out for a stroll. (TN Snark: You’re relieved that no one stole your girl.)
While strolling, I wondered.
Nitadori lied saying that she would head to Tokyo to spend Fridays with her family, and in fact, she went for her after record. She could have met her father after the after record was done, but that definitely was not the main reason.
Now then, what was that ‘my parents are living separately’ thing she just mentioned here?
I believed her completely when she said that. What happened on Friday however made me feel that she could be lying for the sake of it. (TN Snark: Fletcher Reede?)
Nitadori’s acting skills differed from any ordinary person. I couldn’t determine the validity from her words.
In other words,
I knew nothing about Eri Nitadori other than she’s ‘the voice actress portraying Meek, and my cla.s.smate who’s a year younger than me’. (TN Snark: And that she’s cute?)
Once I thought that much, my bad habit would kick in.
This bad habit here would refer to the ‘delusional’ habit, which I’m using as my money tree. (TN Snark: If this t.i.tle’s any different, it’ll have gone the Chuu2 method…and this one’s longer, so this wins)
Who exactly was Nitadori?
Her relatives live in j.a.pan, and she coincidentally takes the same ride as me because she wants to know about an author, and thought of all the questions to ask me. Was it all a lie? (TN Snark: Well, if it is, we won’t having this series)
Perhaps—
Perhaps Nitadori’s a professional killer? (TN Snark: Please use that in your next series, Sigsawa-sensei. Kino’s just a big eater)
She has her sights on me, ready to kill me with a given chance. She plotted behind the scenes and became a voice actress, obtained a role, learned of my true ident.i.ty, and joined my cla.s.s? (TN Snark: Just change the ‘kill’ to ‘like’ and you’ll get a more accurate description of this story)
That was not a coincidence, but something to be expected, right?
The reason why she asked me all these questions is that she wanted to know more about her target before taking action, right? (TN Snark: Like your last words.)
In that case, isn’t it dangerous for me to turn my back on her? (TN Snark: You are already dead)
“Wahahaha!”
A single boy suddenly began to laugh at himself, and two girls standing nearby, probably 1st years, immediately scampered helter-skelter. (TN Snark: Note to self, he lost it.)
Sorry to terrify both of you like that.
But that utterly foolish delusion I had was so interesting it made me laugh. (TN Snark: In other words, you don’t have any apologetic intent…I approve)
She intends to kill me if there’s a chance?
I ate so much of the sea salt potato chips she provided, and even drank some tea. (TN Snark: Light X Potato Chip is outdated now)
If she really intended to kill me, I would have been dead 2, 3 times. (TN Snark: More like every single time you’re with her…like every weekday.)
It’s dangerous for me to turn my back on her?
I spent hours with my back facing her from Monday to Thursday.
The time she spent seeing my back was a lot longer than when I saw her. (TN Snark: She just’s spending the time humming s.e.xyback or something)
The train began to rush.
The carriage became somewhat packed as the pa.s.sengers were either headed out or home, and it became bustling. (TN Snark: Another off-topic, but after spending 10 days taking the Kintetsu lines…I’m still amazed by the efficiency of the system)
During this situation, Nitadori came from the carriage behind, saying,
“It’s been a week, sensei. There’s a lot of people today. Thanks for reserving a seat for me.” (TN Snark: Speaking of which. You guys are rich enough to take a Limited Express? I couldn’t even get past Rapid…)
With one hand, she held onto the handle of the luggage bag she always used; in the other, she held out the bait meant for me, as usual. (TN Snark: I think hearing her voice act as payment for your answers is good enough)
“Here. This is the thanks for today.”
I took in the bag from the convenience store, (TN Snark: Something slipped my mind here. Clearly this is bad phrasing on my part. I can’t think of what to do however.)
“Sorry for always.”
And answered in an old-fashioned manner.
Nitadori placed her bag behind her seat, tidied her hair, and sat down.
“Didn’t we say not to mention that?”
And again, she showed me a pretty smiling face on this day. (TN Snark: The smile on your face…)
These snacks were really a relief to me, typically hungry at this time.
Actually, I would eat 2 pieces of toast before heading out every week. But as I’m in my p.u.b.erty, I would gladly accept any food that appeared in front of him. (TN Snark: Does that include the hormonal increase?)
After guzzling down a third of the potato chips, I drank some tea.
“What shall I talk about today?”
I then turn to the seat on the right to ask. Even I too was a little surprised that I ended up initiating the topic so easily. (TN Snark: You just wanted to talk, right?)
Nitadori immediately answered,
“I want to know how to write a novel?” (TN Snark: That goes for all us readers)
“What do you mean?”
This question’s a little too vague, so I asked.
“Well…sensei, didn’t you say ‘I’ll tell you about writing a novel next time’? I want to know how to do that, the specifics of writing a novel. For someone who never wrote a novel like me, I didn’t know how to write such a novel.” (TN Snark: Step 1, sit down and write)
“I see…so we’re going upstate in such a state?” (TN Snark: Yeah, it’s a bad pun, I know.)
I muttered out my true thoughts. (TN Snark: You’re developing a personality.)
“What?”
Nitadori tilted her head, asking,
“Ah, sorry. Just a simple word pun. Maybe you’ll understand looking at the words.” (TN Snark: Non-native readers can’t…which is why I”m translating this)
“…Oh!! You’re like an author to be able to come up with such words on the fly.”
“Because I am an author.” (TN Snark: Catchphrase of the day)
I ended up saying these words again this week.
Nitadori quickly adjusted her gla.s.ses with her right hand, (TN Snark: And do the Gendou pose, please.)
“Now then, please explain how a professional author begins to write.”
“Okay then…”
To be honest, I only entered the profession for 2 years, and the term ‘professional author’ really was very discomforting to me. But even so, since I’m in this job for a living, that should be a term I should be using for myself, even if I’m a professional. (TN Snark: In other words, you like being called a pro)
But even so, I did have a thought about Nitadori ‘a professional voice actor’s really amazing!’. I guess this applies to both of us. (TN Snark: Kono Seiyuu ga Sugoi!)
I decided to tell her how I wrote a novel,
“There’s something I have to be clear with you first.” (TN Snark: What, a Red Wedding vow?)
“What is it?”
“No matter the number of authors, there’s at least that number of methods to write. Right now, I’m pretty much just going to talk about ‘the method I use’.” (TN Snark: This feels like some kind of a Chinese wuxia story or something…)
“Understood.” (TN Snark: From here on, I’m just going to do this story in my own terms)
How does one write a novel? (TN Snark: How does one translate a novel?)
As I had just mentioned, the method differs accordingly per person—
The one I used was the one I mastered while creating ‘Vice Versa’. (TN Snark: The one I used was the one I mastered while translating ‘Sword Art Online’ )
Based on the order, that should be the most suitable.
First, I had to come up with the plot. (TN Snark: First, I had to buy the plot…not land)
Plot.
This word in English can mean a conspiracy, a plan, but beyond that, there is the meaning of a structure, a scenario. Of course, when I (and the other authors) use this term, we would be talking about the latter. (TN Snark: There is also a third option, where lots of fanservice is included for the readers’ ogling. Personally though, I do find it distracting from the actual story…says the guy writing the meaningless comments here)
I once searched up the definition of the term ‘plot’ on the internet. Strictly put, the definition seemed very complex.
Leaving that definition aside, I would typically think of it as ‘a summary of the story’ when coming up with this term.
In 8th grade,
“I see! So I need to think of a story!”
That was what I realized, but nowadays, I would not use the term ‘story’.
I didn’t know when I started, but I started using the term ‘plot’ instead. (TN Snark: Not Plotz?)
“A plot, I think, is a framework, a blueprint of a novel.”
“Okay.”
“I don’t think there’s a definitive correct answer in the amount of plot. The file ‘Vice Versa’ was called ‘a story of one transported to the other world, becoming an immortal’, and that can be said to be the simplest summary of the plot. In any case, just understand that as ‘the protagonist heads to the other world and becomes an immortal.”
“I see. But the construction of the plot isn’t always that simple, right?”
“Of course. There are times where I have to be clearer in explaining the plot, especially when explaining to the editor-in-charge.”
The first step of writing a novel is to propose a plot, and I do think there’s 2 ways to go about doing it
One of them is,
“Propose a plot for something that is to be written next time.”
This would be what can be considered a storage, and I can go about writing it a little simpler as it’s just something only I need to understand. It’s fine to keep it simple even if I only have a few major points. That was the plan for the file called ‘Vice Versa’.
Soon after, the contents of the novel gradually existed, and there was no need for me to keep expanding on the ideas I thought of (if there are ideas I can think of, naturally, I’ll record them first)
“A story of people living underwater, and venturing the land.” (TN Snark: Nagi no Asukara)
“A futuristic crime story.” (TN Snark: Psycho-Pa.s.s)
“Human dolls begin to move and started attacking humans.” (TN Snark: Attack of t.i.tan)
I’ll simply record such ideas down once I think about them, even if it’s just a simple concept of a single line or sorts, and it’s an a.s.set I may be able to use in the future. My computer contains many of such ideas
Another method of composing plots would be,
“The author comes up with ideas to the editor-in-charge, telling him what the author intends to write.”
In this situation, the idea’s the blueprint, a proposal to a business partner that conveys ‘I want to write this. What do you think?’
The writing would also different accordingly based on the authors. Of course, I understood this well, having asked other authors myself.
Some will basically come up with short ideas comprising of one liners. (TN Snark: Followed by a YEAAHHHH!!!)
In contrast, others will come up with long ideas, as long as a novel itself. (TN Snark: Does that include t.i.tles like this one?)
Some will come up with a doc.u.ment that’s like a report, clearly and concisely stating various factors like ‘what happened? How will the characters act?’ (like me)
In contrast, others will start writing the characters’ emotions in this plotting phase, and edit their works.
“In that case…the author won’t start writing without obtain the editor-in-charge’s permission, right?” (TN Snark: Well, the RL editor-in-charge of this series is pretty animated.)
Nitadori asked.
This is just my own experience, and also what I heard from the editors of other light novelists. I prefaced with this, and,
“Typically yes. But there are exceptions.”
In my case—
Leaving aside the submitted entry that was completed, what happened afterwards, beyond the second volume of ‘Vice Versa’ was,
“Typically, I’ll begin writing after all the ideas I proposed have been approved. I’ll send a message over through email conveying my ideas ‘I intend to write the next volume like this. The characters will act like this,new characters will debut, these are the parts to shock the readers, and this is the ending’”
My house was connected to the internet, and I began to make contact with the editor-in-charge through email. I didn’t think this answered the questions though, so I didn’t mention it. (TN Snark: Nowadays, you can use Skype…how technology marches on.)
“The amount of plot I need to write differs per volume…but they aren’t very long. A short one’s about a dozen lines or so, and even if it is a little longer, it’s not more than one pocket book spread page, or 2 pages.”
“That’s considered short, right?”
“I really don’t know. I think this is the only thing that differs…”
“There’s something I’m a little curious about. You just said that you’ll ‘typically come up with plots. Does this mean that you didn’t do that for a certain volume/”
I nodded.
“That was the case for the 7th volume.”
Nitadori, whom I’m really grateful to for reading all my published works, immediately thought,
“It’s the story of the ‘Moving Country’, right?” (TN Snark: Please, Sigsawa, please include this in Kino’s Journey…)
The 7th volume of ‘Vice Versa’, the 4th volume of ‘Side Sin’, describes the story of a large moving country.
The stage was set in the most advanced country in Reputation. The country is 3km long, 1km wide, and moves on numerous caterpillars. (TN Snark: Why am I think of the Avengers Ultron movie?)
This country is equipped with ma.s.sive mechanical arms, and spinning drills in the front; it can grind and level any land, obtaining all the resources. Once it arrives at a place, even the mountains will be leveled, and all that’s left would be a barren land. (TN Snark: Okay, now I’m having images of Final Fantasy 6)
Typically, the country would only excavate minerals from areas with few people, and certainly would not cause trouble for other countries. Once a coup d’etat occurred however, the country harbored an ambition to rule over Reputation given the scientific power they possessed. (TN Snark: Samurai 7?)
And Sin took action to stop that country’s ambition. (TN Snark: Oda n.o.buna no Yabou ka? What does that make Shin? Hm…)
Shin’s mission was to infiltrate the country, die over and over again, and approach the central area of the country. (TN Snark: If this one gets animated, Shin/Sin’s going reach Lancer’s memetic death levels at the very least.)
“Yeah, this is the only story I wrote without actually thinking of the plot.” (TN Snark: I get that feeling for translating quite often back in my heyday)
“Erm…why’s that? And how did you do it?”
I tried recalling that certain day, answering,
“After having my meal, I just spent the time watching TV, and then I saw a large German excavation machine. That gigantic machine was called a ‘Bucket Wheel Excavator’, more than 200m long. I know such a thing exists, but it was the first time I actually saw that thing in action. Have you seen one before, Nitadori?” (TN Snarks; Let’s face it, even if she did, you’re a kind soul who’s all too willing to show this to us.)
Nitadori shook her head as her eyes stared at me. The sight of the gla.s.ses moving was a little amusing.
“This monster gigantic, long-necked dragon-like machine moves on caterpillars, yet the shape’s very complicated. It’s like a mesh of factories jammed together.” (TN Snark: An Elephant?)
Once I said this, I felt it was better for her to see a photo. It really is difficult imagining the appearance just from describing it.
I fish out my smartphone from my pocket, and begin searching for pictures using the search term ”bucket wheel’.
“This is it.”
I handed the smartphone to Nitadori so that she could see.
Once she took it, she scrolled through the phone a little.
“Hm…”
She probably didn’t have much interest in the machine (well, it’s normal, since she’s a girl), so her reactions’ lukewarm as she returns me the phone. (TN Snark: This reminds me of everyone’s reactions to the Tryon 3…and Sekai’s)
Keeping the phone, I said,
“Once I saw that gigantic machine just grind and level the ground, I had an idea ‘the enemy’s going to invade in the next volume’, and then I began work. Immediately.” (TN Snark: That’s how I picked up this series)
“So, ‘immediately’, as in?”
“It’s as the term implies. The show wasn’t finished, but once I saw the part introducing that machine, I immediately shut the TV, and added a new file in the computer called ‘a story about a ma.s.sive country’, beginning to write the story out. I didn’t think of the structure at all; at first, I started to describe a ma.s.sive country that’s very hostile, where Sin and his ministers were glaring at it, and then Shin came…after that, as for what happened later, I just typed out what I thought. I didn’t think of the structure even at the very end, just writing and thinking ‘the story will develop this way, and then that way’. I didn’t care about how much I wrote, I just wrote.”
(TN Snark: It’s as the term implies. The anime Shirobako wasn’t finished, but once I saw the parts describing how anime is made, I immediately closed my video player, and went to the nearby bookstore to buy the series called ‘I’m a High School Boy and a Bestselling Light Novel author, strangled by my female cla.s.smate and undercla.s.sman who is a voice actress, beginning to read the story out. I didn’t think of how popular the story would be with other readers at all; at first, I began to read through certain aspects, especially the Dengeki Bunjo blatant promotion, glaring at those parts, and then inspiration came…after that, as for what happened later, I just typed out what I sawe. I didn’t think of the structure even at the very end, just writing and thinking ‘the story will develop this way, and then that way’. I didn’t care about how much I just wrote, I just wrote.)
“…”
Nitadori frowned a little, remaining silent.
Is she terrified by this unreasonable, illogical method of writing. I wondered worriedly.
“You managed to write a novel so suddenly…what do you have to do to do such a thing…?” (TN Snark: You managed to translate a novel so suddenly…what do you have to do to do such a thing…?)
Contrary to my expectations, she’s very impressed.
But even so, I could only answer,
“Well…I just had an inspiration.”
I did pause to think of the plot midway through, but I kept writing for another 2 weeks and 3 days, before I finally finished it. (TN Snark: 17 days? Isn’t that the same number of days Kamachi used to write volume 2?)
I also didn’t remember if I actually mentioned it during the anime scriptwriting meeting.
If I’ve yet to tell anyone,
Nitadori will be the first one to know. (TN Snark: More like we’re the first ones to know.)
Well, I guess it’s fine to tell her this.
I immediately had an answer.
She’s a colleague, and someone who’ll keep secrets. There won’t be problems even if I do tell her. (TN Snark: Didn’t you think she’s a murderer?)
It’s noisy inside the carriage, but for added safety, I hushed my voice as much as possible to answer her.
“The names of the Homunculi actually originate from Russian.” (TN Snark: Not the 7 deadly sins?)
“Eh…Russian…?”
“Before that, do you know of the ‘Naming Dictionary’?”
“No.”
She shook her head slightly, and I explained to her.
As the term implied, the naming dictionary is a dictionary for names.
It records all sorts of terms in languages of more than 10 countries, marketed as ‘Convenient for naming products, companies and shops’.
The first column’s basically English, followed by French, German, Italian, Spanish, and so on. The number of languages recorded in each book’s different.
I too have such a naming dictionary. When coming up with names for ‘Vice Versa’, I’ll find a good katakana name for characters. (TN Snark: I get the feeling that’s how many writers come up with random names like Saflee Opendays)
And as this is really convenient.
I do feel that for authors, or anyone aspiring to be authors, it’s not a bad thing to have a naming dictionary with them at all times. The naming dictionary can also be cla.s.sified for ordinary types, fantasy worlds, or even military.
The name Миг was what I found when I was flipping through the book. It sounded cute, so I memorized it. (TN Snark: Yeah, and I spent 6 hours asking Russians how to spell the names…it’s annoying)
Readers would often mention this name in their review, but I want to say, the name меек wasn’t meant to imitate that famous voice synthesis software c.u.m popular character.
“Then what does the name mean in Russian?”
Nitadori’s stare was intense. I could feel the rage from the anxiety she had after I explained the naming dictionary to her.
I didn’t want to get bitten to death, so I answered,
“It means ‘instance’.”
“Instance…”
Nitadori muttered softly..
“Instance…”
And again she did.
Once she understood the meaning of the name of the character she’s portraying.
I don’t know what this voice actress is actually thinking.
But what I’m thinking inside is, ‘Good thing I didn’t come up with an indecent name for this character’.
The other homunculi are also named based on Russian, and currently, there’s more than 10 of them.
Свет (Svet) means visible light, and that’s still decent.
Лес (Les) means forest. Speaking of which, this particular homunculus is in the country of the deserts, so the setting’s different from the name, at least. (TN Snark: Could be worse…could be rain)
Доска (Doska) means blackboard. He’s a handsome young man, but his name is a blackboard. (TN Snark: Not a dustbin, at least)
Складки (Skladki) means folds. She’s a pretty girl (TN Snark: who’s always folding her arms)
Гриб (Grib) actually means mushroom. (TN Snark: Kinoko Nasu?)
Пугало (Pugalo) actually means scarecrow… (TN Snark: So who’s the lion and the tin man?)
That was close.
I nearly ended up in a situation where I’ll be saying,
“The name of the character you’re portraying actually means ‘mushroom’ (or ‘scarecrow’)!”
That really was close.
“Instance…”
Nitadori kept her head lowered, and I added on with the explanation,
“In English terms, it’ll mean ‘moment’. I think it’s a similar p.r.o.nunciation in Russian, and the reason I actually remembered it well is because before I actually confirmed the name, I did check for info on the internet. Meek sounds cuter though, so I decided to use it.”
This really is off topic, which I never said to Nitadori,
‘In Russian p.r.o.nunciation, ‘Миг’ can be read as ‘MiG’.
As for ‘MiG’, that’ll be the famous fighter jet manufacturer. The company manufactured lots of fighter jets, like the MiG-25 or the MiG-29. (TN Snark: Ah yes, the legendary gun nut Sigsawa, proud presenter of the GGO Squad Jam. Squad 7, move out!)
Anyway, the company has nothing to do with this ‘Meek’.
Some fans will submit their ill.u.s.trations onto the internet, and one of them has Meek standing in front of a MiG-21. I really like that ill.u.s.tration, so I had it saved. (TN Snark: Feels like Kancolle all over again)
There’s another thing I haven’t told Nitadori.
Meek actually means ‘Instance’, so I had a thought that sooner or later, it’ll become a topic somewhere.
It’s rare to get a meaningful name, so when I talked about ‘Instance’, I’ll add the name ‘Meek’ in furigana by the side, coolly emphasizing this point.
I thought of that, but I haven’t used that.
If I don’t hurry with it, I guess I won’t be able to use it even if I want to.
Thinking about that, I reached my hand towards the tea by the windowsill.
“Thanks for telling me all these. I had been wondering about it all this time.”
“Eh?”
The formal language from the seat on the right side really shocked me.
Turning my head aside, I found Nitadori there, staring at me.
“?”
Once she saw my surprised look, she too was taken aback. Looking at her expression, it looks like she hadn’t realized she used formal language.
I was thinking that it wasn’t good to pursue the matter, so I did my best to say in an earnest voice,
“Erm…don’t mind me. I’m looking forward…to the After Record tomorrow.”
“Yes! Please allow me to do that! I will do my best tomorrow!”
Again, she spoke in formal language.
I felt a shock in face of the sudden bombardment of formal language. This conversation’s too impactful, so I’ll occasionally add such a writing style in my work. I never thought I’ll actually get this experience however.
Nitadori,
Probably got into ‘work mode’. (TN Snark: The Magus Killer)
To me, I really wish she stop with the formal language as before.
While thinking about it for a little while, she suddenly stood up, saying,
“Please excuse me for a while.”
And then, she immediately went through the automatic doors behind us.
The train pa.s.ses through some tunnels that are rather long, moving through smoothly. It’s a pretty, lush mountainous area around here, but it has became rather dim outside the window, so there’s not much scenery to be seen even after leaving the tunnel.
It’s still noisy inside the carriage. Looks like Nitadori casted some really powerful spell, for that woman’s still affected by the spell. I hope that she’s getting off at the terminal however. (TN Snark: 黒棺)
Nitadori has yet to return. I’m not really picky about her taking too long; it’s useless to be picky about it if she’s headed to the toilet.
I was only thinking, (TN Snark:Show some concern for the girl…)
“Ah, so nice.”
Potato chips go best with sea salt after all. (TN Snark: Just like how Light likes his potato chips with the Death Note)
“Ah, kept you waiting.”
Once I was done finishing the potato chips, Nitadori managed to recover, and returned. Did she wash off her ‘work mode’ with water? Or did she hand it off to someone else?
As usual, she had her hair tidied, let her hair drape in front and behind her chest, before sitting down quickly.
“Now that we mentioned ‘concept, writing, t.i.tle, character naming’—”
Nitadori said,
“Can I conclude this as ‘this is a volume done’ for the time being’?”
“No problems.”
“Then, what will an author do next? Is there anything to take note?”
Listening to the question, I pondered.
Nitadori’s asking some really detailed questions. Is she planning to write a novel herself?
But I did remember her saying not long before ‘I don’t intend to register’.
In that case, I guess a certain acquaintance of hers want to be an author for some reason.
Or maybe that she’s already an author, and I don’t know? Is she a voice actress and author? Is she planning to get intel beneficial to her from a rival? (TN Snark: What’s this? Some corporate agent?)
Once I had my delusions till that point, I decided to return to reality.
“Now then, a.s.suming that I’ve completed a volume worth of ma.n.u.script, it’s now the work to check through it, and then complete the elaboration (or b.u.mp and knock).”
“b.u.mp and knock?” (TN Non-snark: 推敲)
Nitadori asked.
It’s a term taught in elementary language cla.s.ses, and I thought everyone knows this.
Perhaps Nitadori was on leave that day, so I explained.
Elaboration would be to read through the text over and over again, and add on.
There is a origin to this term. A certain Chinese poet was wondering,
“Which one do I use? b.u.mp or knock?” (TN Non-Snark: The kanji really is 推敲 (suikou. 推 means push, and 敲 means knock. The guy’s deciding which word will fit better in the poem he was making, and for those curious, the poem is called 题李凝幽居)
While walking, he b.u.mped into an official and his men.
That official, a man of literature himself, said,
“’Knock’ is better.”
And having said that, the poet decided.
So, by connecting the two words, that term came about.
“Eh, it’s the first time I knew about this. Thanks.”
“Erm, do mind it. a.s.suming that I’m done with writing a novel, the b.u.mp and knock’s done for the moment.”
So what will I do next? I’ll send the ma.n.u.script to the editor-in-charge, get him to read through, an check through it.
For practically all the authors, including me,
When we talk about ‘sending the ma.n.u.script’, we’re talking about email.
I’ll attach the Word doc.u.ment to the email, and press the send b.u.t.ton. (TN Snark: Now discover the wonders of Cloud Computing)
Thus, there’s no need for the editor-in-charge to come over and get the ma.n.u.script, and I don’t have to send the actual physical copy over.
I can send the file from anywhere in the world. With a computer and internet around, I can work anywhere in the world.
“You aren’t in Tokyo at the moment anyway, sensei. Are there many authors working outside the capital?”
“Amongst the authors I see at the end of year party, most of the authors are living in Kanto, including Tokyo, followed by Kansai. There are a few living far away. The end-of-year party is a rare chance to get all these people gathered.”
“I see.”
I’ll get back to talking about email attachments.
Before adding the word doc.u.ment to the email, I’ll add ‘111’ to the back of the file, before sending it out.
This refers to the ‘1st ma.n.u.script’. A single ‘1’ is enough, to avoid mixing up the volume numbers, I’ll add three repeated numbers before sending it out.
“And once the editor-in-charge’s done checking, and you edit it, it’ll become the 2nd ma.n.u.script’?”
“That’s the case. I’ll add ‘222’ at the back of the file.”
“Then, how many ma.n.u.scripts do you have to do?”
“Well, before this…I think it’s better to explain to you the discussion meeting and the review. What do you think?”
“In that case, go ahead with it, sensei.”
The editor-in-charge will be in charge of checking through the ma.n.u.script, and review it.
Writing’s difficult, but so is review. Sometimes, reviewing the work’s worse than writing it.
After I send the ma.n.u.script, the editor-in-charge will have to spend days, or even a week to check through it. If he can’t get the time to do it, this period will be lengthened.
And then, the editor-in-charge will notify me of a meeting time and date. There are mainly two methods to this,
One of them is to hold a meeting through the phone, and the other’s to meet face to face.
“I can understand a meeting through the phone…but meeting directly will mean, that the editor-in-charge will be looking for you?”
I shook my head,
“I think that some authors and editors-in-charge will do this, but I haven’t done that. I’ve always been going to Tokyo. I’ll hold meetings through the phone sometimes, but to be honest, I think a face to face meeting’s better. There are some parts in particular that need editing, and a face-to-face meeting right from the get go will do.”
I’ll head to Tokyo according to the date.
2 years ago, when I was in 10th grade, all the meetings will be held on Friday nights. For me however, I’ll ask the editor-in-charge to spare time for me.
After school, I would hurry towards the station, take the Rapid Express before this one, which leaves at around 3pm. (TN Snark: Can confirm, the trains in j.a.pan have a fixed schedule.)
And so, I’ll be able to reach the editorial branch at Idabashi before 7pm.
We would use the conference table beside the editorial branch. I heard that some will hold meetings in restaurants or cafe, but to be honest, I really don’t want to do this, for I’m worried that the people will eavesdrop on what we’re talking about, or things get leaked. Anyway, I can’t hold the meetings with a peace of mind.
The meeting’s typically around 2 hours long, and if longer, about 3 hours. (TN Snark: People either go out for booze or b.o.o.bs at such moments, and you’re having a date with your editor-in-charge…)
“That’s rather long…so in detail, how do you proceed with the meeting?”
“First, erm, the meeting basically starts with the editor-in-charge saying ‘this is very interesting’, or something, I guess? That’ll let me feel relieved, since it’s not a situation where, ‘I can’t use this story at all’.”
“Can’t use at all? That means—”
“Yeah, that’s how it is. It’s scary if I can’t use the story at all. Anyway, it means ‘this story’s meaningless, so I can’t use it’.”
“In that case…what’ll happen next?”
“Of course, I’ll have to rewrite.”
“Everything?”
“Everything.” (TN Snark: (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻)
“Have you encountered a situation where you can’t use the story at all…?”
Actually I haven’t got this at all.
So when I said that, it’s just me imagining things.
As I had said before, once I submit my concept, once the editor-in-charge agrees with my ideas, I’ll begin writing.
But even so, it’s as what I said before. It’s very rare to have the original concept being exactly the same as the ma.n.u.script.
No matter how interesting the concept is, if the novel isn’t interesting, or if the completion’s too little, or if any of these two occur, the editor-in-charge might not use this at all.
After chatting with other authors, I learned that there are actually many authors who had stories that were sc.r.a.pped.
Will this happen to me some day?
I felt terrified every time. (TN Snarks: Feels like a certain group project where I got 2/30…)
“How interesting—”
Even though such a reply will give me relief, I still can’t let my guard down.
Every single time, the editor-in-charge will pose me lots of issues.
“So, how does the editor-in-charge raise them?”
“I feel that at first, they’ll start from the entire plot process. This is the part with the most need for change. Both the editor-in-charge and I will use the term ‘Drastic changes’; this is the part that really needs a lot of changes, so even if all the trivial parts are pointed out, it’s meaningless.”
“I see. Are there examples where you need drastic changes?”
“For example, ‘the entire story flow feels a little unnatural’, or ‘a certain scene is too long’, or ‘the story development needs to be changed completely’, or something…” (TN Snark: Sometimes, I wish I paid attention to my editors pointing out such stuff…but I don’t have many left…)
Once there are parts that require drastic changes, the situation gets really tiring. It’s not as bad as being unable to use it, but the editing part really is important.
Okay, leaving aside the 1st volume where I needed 3 revisions, there was one time in my experience when I needed a drastic change in the 3rd volume.
The editor-in-charge pointed out that the final battle was too long.
The battle against Pluto in the first volume was really long, and I thought I did good for that, so I got c.o.c.ky and said that I wanted to get a high, but the results weren’t as good.
The editor-in-charge pointed out that the battle part was too long, so I made heavy cuts on the battle scenes in the 3rd volume.
It’s like a woman who had a breakup, and had a haircut. I’m not a woman though, and I never had a breakup.
“Eh! Then, did your first love succeed?” (TN Snark: If it is, he won’t be a dork…)
The moment I mentioned the haircut example, Nitadori responded very enthusiastically. Really I found her to be girlish given how interested she was in regards to ‘love topics’.
“So, sensei…how’s your girlfriend like?” (TN Snark: She has long black hair, a cute face, gla.s.ses on her, and is a voice actress)
I knew this Nitadori was asking a rhetorical question.
“I have yet to receive a confession from anyone till this point…”
“Why the formal language?’
“Why exactly…?”
I guess a person with neither friends nor girlfriend is probably an alien. (TN Snark: I’m an alien)
And I’m not an alien. Inductive reasoning complete. (TN Snark: A maths teacher will fail you for the failed mathematical induction. Leaving aside that, probably ‘No Longer Human’)
Back on point,
I revert the topic back to the cutting of the ma.n.u.script.
Because of this, I cut a lot of parts from the original fight scene.
And the number of enemies that originally appeared in battle was reduced in half. A few would have appeared in other scenes, but even though there are some named characters, I sc.r.a.pped them. (TN Snark: What were you planning? Sora vs 1000 Heartless? Saito vs 70,000?)
Looking at the results however, I felt this correction was really appropriate.
The battle description was simple, short, and compact, and I could add on the relaxing scenes later. Those scenes would become plot points later on.
“When there’s no need for drastic changes, the editor-in-charge will typically say ‘I’ll explain it from the beginning’. In other words, he’ll list all all the issues from the beginning, in chronological order. He’ll then specify the problem, like maybe the story structure’s shoddy, the meaning hard to convey, or basic mistakes like typing errors or wrong kanji.”
“At this moment, will you be looking at the printed ma.n.u.script?”
“That was how it went at first. The editor-in-charge will use the printer in the branch to print two copies, one of them for me. He’ll also mark out the issues in red pen, which I call ‘red marks’. After that, I’ll follow the red marks and edit the ma.n.u.script on the computer.” (TN Snark: That’s more details than what a language teacher will do…well of course, since money’s involved.)
“I see. But you just said ‘that was how it went at first’, right? What about now?”
Nitadori asked the obvious question.
And I answered,
“I’ll bring my laptop to the meeting.”
At the end of the year when I made my debut as an author, I received the publication fees for the 2nd volumes that was released that October.
About money, I’ll leave that for later (if I’m asked)—
Anyway, I used that money to buy a little laptop. (TN Snark: You and I can be good friends.)
It’s thin and small, not troublesome even if I put it in a bag and bring it around. Also, I actually bought a brand new model, and managed to pay it off in one go.
And using this laptop, I could work on my way to and fro, or in the hotel. This really helped me out.
The large laptop I first bought was old, but it wasn’t faulty, so even after 4 years, I’ll continue to use it. When connecting to the internet at home, I’ll use the large one. If I’ve to be picky about it, the operating speed’s a little slow, but this won’t cause me any problems. (TN Snark: My newer laptop’s actually more dated than my other laptop…that’s besides the point)
It’s very helpful to have 2 computers for work. In case one breaks down, I can continue to work. (TN Snark: For me, it’s very helpful to have the office computer for work. In case the office computer breaks down, I can charge the repair costs to the IT department)
I once read in a certain book that professionals always have a spare just in case, but the one stating it in the book was a cameraman. (TN Snark: Be polite, be efficient, have a plan to translate everything you see.)
I’ll typically bring that laptop, which I bought with my own money, to meetings.
At first, I would edit the red marks that night in the hotel in a handwritten manner, but,
“Actually…my handwriting…not nice at all…” (TN Snark: Anyone tried to read my Hikaru v7 Prologue?)
“Eh? —Really!?”
“Yes…that’s right.”
I never thought Nitadori would be that surprised.
I suppose she never did see my handwriting; no, actually, I did write something on the blackboard during cla.s.sroom. Back then, I did my best trying to write.
“Erm…and then?”
“Hm, there are times when I can’t read my own handwriting…” (TN Snark: Only times? I can’t read my own handwriting at all…)
“…”
This really isn’t something to be proud of.
But I really couldn’t do anything about it.
At first, after having my meeting with the editor-in-charge, I’ll write words on the script in red pen. My handwriting’s so atrocious however that there are times when I don’t know what I’m writing.
When writing, I still remember the points he pointed out. If I think of how to edit it, I’ll record it down.
But there’s naturally a lot of parts I need to edit.
After 3 hours, I couldn’t remember the parts the editor-in-charge asked me to edit.
And in that situation, there are times when I’m troubled because I can’t read my own red words.
“Ahh! What did he say is the problem here!?”
And such situations just kept increasing (at this moment, I’m left at my wits’ end and have to call the editor-in-charge.)
So I decided to bring a laptop to the meetings. (TN Snark: And this is why I prefer having a laptop to translate than to write it out. It’s got to a point where if I can’t get a computer to translate, I’m not going to write it out; I’m going to use Morse Code)
So in other words, at the conference table—
The editor-in-charge will have the printed ma.n.u.script, while I’ll be looking at the laptop screen. (TN Snark: Can’t both of you just be on the same page in Google Drive or something?)
Of course, I wouldn’t forget to first add a ‘222’ at the back of the file name. (TN Snark: If this were some Chinese forum, I’ll have t.i.tled it as 233)
Once he points out the errors, I’ll immediately move the mouse. If it’s skipping lots of pages, I’ll use the search function to move to that page.
And when he mentions the issue,
I’ll edit it immediately if it can be done easily. A mistype or a wrong word can be cla.s.sified as such.
The advantage of this is that the editor-in-charge can make the corrections immediately.
If the issue requires a longer time to explain, I’ll leave a few s.p.a.ces and add what’s the need, like,
“I need more lines here.”
“I need to cut a lot here.”
“I need to make this scene match the last one” (TN Snark: I need more ecchi here — MF Bunko J)
Or things like that.
“As for the time required to edit the ma.n.u.script…if there’s a need to edit many of it, it’ll take about a week. If there’s ample time until the next deadline, I can spend a few more days. I’ll then complete the second ma.n.u.script and send it to the editor-in-charge again.”
“And the editor-in-charge will check through it again?”
“Yeah. He’ll check if the parts are edited, and find mistakes. Of course, there’ll be far fewer mistakes in the first one than in the second one—or I’ll cry.” (TN Snark: At least you got editors. I need to do MY OWN EDITS for this series)
“Haha.”
“If there’s no need for me to head down to the editorial branch again, the second and third draft review will be done through the phone. When calling through the phone, I’ll put my cellphone in hands-free mode and put it in front of my laptop, holding my meeting this way. He’ll call me, and since it’ll typically be a long talk, 30 minutes will be considered quite short. There was once when we talked for 2 hours.”
“I see…there’s something I’ll like to ask first.”
“Go ahead.”
“When the editor-in-charge tells you ‘this part needs correction’, do you feel hurt about it? This novel conveys all your ideas, right? Even if a small part, you won’t feel angry or hurt to hear ‘please edit this part’ will you?”
“No, practically not.”
I simply replied.
As a professional author. (TN Snark: As a translator)
In other words, since a publisher’s willing to publish my books, and I can obtain publishing fee— (TN Snark: In other words, I’m in charge of my own stuff, and I don’t earn anything from this)
The work I write has to be check by the editor-in-charge. (TN Snark: I have no choice but to do my own checking…which I don’t)
If I think I’m completely rejected because my work’s denied, and I sink into depression,
I can’t be a professional author. (TN Snark: I can’t be a translator)
A long time before I became an author, probably 5th grade, I once saw a prose with such content.
I don’t know who the author is, probably a bestselling author. (TN Snark: Your future self)
Back then, I only thought ‘I see’. When I had the potential to be a professional author myself however, I suddenly thought of it, and I couldn’t forget about it.
Of course, if I encountered a situation I can’t back down on no matter what, I’ll insist until the very end.
To insist until the very end…in fact, such a situation’s very rare.
When our opinions clash, I’ll typically back down and edit the parts.
I’ve been doing that till this point, and the books were a hit, so I felt I should simply do that.
After emphasizing this part clearly, I added on,
“I haven’t ended up in a situation where the story doesn’t get picked up at all…maybe I’ll be really sad if I do end up encountering that. At the end-of-year party, I think a senior writer I met said ‘if your work doesn’t get picked up many times, it’ll get really depressing’.”
I can only imagine it in reality, but that definitely hurts.
“That’s…tough.”
Nitadori probably felt the same too as she lamented.
“Now then, I’ll get to the part ‘how many versions must I do’.”
“Okay.”
“Typically, I’ll finalize things at the 3rd ma.n.u.script.”
“Finalize, as in?”
“It simply means completing the ma.n.u.script. I’ll think of it as ‘sending the completed, edited ma.n.u.script out’ though. That part basically means the job is done. The deadline will typically mean that the story’s to be finalized on a certain month, certain day.”
“I see. So that means you’re done with your best.”
“Yeah, but even though the writing’s done, I still have a lot of things to do before the novel gets published.”
I’ve explained things to the ‘finalized’ part, but an author’s work doesn’t end here. It’s easier than writing, but there’s a lot of things to do.
I look at the watch, and find that we’ll reach the destination in an hour. I leave the seat again, washed my hands in the toilet, and returned to my seat.
I’ve taken this trip several times, and it’ll take about 3 hours from the station nearest to my house to the terminal. Back then, I would read books, listen to music, s.p.a.ce out, record down the ideas I thought of, or work on my laptop.
I never thought that I would be seated side by side with my female cla.s.smate (though she’s a year younger), chatting non stop.
And she’s a voice actress, to boot.
And she’s actually acting in the anime adaptation of my novel.
“Kept you waiting!”
“I waited for you! Now then, please go through the process after the finalization!”
“I’ll feel very relaxed after the finalization’s down, freedom, a sense of liberty, like ‘Great! It’s over!’ Some authors will say stuff like ‘feels like I just broke out from h.e.l.l’. Well, but my thinking’s more like ‘okay, time to write the next work’.”
“…Eh? You aren’t going out to play?”
“Right now, I feel that I’m enjoying myself writing. When I first finalized my script, I had a sense of accomplishment over having finished something, so I think such a feeling will prompt me to work on the next story.”
“A-a workaholic? Are you a workaholic, sensei?” (TN Snark: Are you a m.a.s.o.c.h.i.s.t, sensei?)
“I guess…but as I said before, the work doesn’t end here.”
Now then, what’ll happen to the ma.n.u.script after it’s finalized?
After the editor-in-charge does the final checks, there’s a need to do a cross check.
The ma.n.u.script will be printed in the exact layout as the p