Boy do I have some major, MAJOR news. In August, right after the RWA national conference in Nashville, I'm packing up the kids and the dogs and joining my Navy Guy husband in Japan (Atsugi Naval Air Station, right outside of Tokyo) for THREE YEARS. Yep, that was THREE YEARS.
We're a little stunned here, too.
We're already planning the trips (hike Mt. Fuji, ride elephants in Thailand, go castle seeing all over the gorgeous and historic wonder that is Japan) and we've started learning the language and we're looking forward to this most excellent adventure!
Of course, we're a little nervous, too; worried about being homesick and so far out of our comfort zone. I, as a nearly 6 foot tall woman, am probably going to have a hard time buying clothes. LOL. But I lived in the Philippines for 2 years and in Turkey for 2 years when I was a kid, and am a big fan of my kids having the experience of living in another country and experiencing another culture.
Now, for the big question that you're probably wondering about: the books. I've had a long talk with my editor and there will be absolutely no problem at all with my publishing future. Everything is electronic these days; I submit my books via e-mail and get edits the same way. The time zone difference is just far enough that she can call me in the evening and it will be morning for me, so no worries. And I've already promised to come back in October since I'll be the opening speaker for the wonderful Seattle Emerald City Writers' Conference!
I plan to visit home and friends and family and NY at least 3 times a year, and come to conferences, and of course, the entire world is smaller and just one big happy community thanks to the internet.
So please wish me luck on this exciting new venture and I promise to give updates on the international move excitement and the world travels. I may just have to set one of my Warriors of Poseidon loose on Tokyo . . . Godzilla v. Atlantis . . . hmmmm. The world is full of possibilities!!!
hugs,
Alyssa
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30 comments:
How exciting! I hope Japan is amazing.
So jealous! And good luck, Alyssa! Wow!!!!!
Have fun! As a military brat I was born in Germany and we lived in Korea for about 5 months. I did not even see the US until I was almost 5. I spoke no English (now it is funny, we lived in Korea and only spoke German! Ha!) Lived here for the rest though. The kids are going to love it. Japan is an awesome country.
Oh, lucky you! I'm so stoked on your behalf. :D And a weensy bit jealous too - there's not many slots for Army personnel.
Wow! Congrats and enjoy the time abroad. Glad that the Internet will keep you "in touch." Will we see a story with the Warriors on Mt. Fuji?! Good luck and best of wishes!
Congratulations! Best wishes and I hope that you all totally enjoy the experience. Thanks to your family and your Navy guy for the sacrifices you make on our behalf.
That is so exciting. I am happy for you and your family. what a great experience for your kids. They are young enough to adapt but old enough to appreciate it.
Glad to hear that we still will get out fill of the warriors without any problems.
Wowza! That's some news! I hope you have the best time! (Do NOT envy you the packing, though! And aren't you glad ebooks exist?)
Cannot wait to see how you bring Japan into WoP…
(Suddenly I have the urge to reread some Rei Shimura mysteries by Sujata Massey… LOL!)
Wish I could join you! It would be interesting to see the outcome of Godzilla vs Atlantis or the introduction of some type of Oriental mythological creature--the traditional East meets West.
wow, hope you love it there. we loved Okinawa when we were there. (hubby was in the AF)
And I am (selfishly) so glad to hear that the move won't impact your writing :)
Godzilla vs Atlantis! I love that...lol
Congratulations on the exciting news.
Congratulations!!! You'll have to share your experiences as a nearly 6 foot woman in Japan! I'm an over 6 foot woman (only by a half inch) who wants to someday visit, so I'm very interested to hear what you have to say! Best wishes to you and your family!
So totally cool. I wish my husband would do something so I could move somewhere too.
Oh how I <3 Japan. Noodles, sushi, trains that are on schedule, cold tea in vending machines on every corner, shinto shrines, and an amazing balance of the ancient and the futuristic.
As for clothes, I'm a 5' 3" size 8-10 and in Japan that makes me an XL. Stock up before you go. Seriously.
And at 6' tall, it will be easy for your kids to find you in a crowd. :)
What a wonderful adventure!
How exciting!
Congrats and good luck on your new adventure. For me, living in another country has been such an amazing experience. I've loved every minute of it and I've grown enormously as a person and as a writer. I'm sure it will be the same for you and your family.
All the best! (And I can't wait for that Godzilla story! LOL)
Thanks so much, everyone!! I feel immensely cheered up (and less nervous!) thanks to all of you!
Congratulations ! Very exciting. My niece and her husband (Naval Intelligence) and 2 boys lived in Japan for 3 years. They loved it.The only overseas assignment we had while I was growing up Navy was Guam--which you should visit. Navy had a good beach but Air Force's is awesome. At least it was. I hope I see you at a conference sometime over the next 3 years. Keeping fingers crossed.
Thank goodness communication is only a key stroke away :)
Sayonara, babe.
Congratulations on the move! Thanks to my AF hubby we lived in Okinawa for 9 years and loved every minute. The kids consider it home.As for Godzilla vs. Atlantis .... there are those underwater temple ruins found in that area, quite old, hhmmmmm!
We'll miss you but keep in touch with email and blogging. It will be a wonderful experience for the family and most certainly the kids.
Alesia, how exciting. Best of luck to you and your family. I will miss you. Keep in touch. You're in my prayers and thoughts.
Noda Marie
Sounds like an amazing adventure.
Best of luck on your new adventures.
You mentioned clothing issues, I don't think you should have any problems in that area because I have a friend from Japan and she is almost 6 ft.
Wow, I'm jeaous. I graduated HS at Kadena AB in Okinawa. There are many days I miss "The Rock". Usually when I want some quality beach time. Make sure you take a little vacation to Okinawa and go to Okuma Beach. Its a military R&R area left over from the WWII days.
I hope you and the kids enjoy it as much as I did!
What a great experience for you and your children! I love the Japanese culture. Good luck with all your projects and packing. If anyone can manage it, you surely can!
All the best, Tamara
Good luck Alyssa, I'm sure you'll love it. Wish it were me.
Congratulations! It sounds like an amazing adventure. While I am delighted to hear this won't affect the series, I am more delighted to read how happy you are to be joining your guy in Japan.
Life is such a magnificent journey. Enjoy!!
How exciting...Japan. Good luck with your trip, and be safe. But don't forget us in the little ole U.S. LOL! Can't wait for more of those Atlantis Books, go Christophe.
Wow. That is what I call an adventure. Your kids will be blessed to know so much more about the world. You have such a positive attitude.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers just like I do my other friends who are stationed on the other side of the world. Our military families give so much to us, the least we can do is pray and have them in our thoughts.
I'm glad the series will continue, but remember to have your own time as well. Good luck and many blessings.
OMG Alyssa!! This is amazing! How fun, I'm sure your kids will love it and I'm jealous! So glad you'll continue writing over there though.
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