Big Sound Temple

Almost three years ago to the day, whilst living in sunny Nagasaki City, I began writing the book which would become A Gaijin's Guide to Japan. (Only it then had the working title 'The Cat's Nipples - and Other Things You Should Know About Japan'; a title which several people were kind enough to inform me was a bit crap.)

I thought there was a bit of a gap in the market for a book which took a slightly 'humorous' look at all things Japanese, but at the same time didn't just end up basically taking the piss out of a different culture. (I'll mention no names here.)

Well, to cut a long story short, it got published, along with my look at famous martial artists in From Lee to Li. And yesterday, I received my first royalty cheque. I really now can call myself an author. I'd already been advised by my publisher that I wouldn't be able to retire on the proceeds, but that it would 'pay for a few beers'. Well, the publisher was right about the retiring bit - not bloomin' likely, unfortunately - but it was still a little bit more than I'd allowed myself to expect. Would pay for quite a lot of beer, actually, even at SW London pub prices. So, time for a celebratory drink, perhaps...