Growing up in San Diego, how did the ocean shape your early experiences and passions?
When The Beach Boys wrote the song 'Good Vibrations', they understood the power of the ocean. With the ocean air and water generating beneficial ions, combined with the physical nature of surfing, you trigger a range of reactions in the body that create a natural high and a feeling of peace and calm. I discovered this at a very young age, starting on a boogie board and then transitioning to a surfboard in my teens. It was those feelings of adrenaline rush, natural highs, adventure, and even the mystery of the ocean that got me excited and ultimately led to my relaxed, adventurous spirit and my desire to travel.
Can you share more details about that memorable encounter with the hammerhead shark? How did it influence your relationship with the ocean?
While surfing near the Mexican-US border in a town called Imperial Beach in San Diego, CA, I sat on my surfboard about 500 feet away from a few other surfers who were further away from the beach, waiting for the big outside sets to roll in. As I enjoyed my surroundings, I noticed a shark fin break the surface of the water and head straight towards me. I quickly pulled my leash from the water, lay flat on my board with my arms and legs out of the water, and yelled, “Shark!”
My friend heard me but shrugged in response, as if to say “Whatever". He then turned his focus back to the horizon. He had lived for many years in Hawaii, so shark encounters didn’t freak him out like they did me. The fin continued directly toward my board, and as I watched, wondering if it was going to hit me and knock me off, it vanished below the surface. Then, below my board, like a silent submarine, the shadow of a hammerhead shark that was probably only 6 or 7 feet long but seemed like a behemoth to me, cruised underneath me. I held tightly onto the rails of my surfboard and prayed for a wave or some whitewash to help me reach the beach quickly. Fortunately, a minute later (though it seemed a lifetime), a good-sized wave broke behind me, and the whitewash carried me safely to shore.
That encounter, along with numerous times I had been trapped momentarily underwater during rough, big surf, or had to figure out how to exit the ocean when the waves were crashing onto rocks, always reminded me to stay calm, trust my skill level, and not be stupid. Reinforced almost every time I entered the ocean, I learned the sea is a force of great power and deserves our constant respect and awareness, regardless of the conditions.
Do you miss surfing now that you live in Australia? Or have you found other ways to connect with the water?
Although I don't surf here in Australia, I do get on the water a lot with my husband as we live close to many stunning beaches; we kayak, paddleboard, or even go for a dip on hot days. Recently, while paddleboarding in reasonably shallow water, hundreds of stingrays cruised the sea floor beneath us, making our experience a bit more thrilling. Australian waters, especially where I live now in Queensland, are clearer than the water in San Diego, warmer than the water in Southern California, and teeming with marine life (sometimes intimidating marine life, like bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even great whites).
What inspired you to write His Name is Junsaku, especially about samurai culture and feudal Japan?
Like many others, I have a deep affection for Japan. I love the people, culture, food, and landscapes, and I have visited many times with my husband. I am also a spiritual person with my own set of beliefs, and this, combined with my trips to Japan, inspired me to write "His Name is Junsaku," the second book in my series, "The Many Lives of Wolf".
I had two primary inspirations for "His Name is Junsaku". First, it's the story of one of Wolf's past lives, shedding light on why, in the book "She Named Me Wolf", Wolf excels in martial arts at such a young age while growing up in rural Australia in the 1970s. In Book One, "She Named Me Wolf," Wolf believes he is the reincarnated spirit of Junsaku, a samurai warrior from 17th-century Japan. "She Named Me Wolf" contains references to his past life and reveals details that carry into the second book, "His Name Is Junsaku."
The second major inspiration for "His Name Is Junsaku" comes from a cemetery called Kurodani in Kyoto, where samurai and members of various social classes are buried. Impressive monuments honour some graves, while others are marked only by a few stones. This contrast inspired me to write about Junsaku, a top-ranking samurai general in 17th-century Japan, who marries a foreigner, Cecelia, embarking on a forbidden love affair. Junsaku would likely have received an impressive burial site. In contrast, Cecelia would not have enjoyed the same honour, with her grave marked only by a few stacked stones. Although this is not how the story unfolds in the novel, the idea of this social discrimination was a significant theme behind my decision to write "His Name is Junsaku."
Australia is known for its bigger sharks and wildlife. Has that impacted how you approach outdoor activities there?
There's a funny song by a group called Scared Weird Little Guys titled "Deadly Animals (Come To Australia)" that I think sums it up perfectly, even if it is exaggerated for effect! Living in Australia, particularly in Queensland, where I am, you need to be aware of your surroundings, whether on land or in the sea. Here are the song lyrics:
Redback, Funnel-Web, Blue-ringed octopus
Taipan, Tigersnake and a Box jellyfish
Stonefish and a poison thing that lives in a shell
That spikes you when you pick it up.
(chorus) Come to Australia,
You might accidentally get killed.
Your life's constantly under threat
Have you been bitten yet?
You've only got three minutes left
Before a massive coronary breakdown.
Redback, Funnel-Web, Blue-ringed octopus
Tiapan, Tigersnake and a Box jellyfish
Big shark just waiting for you to go swimming
At Bondi Beach.
Junsaku Aoyama’s journey is set in a time of honor and tradition. How did you research that era, and what sources were most helpful?
My novel is a work of historical fantasy, not historical fiction. Although it's not based on a real person or real events, such as battles or wars, I conducted online research on 17th-century Japan and samurai culture to lend the book a sense of authenticity. Additionally, I wrote scenes inspired by my visits to museums and samurai towns in Japan.
Could you describe your typical writing process — do you plot everything out or let the story unfold organically?
I generally start writing and let the story unfold as I go. However, I have recently begun more formal plotting as I continue to refine my storytelling and writing style. I have benefited from plotting and preparing to write, including details about characters and places; this approach makes the writing process go quicker for me, with less editing and fewer scene adjustments later.
You’ve mentioned that Japan feels like home to you. What draws you there, and how has it influenced your perspective or creativity?
Japan is a magical place to me. The people, with their deep cultural roots, the blend of old and new, the cuisine, the innovation, the landscape, the respect and gratitude they show, and the natural beauty and respect for nature--all of this continues to put Japan at the top of my travel list. I have not experienced a more polite or hospitable culture than the Japanese. To me, Japan exemplifies the type of society that I want to be part of, and it is for that reason that the country inspires me. Personally, my visits to Japan have heightened my awareness of the importance of showing gratitude, acting respectfully, the value of silence, and the need for self-control and self-discipline. Additionally, Buddhism has influenced my creativity, particularly the concept of reincarnation, which is a common theme in my novels.
What message or feeling do you hope readers take away from “She Named Me Wolf”?
“She Named Me Wolf” tells the story of a young boy who is dealing with an abusive, alcoholic father and a dysfunctional family. To cope with his difficult situation, he relies on his imagination, believes in his past life as a samurai warrior, and finds solace in his best friend, the ghost of a Japanese girl. I intentionally minimised the portrayal of violence and abuse in the story, instead focusing on Wolf’s coping mechanisms, with the hope that readers feel inspired by his inner strength. I also want the reader to question what is real and what is Wolf’s imagination. Can Wolf communicate with the animals in his yard? Is Polly, the ghost of the Japanese girl, real or just in his head? In the case of the ghost, I think that depending on the reader’s belief system, one will either believe she is real or that she is a figment of the boy’s imagination, and that is a question for the reader to decide.
How do your experiences with travel and nature influence your writing or storytelling?
I've been fortunate to have travelled to many places around the globe, and my experiences have greatly influenced my storytelling. The locations in my novels (both those completed and those in progress) are all based on places I have personally visited, which makes writing scenes easier for me and, hopefully, more authentic for the reader. Using travel locations to create and develop characters has also been an advantage in my writing. By visiting the places I write about, I am better equipped to add authenticity to the characters and locations and create a more memorable story.
Does your time spent outdoors help you work through creative blocks or come up with new ideas?
My time outdoors certainly clears my head and sparks my imagination, particularly when I travel to a new location and spend time in nature. However, most of my blocks and new ideas come when I'm just talking with my husband, telling him about my writing and discussing where to take the story next. The reality of my writing is that my husband inspires me and acts as my muse.
How has your relationship with your husband shaped your adventures and outlook on life?
My husband is a true adventurer. An Australian by birth, he left the country for almost 30 years, living in various countries in Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. Sadly, we didn't meet until later in life, so I didn't get to experience all the adventures with him. However, his stories, confidence, knowledge, and ability to adapt have all inspired me to travel fearlessly. Shortly after we married, I left the United States and moved to Qatar before relocating to Australia. I dreamed of moving abroad when I was younger, and then, with my husband, my dreams came true. Soon, we plan to buy a house and retire in another country, the location of which I'll keep to myself for now :)
What’s the most memorable adventure you’ve shared together?
I have many experiences to share, but if I had to choose one, it would be my recent trip to Kyoto. We referred to it as the "Year of the Typhoon" because we encountered three typhoons in one year—one in Fiji and two in Japan. Interestingly, one of the typhoons that struck while we were in Kyoto, Japan, turned out to be quite enjoyable for us.
Although many restaurants closed, a good friend of ours—a chef at an Omi Beef restaurant in Gion—opened his doors for us on the night the storm reached its peak. He served us a fantastic dinner. Afterwards, we decided to walk home in the rain and wind. To our amazement, the streets of Gion were empty except for the two of us. In a place typically crowded with thousands of tourists every day, it felt like a miracle and a blessing to have the streets of Kyoto's Gion district all to ourselves.
Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self—perhaps that surfer kid in San Diego?
Be fearless. When you are young, embracing adventures and living in different places around the world can significantly broaden your perspective on life. By experiencing amazing people, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes, you can deepen your understanding and gain valuable knowledge. This journey will help you discover your true inner strength and help you to become your best self. Don't be afraid to take a chance. Like Nike says, just do it!
How has being featured on AllAuthor helped you in connecting with readers and promoting your books?
Being featured on AllAuthor has helped me connect with readers and writers who share a common bond. I have a passion for both reading and writing, and I take great pleasure in supporting fellow writers, especially indie authors who produce excellent works. AllAuthor has introduced me to like-minded individuals who share my love for literature, and it has helped me discover some fantastic new writers. The platform is user-friendly, the services are excellent, and AllAuthor has made me feel like I am part of a community that shares my enthusiasm for reading and writing.
