Loco in Yokohama

Last night I gave an exclusive preview of my upcoming second book for my housemates and landlord, and it went over HUGE, beyond my expectations. 

Over a meal consisting of  a specialty of mine — a stew made of Black-Eyed Peas and other secret ingredients, a  concoction like Hoppin’ John – an international audience of 9, spanning the globe from Asia through eastern and western Europe and the Americas, were treated to two excerpts from what I hope will be a worthy follow-up to my critically acclaimed first book, ”Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist“.

Here’s a few snapshots from the evening…

I was really nervous. I’d never done anything like this before and I honestly didn’t know what to expect.

Not only was I hitting them with a dish that is eaten predominantly by people residing in or springing from the southern states of America – which I’ve chosen to call Pre-Natto 納豆 (fermented beans) for simplicity sake since none of the Japanese I know have ever heard of Black-Eyed Peas – but this group of Japanese, Half-Japanese (as they are known here – not my words) and European unabashed lovers of Japanese culture, language and people, were to be the first exposed to the raw, mid-edited works of a professed…let’s just say someone a bit less in love with the above.

I also shared some of the poetry I’ve written of late (though unrelated to Japan). This year, for reasons that shall remain between me and my Creator, I’ve been purging myself poetically and have found it really hits the spiritual spot. Can’t even recall why I gave it up in the first place (been writing poetry since I was a child) but I won’t make that mistake again if I can help it. Anyway, if you’re a poetry lover like me you can peep some of it along with some great stories, essays, reviews, photos, etc., at my other blog, surprisingly growing in popularity, Loco’s Patronus.

So…Pre-Natto, Preview and Poetry all went over very well. What a relief. A great time was had by all and, in particular, the book excerpts brought strong positive reactions. Couldn’t ask for more than that!

I’m currently editing the second book, working titled“Loco Wuz Here“ and you guys can expect updates as the process continues.  As far as when it will drop, all I can say with any certainty is it will be by summer of 2013 the latest. Just depends on how much time I have to work on it.

I’ve gotten so many questions about the next book from readers of the first, so I  just wanted to keep you guys abreast of my progress.

Stay tuned…

Loco

PS: I’ll be doing exclusive preview reading events in the near future for friends, supporters and significant others so hold tight.

PPS: And if you haven’t read Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist yet, what are you waiting for? A personal invitation? Check it out! It’s available in paperback and E-book version here.