Lori Tsugawa Whaley Interview

Tamara: What inspired you to write The Courage of a Samurai?

Lori: Being a Baby Boomer of Japanese ancestry (third generation Japanese American), I faced bullying, prejudice, teasing…even being blamed for the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I didn’t want to be who I was, but turned the pain into gain. Through research, interviewing, and travelling to Japan, I began to love, and now embrace my Japanese heritage.

After sustaining two rear end collisions in 2005 and 2007, I was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and reading at a 7^th grade level. I was determined to overcome TBI, and set the goal of writing/completing the book. I endured over 1,000 appointments with the medical profession to regain wellness, and now I am a TBI survivor. It taught me to overcome my fear and aversions to doctors.

 

Tamara: What will readers come away with from reading your book?

Lori: The readers will discover the ancient code of ethics (bushido) that the samurai lived by (courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty) – to guide them through the maze of life and be an anchor in a sea of turmoil. They will be introduced to a timeless moral framework from which to conduct their lives.

The readers will also be encouraged, educated, and inspired to step into their greatness, follow their dreams, believe even more in themselves, and ganbaru (see #4)

The code of ethics is about doing the right thing. Seven principles, seven words—Do the right thing all the time.

As leaders, we are constantly challenged with situations, and decisions. Even small decisions (cashier gives too much $ back to you); what do you do? Remember…”When you do the right thing, success it will bring!” ~ Arvee Robinson

 

Tamara: What was the most challenging aspect of writing/publishing your book?

Lori: Writing the book was a wonderful, but lengthy journey for me; about six years! It took persistence, determination, and ganbaru. Be patient and diligent—sometimes, success doesn’t come over night.

I am always thinking about ways to improve my book! (Japanese concept Kaizen – continual improvement. It was/is a popular Japanese business practice.) After the semester/quarter has ended in college, you are finished! I want to make the book the best it can be and I think about ideas and/or ways to improve.

Develop a ‘tough skin’ and realize not everyone will love your book as much as you do…however; there will be many that do love your book!

Concentrate on your ‘niche’ market; one cannot be everything to everybody.

There will be many decisions to make; enlist a group of people that can help you in different areas—content, marketplace, graphics, marketing, pricing, traditional vs. self-publish, etc.

 

Tamara: What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Lori: Believe in the message you have to share with the world, and ganbatte/ganbaru!*

 *Ganbatte – Japanese word for below:

• Try your hardest
• Do your best
• Never give up
• Go for broke!

Ganbatte is the last chapter of my book! Japanese people encourage each other before entrance exams, sports competitions, and even after the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan – March 2011 with cheers of ganbatte!

 

Tamara: Is there anything else you would like to add/share?

Lori: There are tools to assist you in writing your book; One Note (Microsoft free download) will help you keep research and writing all in one place! Network with others and take note of advice given. There were helpful people that read the manuscript and gave suggestions. I hired two editors; one was great for direction, advice, knowledge, and knowledgeable about the Japanese culture. The other editor was excellent for grammar, and also did some research to verify dates, information. When you need to take a rest from writing, do some research about the details; information, cover design, book layout, etc. I was the middle child (older brother and sister / younger sister and two brothers) and was overlooked, talked over, etc. I didn’t realize that I had a voice until Toastmasters…now I don’t want to stop talking! EVERYONE has a song to sing, picture to paint, speech to deliver, book to write, and a dance to perform! We all have a message to share with the world.

Continue to dream; start thinking about your next book as you are writing your first book!

You can pick up a copy of Lori's book here!