Working & Research
Sites
As any author knows, it's always good to keep an eye on the
web and see what you can use (with a grain of salt, of course).
The below links have come in handy for me.
A comprehensive site on Japanese mythology and
kaidan (ghost stories). If that's what you need, you can
find it here. Oh, and not only am I a contributing writer
there, I did the nifty graphics, too. ^_^ Now if I
can get the site owner to actually update more often....
^_^;;;
A specialized writer's site for fanfiction and
original fiction. These guys can be brutal but great.
^_^ For all of you authors interested in a strong writer's
circle, this is it; however, please be aware it's by invitation
only. However, the link above is the place to apply.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone
writes about Japan while having no idea of what it's like there.
English-language papers, such as The Japan Times, can
easily give someone an idea. It's also, in my opinion, a
great example of Japan in and of itself.
Hands down the master of horror
and supernatural manga, Mizuki Shigeru is also a foremost expert
on yokai (Japanese mythological creatures) and myths. His
site and works have been invaluable to my research!
(Sorry, Japanese Language Only)
Though I have little understanding of what
these guys are about (I think they're an RPG site), somewhere on
that site is something about me. I think. (Sorry,
Portuguese Language Only)
Friends and Admired
Authors/Artists
Many of the FFML's BNAs (Big Name Authors) and
some talented artists can be found here, and many of them are
not only masters in their field, but great friends as well.
One of the all-time greats in the Ranma-fic
writing biz, Greg's also good at other stuff as well as being
a good friend and an all-around nice guy...even if he does live in
Kansas. And yes, I know I'm going to get killed for that
remark. ^_^;;;
A pair of awesome writers, the Wildes are
clearly deserving of their BNA status; Bridget is also one
awesome artist as well, and both are longtime friends.
Both sites are worth checking out; you won't be
disappointed.
Another writer pal o' mine, Chris is the
master of SI-type fanfiction. His epic, Oh! My Brother!
is a gem of a tale, and worth a read. Plus, he's crazy
enough to let me handle the graphics design on his site - how
sane can he be? ^_-
My number one fan. Trust me on this one,
she really is. Also my collaborator on the Megami Studio
projects, her own site is still a monument of excellence of
her work. And I'm not just saying that, I mean it.
Really. And not just because she's my girlfriend.
Okay...maybe just a little.... ^_^;;;
Favorite Anime & Manga
Sites
When one is an otaku, one must otakuize!
Yes, I'm still using that made-up word. Deal with it.
^_^
An online Japanese CD store that I've been
ordering my music and Region 2 DVDs from for the longest time
now has its own online manga site! Some are free,
most are pay, but it's all good stuff from some of Japan's (and
gaijins, too!) up and coming manga creators.
The best search engine for manga and Japanese
fanart available! (Sorry, Japanese Language Only)
Though they're not the best at updating, this
is still an awesome site for online manga!
goo now has an online anime section!
Though it's in Japanese, some of the stuff on there is not to be
missed! (Sorry, Japanese Language Only)
Japan Cultural Links
Hey, not everything about Japan is JPop, Anime,
Manga and so forth and so on. Really. I'm not
kidding. Stop laughing, okay? ^_^;;;
She's one of Japan's top celebrities.
Too bad she doesn't exist in real life. Click here to see
the latest of Japan's virtual stars, Yuki Terai.
Oh, the horrors of mistranslation. Oh,
the fun you can have from seeing it in action. ^_^
By far one of the most beautiful collections
of hanami (cherry blossom watching) pictures I've seen,
cataloging sites from the Imperial Palace to the National Sakura
Gardens in Washington DC. A must see! (Sorry,
Japanese Language Only)
Also thanks to
Round the
Bend Wizards for the current template design and my host,
Blue Domino!
