For me, launching a membership and starting Note achieved its initial purpose—for now.
My focus has gradually shifted toward building a small publishing house: Nakahi-Works Publishing.
The idea of a “one-person publisher” began with a handful of people seduced by the sweet, sweet word entrepreneurship.
But once we actually started—well, it’s been overwhelming.
An endless storm of miscellaneous tasks and administrative procedures.
We try to move forward step by step, yet with each step we hit new walls, spark intense debates, and somehow make no real progress at all.
Our ideals are high—
(if you’re curious, read the Nakahi-Works Note).
But the moment the conversation turns to whether this can survive in reality, everyone falls silent.
We plan to publish children’s books (eventually picture books and video works as well).
But will they sell?
Can we even pull this off?
Gradually, my mindset shifts—from creator to business operator.
And with that shift, the desire to write quietly fades.
By nature, I’m the type who prefers humming to myself, writing fiction for a few relaxed hours a day, then listening to Hawaiian music while gazing at the sky.
Switching gears has never been easy for me.
Now there are more meetings, more people to see.
And as I write this, I realize—
this is still just a novelist’s Note.
My writing has wandered off the main road again.
As expected, the membership currently has zero subscribers.
But that, too, was within my expectations.
Someday, when I properly show my face and the publishing venture gains momentum,
perhaps a modest synergy will emerge.
At least, that’s my faint hope.
After all, how far can a minor, nearly unknown writer really go—
especially in the world of children’s literature?
“Once you raise your hand, you can’t easily lower it,”
I tell myself bravely, like a politician striking a pose.
But almost immediately, waves of anxiety and fear wash over me.
I hear business owners say that every morning they wake up thinking about cash flow,
their first thought being:
“Ah… if only I’d win the lottery.”
I’m starting to understand that feeling.
No, no. I don’t like this at all.
“Without vision,
to cling to ideals
is but a dream.”
