For some of the recent videos on the mountains of Yamagata, instead of writing articles, I've essentially been writing scripts for the videos. Kamewari-yama is a prime example, and I'm working on something right now for Zao-san. In a way, this has dictated the way in which I write. I imagine myself having to say these words as I write, and that affects the sorts of words or the language I would use. And honestly, I think it's much better.

Writing isn't about the writer. Writing is all about the reader. And if the reader feels like they're being read to, rather than having to read something, then you're truly onto something. Reading becomes a pleasure, not a chore, and you feel inclined to find out more.

At least that's what I'm going for with this.

So, write as you'd speak. Write as if you're talking directly to someone right next to you. Even better, picture exactly who that person may be. That way you can be more personal, more intimate, and more effective at story-telling, the main aim of writing (for me at least).