Stories from Japan with Bill Adler

Interview Series, Part V

Howdy, folks! Welcome to another entry in our Practice Space Interview Series.

This time, I bring you Bill Adler. He’s a grizzled veteran, having published his first books in the 1980s. On Substack, his main publication is

where, in his words,

I write about a variety of themes, including love, language, humanity, uncertainty, fear, the future, good and evil, childhood, and relationships. I mostly write speculative fiction—science fiction, fantasy, horror, and magical realism, but you’ll also find love stories, thrillers, adventures, and literary fiction here.

I’ve read a lot of Bill’s published fiction, and I always wanted to know more about the man behind the keyboard. So I asked, and when he agreed to do the interview, my hands went like this:

And he did not disappoint. I have a hunch you’ll find him as fascinating as I did.

Without further ado, here’s Bill. Literally.

Hey, Bill. Thanks for joining us. Let’s start with a simple one. When, and why, did you start writing? What compelled you?

A long time ago, I wrote a nonfiction book called Outwitting Squirrels, which was a surprising success and has sold over one million copies. I almost followed up that book with another about squirrels, but I’m glad I didn’t because I’m much happier writing fiction than I ever was writing nonfiction. (Also, I didn’t want to be known as “Mr. Squirrel.”)

Between then and now I worked as a literary agent, a fun, though uncreative job. I was so busy helping other writers get their books published that for these many years, I barely thought about my own ideas for books. 

It was only after moving to Japan some ten years ago that I rediscovered how much I enjoyed telling stories.

Who are the authors that have influenced you the most?

Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut and Rod Serling have influenced and inspired me. (My favorite collection of short stories is Kurt Vonnegut’s Welcome to the Monkey House.)

How did you discover Substack?

A writer friend of mine recommended Substack. 

What’s your favourite thing you’ve published here?

My favorite story is Sakura Petals, in which seven-year-old Akari wants to glue the cherry blossom flowers back on the trees. The story has a song, too, which you can find on Sakura Petals’ page.

You’ve been living in Japan for a number of years. What brought you there in the first place?

I had been studying Japanese on my own because I thought it would be fun. After a year, I thought I should visit Japan. I did. I met a woman here, fell in love, and now Japan is my home. 

As Tom Fish has discovered through his interview series Speedy Boarding, it seems Japan is many people’s dream destination. Tell us two things you love about living there, and one thing that grinds your gears.

I love the respect that people have to other people, to nature, and to history and culture. This is a calming and enjoyable attitude toward life and the world.

Also, trains here are amazing. I can travel just about anywhere by train in Japan. 

I miss not talking to random strangers. In the US and especially New York, people often strike conversations with random strangers during their elevator ride from 1 to 14 or while waiting in line to buy a donut, but nobody does that in Japan. 

In the late 1980s, you published a very successful book called Outwitting Squirrels. Was the publication process difficult?

Twenty publishers rejected Outwitting Squirrels. The twenty-first said yes, and offered me an $800 advance. (That was $400 on signing, and $400 on delivery.) I might have given up trying to find a publisher after a few more rejections but am glad I didn’t because my life’s trajectory would have been very different.

What do you think is the purpose of fiction?

Fiction is about creating worlds and characters that entertain readers and make them happy. 

Recently, you started another newsletter called Stray Cats of Japan. As a fellow cat person, I love you for it. Tell us, who’s the special feline friend in your life? Or maybe there’s more than one?

Our cat, Kinmo, used to live in a park. We visited her every day, bringing her food, water and especially warm laps. Some years ago, as a typhoon was approaching Tokyo, we took her into our apartment during the storm. We thought it was just going to be for a few days and then we’d return her to the park. But she loves her warm, safe indoor life and we love having Kinmo with us, so here she stays.

Kinmo on her favourite bench, via Stray Cats of Japan

[A brief note: I’m pausing Stray Cats of Japan, because it’s taking more time than I thought and has begun to eat into my fiction writing time.]

Last question, Bill. Do you think you’ll ever write another book?

I’m thinking about that! I’m rewriting two novels, a ghost story that takes place in Japan and a crime thriller, but when they’re done and edited and proofed, I think I will serialize them on Substack. I enjoy chatting with readers on Substack, and that’s something you can’t easily do with a traditionally published book.

That’s it! If you enjoyed this little conversation, I invite you to like this post and subscribe to Bill’s newsletter Fiction by Bill Adler here: