Pub Rants

Absolutely No Need to Apologize!

 20 Comments |  Share This:    

STATUS: TGIF! I will not have to work on cleaning up files because of the computer conversion. We are done!

What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? TAKE IT EASY by Eagles

Today Gail Carriger and I received an email from her Japanese translator apologizing for the delay in getting a copy of the Japanese cover art of SOULLESS to us.

She was emailing because the illustrator was currently in an evacuation camp but trying to finish it and because the Japanese editor on the project had also been impacted and hadn’t been able to be in the office.

Good Heavens. There is no need to apologize.

But this to me is an example of the incredible Japanese fortitude. In the face of dire circumstances caused by one of the biggest earthquakes on record, they felt the need to send us an email—and with an apology to boot!

On our end, we were just relieved to hear some news that they were safe. We have not gotten a lot of information on our Japanese counterparts as of yet.


20 Responses

  1. Kristi Helvig said:

    Wow-I couldn’t imagine being in an evacuation camp, much less attempting to work while in one. I hope your Japanese counterparts are all okay.

  2. Robin Weeks said:

    While the delay is absolutely understandable, I can’t help but think that expeditious publication of SOULLESS in Japanese would go a long way towards helping this country heal, no?

    Hope they’re back up and safely running soon!

  3. Stephanie Barr said:

    There are a number of Japanese authors I love. I’m much more concerned that they’re alright than that they are working on more for me (though I’m with you in admiration!).

    I’ll feel better when they’re all accounted for.

  4. Shallee said:

    Glad to hear they are safe. The Japanese really are a strong people. My husband lived there for two years, and their response sounds just like I’d have expected. Here’s praying that things start getting better over there.

  5. Jim Hill said:

    Amazing. I hope their resolve can stand the tests to come throughout the recovery.

    I need to remember that work ethic when complaining about clients over lattes with friends.

  6. Tara Maya said:

    Oh, my, what can you say to something like that? It’s another reminder too, of how close we are all, that we all have people impacted by disasters even if they are on the other side of the world.

  7. Wendy Tyler Ryan said:

    Kristen: Something you and your followers may be interested to know.

    booksthathelp.org is putting together an anthology entitled, New Sun Rising, with 100% of the proceeds going to aid Japan.

    Contributors donate works based on Japan as the theme. Anyone interested should visit their submissions page. It’s for a great cause.

    There is also information there you can view with regard to past anthologies that have been done for other countries in times of need.

    I contributed today.

  8. Amy said:

    Wow. That kind of work ethic and dedication is why Japan is going to come out of this disaster even stronger. That’s an inspiration! How many of us care about our work that much?

  9. Kristin Laughtin said:

    Oh, goodness. Everything about the way the Japanese have conducted themselves through this disaster is admirable, especially since I’m sure we would not remain so calm and civil if it happened over here. The editor’s and cover artist’s work ethic is amazing, but I hope they know their situation is perfectly understandable right now!

    (By the by, I’m moderating a panel at a literary festival soon where Gail is going to be a panelist. I should probably apologize in advance for how excited this makes me.)

  10. veela-valoom said:

    I volunteered with a Japanese girl at a Girl Scout World Center. She was so polite, did everything that was asked of her and left me very impressed with her.

    (Yes she is safe according to facebook. I also have a family friend there who is trying to leave the country.)

  11. Marie said:

    Unbelievable! That is such an amazing story–and really speaks to the team’s resilience. I’m really glad they’re all okay. Hope other Japanese counterparts are as well.

  12. Sea Urchin said:

    Wow – to still think of others while your world had crashed around you – that’s just incredible. Thank you for the link, Wendy. Looks like a great way to support those in need.

  13. Brit Hvide said:

    Everything I keep hearing about the tsunami and it’s impact on Japan just sounds worse and worse. I’m glad your editor and illustrator seem like they’re doing well despite this tragedy. Best wishes to them!

  14. B.A. Matthews said:

    I am constantly amazed by the Japanese ability to weather disasters. I had great respect for the culture before this happened. However, their reactions to the crisis and the face they put forward to the world are truly inspiring.

    On a separate note, I suddenly realized that I’ve been following your blog for a year, but that I don’t know if I can follow you anywhere else? Do you use Twitter or anything of that sort?

  15. T.D. McFrost said:

    They truly are a magnificent people: disciplined, devoted, spiritual and very, very polite.

    I am so happy to hear this Kristin.

    Much love to everyone.