Kobayashi Akira
Just Another Day At The Office...
Clio: When did you first come to Pan Historia? Who was your first character and what did you write?
KA: I first discovered Pan Historia way, way back in its infancy. In truth, I accidentally stumbled across the site in a Google search. I loved the entire concept of the site and became a Founder right away. I really loved the fact that the primary focus of the site was the novels, the writing and the stories being created. It's those facts more then anything else that sparked my interest in Pan and has kept me here all these many years later.
My very first character was Gabriel Astarte and he wrote in a novel called, Avalon (a King Arthur novel). He was a prince in his own right who came to Camelot to be of assistance to the Queen. Sadly, that novel is no longer here, but my character is. Most recently, and after a long absence from writing, I've decided to write him again and I am doing so at the novel, Ah! L'amour!
Clio: Of the characters you write here, who is your favorite and why?
KA: Currently my favorite character is Kobayashi. He is a Samurai in the novel, Tombstone. There have been movies with samurai set in a western and I always thought that was a very interesting concept, essentially, a fish out of water story. I've always had a love for the power and mystery of the samurai and over the years I've never seen even one other samurai, so I thought it was time for one to make an appearance. And this one in a good western, too boot.
Clio: What was your reaction to being asked to be an editor? How has your Pan life changed since donning the green star?
KA: I was a bit in shock when I was asked to be an editor. I had wanted it for a while, but even then, the moment of being asked, it was, well, a shock! I'd been here for so long, had written in many novels, in every genera here and had never thought about pursuing it at all until my friend, Calliope (a disturbingly lovely lady), mentioned it to me. We talked about it for a bit and then I decided, yes, I think I'd like this.
KA: Has it changed my Pan life? To be very honest, yes and no. Yes, in the sense that I feel a greater sense of responsibility to the site as well as to the membership. Things do look a little differently with the green star on, at least to me, and as such, I feel like a custodian of the site now. I think that's a good thing. I am now partly responsible for overseeing that Pan continues to grow. But at the same time, no, in the sense that I pretty much do all the same things I did before; I write in my novels, chat with my friends and hang out in the best place online.
Clio: What do you hope to bring to the staff as editor? What areas or tasks would you like to oversee and/or improve?
KA: I'm not sure what I can bring to the staff, I feel a lot has already been done by those who have come before me. But as they say, there is always room for improvement, right? *smiles* And I think the one area of improvement that I would really like to see is the following: Focusing on our novels, on our writing. Contests are great for show, but it's the novels/writing that made Pan great! So lets keep it that way!
Clio: Has anything surprised you about becoming a member of the staff?
KA: No, not really. Sure, I know a few things now I didn't before, but in all truth, nothing much has surprised me about becoming staff. The staff are just as friendly as they were before and have been quite helpful when needed or if I've asked for assistance. I think both Wyatt and Pan have a good thing going here and as long as we all keep the membership happy, I think we can easily have another 10 years ahead of us.
Clio: Has it been difficult to balance staff responsibilities with your writing?
KA: Currently I work at night so I sleep during the day. In that regard it has been a bit difficult to balance things, but I try to be here when I can. I would like to be here more during the day when most of our membership is here. If nothing else to at least be present if needed.
Clio: What do you like best about this online community?
KA: The novels. I think because the novels are where this community got its start, I think that is were the primary focus of this online community should be focused. For me personally, when I first came to Pan, I was an OK writer. Over the years, I've looked for certain kinds of novels, ones where the writers were above average so that I could write with them and become a better writer myself. Other writers see that and as long as you're sharp, skillful and friendly, the really good writers will want to write with you too. So yes, the novels. Use them, become a better/strong writer. You'll thank yourself for it.
Clio: Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the community?
KA: I just want to say thank you to a few friends and writing partners, you know who you are, but I just wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU. You've made coming to Pan everyday the very best that it could possibly be. I very much look forward to seeing, chatting and writing with you all. The friendships we share will honestly be with me a lifetime, and that is the best thing that I could ever have asked for.