Novelist as a Vocation

1. Writing is a deeply personal and transformative process

"What I mean is, I felt very strongly that ever since I debuted as a writer I've been blessed with readers."

Writing as self-discovery. For Murakami, writing is not just about creating stories, but about exploring the depths of one's own psyche. It's a therapeutic process that allows him to rectify and fix himself, adapting his soul to different forms and resolving internal contradictions. This self-cleansing action is what initially drew him to writing novels.

The joy of creation. Murakami emphasizes the importance of enjoying the writing process. He believes that if he enjoys what he writes, there will be readers who enjoy reading it. This philosophy has guided his career, from his early works written as a hobby to his later, more complex novels. The act of writing, for Murakami, is akin to performing music - a joyful, spontaneous expression of creativity.

2. The writer's journey begins with reading extensively and observing keenly

"To write a novel, you must first understand at a physical level how one is put together."

Reading as foundation. Murakami stresses the importance of reading voraciously, especially when young. He advises aspiring writers to read everything they can get their hands on - great novels, mediocre ones, even bad ones. This extensive reading helps develop the basic "novelistic muscles" that every writer needs.

Keen observation. Beyond reading, Murakami emphasizes the importance of observing life closely. He encourages writers to:

• Look at things and events in more detail
• Observe people and situations as deeply as possible
• Reflect on what is seen without rushing to judgement
• Retain specific features of events or people in memory
  This observational skill becomes a rich resource for creating authentic characters and situations in writing.

3. Originality in writing emerges from subtraction, not addition

"I think chaos exists in everyone's minds. Chaos is in my mind, and in yours as well. It's not the sort of thing, though, that in daily life needs to be given form and openly shown to others."

Clarity through simplification. Murakami discovered his unique voice not by adding complexity, but by stripping away unnecessary elements. He found that writing in a foreign language (English) forced him to use simple, direct expressions, leading to a distinctive rhythm in his prose.

The power of limitation. This process of subtraction extends to his overall approach to writing. Murakami believes that originality often emerges from working within constraints. By limiting his vocabulary and focusing on rhythm and tone, he created a style that was uniquely his own. This approach allows the chaos in one's mind to be channeled into a clear, powerful narrative.

4. Characters and narratives have a life of their own

"When a novel is on the right track, characters take on a life of their own, the story moves forward by itself, and a very happy situation evolves whereby the novelist just ends up writing down what he sees happening in front of him."

Characters as independent entities. Murakami describes how, when writing is going well, characters seem to break free from the writer's control and begin to act independently. This phenomenon is crucial for creating authentic, dynamic narratives.

The story's natural evolution. He emphasizes that the best stories often develop organically, rather than following a predetermined plot. Murakami cites examples from his own work where characters or plot points surprised him, leading the narrative in unexpected directions. This approach allows for:

• More authentic character development
• Surprising and engaging plot twists
• A sense of discovery for both writer and reader

5. Success in writing requires physical and mental stamina

"To make a fresh start, the first thing I had to do was ditch my stack of manuscript paper and my fountain pen. As long as they were sitting in front of me, what I was doing felt like 'literature.'"

Physical fitness as a writing tool. Murakami strongly believes in the connection between physical health and writing ability. He maintains a rigorous exercise routine, including daily running, to support his writing practice. This physical discipline helps him:

• Maintain focus and concentration over long periods
• Boost creativity and mental agility
• Sustain the energy needed for long-term writing projects

Mental toughness. Beyond physical stamina, Murakami emphasizes the importance of mental resilience. Writing, especially long novels, requires:

• The ability to work consistently, day after day
• Patience to develop ideas over time
• Resilience in the face of criticism and setbacks
  He likens the writing process to a marathon, requiring sustained effort and determination.

6. The educational system often stifles creativity and imagination

"I think that for me, then, the act of reading was its own kind of essential school. A customized school built and run just for me, one in which I learned so many important lessons."

Critique of traditional education. Murakami is critical of the Japanese educational system, which he feels often suppresses creativity and individual thought. He argues that the focus on rote memorization and standardized testing fails to nurture genuine curiosity and imagination.

Alternative paths to learning. Drawing from his own experience, Murakami advocates for more personalized, self-directed forms of education. He credits his extensive reading and diverse life experiences as more valuable to his development as a writer than formal schooling. He suggests that true education should:

• Encourage individual exploration
• Foster imagination and creativity
• Allow for diverse learning paths
• Emphasize critical thinking over memorization

7. A writer must balance personal satisfaction with reader engagement

"If you always see things from your own standpoint, the world shrinks. Your body gets stiff, your footwork grows heavy, and you can no longer move."

Writing for oneself. Murakami emphasizes the importance of writing primarily for personal satisfaction. He believes that enjoying the writing process is crucial for creating authentic, engaging work. This approach allows him to maintain his unique voice and style.

Considering the reader. At the same time, Murakami acknowledges the importance of considering the reader. He describes an "imaginary reader" he keeps in mind - not a specific demographic, but a sense of connection with someone who shares a deep, narrative bond with him. This balance allows him to:

• Maintain his artistic integrity
• Create work that resonates with a diverse readership
• Evolve as a writer while staying true to his core style

8. Literary prizes and criticism should not define a writer's worth

"Literary quality is inherently formless, so prizes, medals, and such provide that concreteness. This 'form' then induces people to look."

The arbitrary nature of literary awards. Murakami is skeptical of the value placed on literary prizes. He argues that these awards often reflect subjective judgments and industry politics rather than true literary merit. His own experience of being passed over for the Akutagawa Prize early in his career shaped this perspective.

Focus on the work itself. Instead of seeking validation through awards or critical acclaim, Murakami emphasizes the importance of focusing on the writing itself. He believes that:

• The quality of the work should speak for itself
• A writer's satisfaction with their own work is more important than external validation
• The true test of a work's value is its ability to connect with readers over time
  This approach has allowed him to maintain his unique voice despite periods of critical disfavor.

9. The relationship between writer and reader is intimate yet mysterious

"Deep within our hearts we share a common narrative. That's probably the type of reader I assume. And every day I write my novels with the hope that that reader will enjoy them a little, and feel something when he reads them."

The imaginary reader. Murakami describes writing with an "imaginary reader" in mind - not a specific demographic, but a sense of connection with someone who shares a deep, narrative bond with him. This concept helps him balance personal expression with reader engagement.

A diverse readership. Despite this focused approach, Murakami's work has attracted a diverse readership. He notes with pleasure that his books often appeal across generations and genders. This broad appeal stems from:

• Universal themes in his work
• A writing style that balances accessibility with depth
• Stories that allow for multiple interpretations and personal connections

10. Going international can open new frontiers for writers

"Interestingly, readers both in Japan and abroad understand my books in pretty much the same way."

Breaking into the international market. Murakami's experience with international publication, particularly in the United States, opened new opportunities for him as a writer. The process of having his work translated and marketed to a foreign audience provided fresh perspectives on his writing.

Universal appeal. Murakami found that his works resonated with readers across cultural boundaries. This international success:

• Broadened his readership
• Provided validation for his unique style
• Offered new insights into the universal aspects of his themes
  The experience reinforced his belief in the power of storytelling to connect people across cultural and linguistic divides.

Last updated: January 22, 2025