The lonely Hikigaya Hachiman wants to become the king of mystery novels

As for "Confessions", with the official blessing of winning the Mystery Writers Association Award, the sales volume in the first half of the year has reached 95 copies. The third printing within a year has become a certainty. The publisher's year-end sales expectations for "Confessions" are even higher It was increased to 150 million copies.

There is no doubt that Mr. Hachiman has become synonymous with bestsellers.

Chapter 48 Machida Enko’s small request

On July 22 this year, the August issue of "All Reading" magazine was released, and there was no new serialization by Mr. Hachiman in it.

Based on the speculation based on Mr. Hachiman’s age and the current time, readers generally believe that Mr. Hachiman must be preparing for the midterm exam, so he has no time to take care of the magazine serialization for the time being.

As a result, fans of Hikigaya Hachiman began to wish Mr. Hachiman on Twitter to get good grades in the exam so as not to affect his subsequent writing. "Cheers for the exam, Mr. Hachiman" even became a daily trend for a time.

Hikigaya Hachiman was naturally dumbfounded when he saw this situation.He is indeed about to take the exam soon, but the reason for stopping is simply because after discussing with the publisher, he decided to leave a month blank to extend the completion period of "The Clock Museum Incident".

Carrying the blessings given to him by his readers and friends, Hikigaya Hachiman walked into the examination room with full confidence.

In the previous exams, Hikigaya Hachiman's scores were always among the top ten in his grade. This ranking looked very good.But in fact, Hikigaya himself knew that this was just because the municipal Chunmori Junior High School he attended was too good.I couldn't show anything in the exam organized by my school. When it came to the unified exam, my underwear was exposed immediately.

"Guarantee five and fight for three."

This is the goal Hikigaya Hachiman has set for himself.He hopes that he can take the first place in his grade in the final unified examination and bring his junior high school career to a perfect end.

----

The two days of tutoring ended quickly. Hikigaya Hachiman thought that he did very well in the exam, especially in the two weak subjects of mathematics and science. After receiving tutoring from Machida Enzi for nearly two months, he clearly felt that he had done well in solving the questions. promote.

"The total score is [-] points. Maybe I can get [-] points this time..."

After checking the answer for a while, Hikigaya Hachiman probably had an idea in his mind.At this time, his phone rang. It was Machida Enko, who must have rushed to ask Hikigaya Hachiman how he did in the exam just after getting off work.

"Hello, Editor Machida, what's the matter?"

Hikigaya Hachiman asked knowingly.

"You kid... don't pretend to be confused. Tell me how you feel after the exam. I'm not in much mood at work today. I've been thinking about your exam."

Machida Enko spoke very urgently, and Hikigaya expressed that he was very touched.

"Don't worry, Editor Machida, I did very well in the exam, especially in mathematics and science. I can say that I have never had such a smooth test experience before. You are indeed a good teacher."

"Qianxun" two five five five. nine five three zero

Hikigaya Hachiman expressed his affirmation to the other party.

"That's good. I'm relieved. I made an agreement with your mother before that I will continue to tutor you during the summer vacation. Don't even think about running away."

Machida Enko said proudly.

"...Editor Machida, how can you be so embarrassed to waste your rest time to help me so much."

Hikigaya Hachiman didn't expect that he would have to continue receiving tutoring during the summer vacation, and he did feel that he owed the other party a bit. You must know that hiring a tutor in Japan is very expensive, and the other party would definitely not accept Hikigaya's money.

"Actually, Hikigaya-san, there is something really bothering me here. It would be great if someone could give me some advice. Do you want to listen?"

Machida Enzi entered the main topic of today.

"No problem, Editor Machida, that's what you say."

Hikigaya Hachiman was very happy to hear that he could help somewhere, and it would be good to repay him in this way.

"Well, you must also know that I am an editor at Fusukawa Bunko, which mainly publishes light novels. My main job is to connect with the light novel writers I am responsible for and provide some opinions on their creations. At the same time, we ensure that they can deliver the manuscript on time.”

Machida Enko first briefly introduced her job. In fact, there is not much difference in work content between light novel editors and popular literature editors. However, in terms of competitive pressure, the former is far greater than the latter. Light novel publishing relies on Small profits but quick turnover, and if the market performance is slightly worse than expected, there will be the possibility of being cut in half.

"This year, I am in charge of a newly debuted author. Her pen name is Kasumi Shiko, and she is only one year older than you."

Machida Enko specifically pointed out this matter, which made Hikigaya Hachiman confused. Could it be that the other party was here to go on a blind date for him?

"Kasumi Shiko's debut novel is called "Metronome of Love". The first volume has been published, and the response has been pretty good. About [-] to [-] copies have been sold. We have also discussed before that this novel will be published in five volumes. For the debut, It’s a good start for me.”

"But now, there is a problem with her second volume creation. She has no ideas at all, and she doesn't want to code. She stares at the blank word document in a daze every day, not knowing what she is thinking."

Machida Enko said distressedly.

"Wow, you described it so realistically it gave me the chills."

Hikigaya Hachiman can completely imagine such a state, and he himself has not experienced it before.

"It's not over yet. After I tried every means to force her to submit the manuscript, she finally started to create, but the content she wrote was far from the good response of the first volume. Wenku's attitude towards this second volume also needs to be revised. Otherwise, there is a possibility of being directly cut in half.”

"I understand the general situation. So, Editor Machida, how can I help?"

Hikigu Hachiman asked.

"I just want you to do me a favor. I will send you the first two volumes of "Metronome of Love". You can help me take a look and see where Kasumi Shiko's problem lies, okay?"

Machida Enko made a request, which was very different from what Hikigaya Hachiman predicted.

"Of course it's no problem. Although I don't understand light novels, some of the ideas for writing articles are common. Maybe I can help."

"That's great, Mr. Hachiman. I don't have much choice now. I just don't want such a talented author to have her debut work cut in half. It would have a great impact on her confidence."

The two chatted for a while and then ended the call. Hikigaya Hachiman also received an email with an attachment from Machida Enko.

"Kasumi Shiko...? She seems like a gentle and delicate girl."

Hikigaya Hachiman guessed, then clicked on the attachment.

"Oh, I hope Mr. Hachiman can find a way. As an editor, I can't solve the author's difficulties, but I still need to ask another author for help. I'm really derelict in my duty."

After putting down the phone, Machida Enko said mockingly to herself.

In the past, she always thought that Naho Imamura was just lucky. With a writer like Mr. Hachiman, any editor could take off.

Only at this time will she be extremely envious of her senior sister. What a blessing it is to meet a writer who doesn't need to worry about editors at all.

Chapter 49 Kasumigaoka Shiyu is very distressed

Kasumigaoka Shiha, whose pen name is Kasumi Shiko, is a first-year high school student at the private Toyosaki Academy. She hides her identity as a cutting-edge light novel writer. She is currently serializing a work called "Love Metronome" in Fusugawa Bunko.

Until a few months before Kasumigaoka entered high school, she was just an ordinary junior high school student who excelled in academics. She liked reading literary works in her spare time and was a seemingly quiet literary girl.

If there are no surprises, she will be promoted to Chiba Municipal Sobu High School with the first grade in her grade. In that high school, where there are many outstanding academics, it may be difficult for her to maintain the first grade in her grade like in junior high school, but at least she will be on the academic merit list. Those at the top have received three years of education and have been admitted to or recommended to early-school universities.

However, the world line deviated significantly last October.As a literary girl, Kasumigaoka would naturally subscribe to the leading popular literary magazine, "All Readings".So, she read "Confession". While she was surprised by the high quality of this novel and the delicate writing style, she was even more surprised by the author of this article, the teacher "Yawata", who was even one year younger than her.

Talking about why a person changes from a reader to an author, the reason is nothing more than being stimulated by a certain work, or thinking that I can do it.When your mind gets hot, you may not even write an outline, and then embark on the road of no return.

Kasumigaoka Shiha was undoubtedly stimulated by this teacher Hachiman. She originally felt that there was nothing wrong with being just a reader, and enjoying other people's words was inherently a pleasure.It wasn't until the appearance of Teacher Hachiman that she realized that even her peers could create such words that fascinated her. She, who had never been unwilling to lag behind in learning, was now very motivated.

Kasumigaoka started writing quickly, knowing very well that she did not have the ability to conceive of a powerful plot like Mr. Hachiman.So she decided to use writing to tell a love story. Love stories require more words to create an atmosphere and describe psychological activities, which may become her strength.

The creative process is difficult and not happy.It was common for her to scratch her toes in embarrassment after reading through the words she had put so much effort into writing.

What frustrates her even more than being shocked by her own words is that the more she continues to write, the more she realizes that there is a huge difference in creative level between herself and Mr. Hachiman.She submitted the finished text to publishers and magazines, and the responses she received were often dismissive words such as "You did a great job, try your best next time."

Until one time, a magazine gave her a different reply:

"Have you considered submitting a light novel?"

In the literary world, such words are tantamount to swearing.But for a junior high school girl who dreams of debuting, this is really accurate and reasonable advice.

Kasumigaoka Shiu didn't care about the gap between literature and light novels, but she also knew that the writing methods of light novels and literature were very different. With a skeptical attitude, she wrote this article called "Love Metronome" The work was submitted to Immortal River Library.

Soon, she got a response.Fusugawa Bunko recognized her work, but also pointed out that the style of this work was a bit incompatible with light novels. They assigned one of the company's few female editors, Machida Enko, to work with her to help her adapt the novel more like a light novel. Some novels.

Kasumigaoka Shiu was quite satisfied with this editor Machida. She would not dictate her own creations, and the suggestions she made were only point-blank.I usually care about her work and rest, and won't push her too much.

The revision of the first volume of "Metronome of Love" was quickly completed. Fusukawa Bunko naturally used the banner of "Genius Girl" to promote it. Although it was suspected of being popular, it was also genuine.Kasumigaoka Shiu believes that if she is considered a genius, then Teacher Hachiman should be the Wenquxing descended to earth.

At this time, Kasumigaoka Shiu's junior high school career has ended.From the day she decided to create, her promotion to Sobu High School was completely deleted from her plan. She knew that Sobu High School was a very strict management high school, and for her kind of inspiration that broke out at night, she was so excited during the day. It is extremely unfriendly to the author of The Big Sleep.

Therefore, under the unanimous obstruction of junior high school teachers, relatives and friends, Kasumigaoka Shiu successfully signed up for the private Toyosaki Academy, which was the highlight of Chiba City's high school cultural courses.

㈡五ㅤ五9⑤三○○

The school is famous for recruiting art students, and many of its graduates go to top art universities such as Togei, Tama, and Musashino.However, the school spirit of this school focuses on freedom. As a private school, as long as you pay enough tuition, the school can really become your home.

Kasumigaoka Shiu really needed a school where she could sleep during class, and she had also investigated and found that Toyosaki Academy also had a place recommended to Hayao University, but few students from the school had the ability to fight for it.Her academic ability is undoubtedly a dimensionality-reducing blow to other students in this school.

As a result, there is another maverick student in Toyosaki Academy, which is already full of weirdos.However, the teachers who tried to correct her soon discovered that the girl who was sleeping soundly in class was a complete academic dominator, and they quickly ignored her.

Although he got the right environment as he wished, Kasumigaoka soon discovered that the creation of the second volume of "Metronome of Love" was obviously not as smooth as before.

She kept writing and revising, but she didn't write a complete chapter in more than two months.Light novels need continuous popularity. The time interval between two volumes cannot be too long, and the interval between serialization of chapters in one volume cannot be too long. Fusukawa Bunko's patience wears out very quickly.

In the process of writing, Kasumigaoka Shiu also saw the true face of Machida Enko, the editor.Phone bombardment, knocking on doors, climbing through windows, blocking routes to school, and other urging methods were all used, which eventually turned into a dispute. As a result, Kasumigaoka compromised and handed over his scattered second volume. After entering the library, the result was naturally rejected and an ultimatum was given.

"It's so difficult, writing a novel or something..."

Kasumigaoka Shiyu was alone, curled up on the computer chair with her legs folded, and messily twiddling her tiny toes with one hand.

She knew that Editor Machida had become an ant on the hot pot at this time, but she could not respond to his expectations.Editor Machida worked hard for her debut. If she gave up in less than half a year, Kasumigaoka would really feel sorry for her.

So, Kasumigaoka reopened her computer. Even if she wanted to respond to other people's expectations, she shouldn't give up just like that.However, at this time, Editor Machida called.

Transit skirt.ㅡ五五五⑨五㈢5

Chapter 50 Hikigaya Hachiman teaches you how to write light novels

On July 24th, Hikigaya Hachiman's summer vacation begins.

The results of the previous midterm exam have been released, with a perfect score of [-]. Hikigaya Hachiman scored [-] and ranked third in the grade. The top two did not score much higher than him.

After receiving a lot of congratulations and compliments from his classmates, Hikigaya Hachiman left the school.But he didn't go home immediately. Instead, he found a roadside bookstore and went in.He wants to buy the first volume of "The Metronome of Love" that Editor Machida mentioned a few days ago.

In the light novel section of the bookstore, Hikigaya Hachiman found this book after searching for a long time. He went directly to the front desk to pay, then sat in the bookstore and started reading.

As a light novel, the first volume of "Love Metronome" is not long, and the light novel is indeed very fast to read.Not long after, Hikigaya Hachiman closed the book, got up and walked out of the bookstore while several girls watched secretly.

He didn't have any special thoughts about the first volume. It was just an ordinary campus love story, but it was a bit dull for a light novel. It read like the kind of novel that would be finished in one volume.

After returning home, Hikigaya Hachiman opened the manuscript of the second volume of "Love Metronome" sent to him by Machida Enko.He needs to read this volume carefully, after all, this is where all the problems lie.

----

"Hello! Mr. Hachiman, what can I do?"

Machida Enko answered the phone very quickly, which scared Hikigaya Hachiman.

"Hello, Editor Machida. Regarding the novel by Kasumi Shiko-sensei, I think we need to meet and talk. Let's meet at the usual place."

Hikigaya Hachiman felt that talking on the phone was too inefficient, so he asked the other party to meet at a cafe.He knew that the other party would definitely go to the appointment now, so he did not use questions.

As expected, Machida Enko even arrived a little earlier than Hikigaya. It was obvious that she was a little haggard. After all, Kasumi Shiko was a future star assigned to her by the company, and it only took more than half a year for her to get it. The novel She was about to be cut in half, so she wouldn't have to hang out in the River of Immortality anymore.

"I won't say any more polite words. Editor Machida, I just hope that after today's meeting, you will go home and have a good sleep. Your current condition is very bad."

Hikigaya Hachiman said worriedly.However, Machida Enko did not respond and just smiled bitterly.

"Let me ask an obvious question first, Editor Machida. Who hired the illustrator for this novel? With all due respect, I really cannot praise his level."

Although it is a bit too extreme to say that light novels are just buying toilet paper and getting illustrations.But as reflected in this sentence, no one can question the importance of illustrations to light novels.

"Teacher Kasumi Shiko doesn't care about illustrations, so the publisher directly appointed an illustrator. His level is indeed not good. If the next volume can be published smoothly, I will replace him."

Machida Enko agrees with this.

"Okay, let me talk about the problems with this work next. In fact, when I read the first volume alone, I didn't think the problem was big, it was just a bit thin. But when I read the second volume together, Only then did I discover the problem. I don’t think Kasumi Shiko-sensei has the determination to create a light novel at all.”

Hikigaya Hachiman made a judgment, Machida Enko looked a little surprised, but she did not speak and continued to listen carefully.

"The second volume of "Metronome of Love" was very painful to write by Noh Kasumi Shiko. She knew that it needed a longer length, but she did not have the ability to create new conflicts. She just simply made the relationship between the male and female protagonists Barriers and conflicts arise because of some indifferent emotions.”

"In other words, how can we make the emotional story of a man and a woman more fulfilling? We can pull out their parents and thwart their love. In this way, the main line of the story can become that both parties strive to gain the approval of the other parent's parents. , thus unfolding a brand new plot.”

"Or, you can sprinkle some blood. For example, the third party, which is vulgar but useful. Believe me, readers of light novels don't care too much about moral perceptions, as long as the new characters inserted are well-established, and they are No problem. The role of illustration is even more obvious here.”

"If it doesn't work, you can give some stomach medicine. For example, one of the man and woman has to move to a far away place due to family reasons. The two of them really miss each other. On a stormy night, the two of them overcome all kinds of difficulties and dangers. , finally reunited briefly. Although the fire was dry, it only burned for one night. "

"Although the two of them still kept in touch, they grew up and met more new classmates. The boy met another girl who admired him in a new place, and the boy missed his old love, and the new one Girls are not brave enough to speak out. The boys after graduation are about to leave here, and the new girls are not able to express their feelings in the end."

"Later, they both started working, and the contact between the two was completely severed. The male protagonist also thought that he had forgotten the female protagonist, and lived a life of a social animal every day. He also experienced a new love, but soon There will be no follow-up.”

"One day, the male protagonist passed by a railway track, and he saw that familiar yet unfamiliar figure. It turned out that the female protagonist was getting married. The two passed by each other, and when they recognized each other and were about to turn around, the train The train whizzed past them. When the train passed completely, the heroine had disappeared. The hero was left alone...Eh, eh? Editor Machida, why are you crying?"

Hikigaya Hachiman was originally addicted to the story and couldn't extricate himself, but he found that Machida Enko had already started to drop little pearls.

"No, it doesn't matter. I made you laugh, Hachi, Hachiman-sensei, I've been too tired recently and my mood is a bit fragile."

Machida Enko's voice was still a little twitchy.