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Brian Watson

@iambrianwatson.bsky.social

580 followers 820 following 640 posts

Writer, memoir-in-progress. A little he, a little they, but definitely more queer than gay. Check out my newsletter at https://iambrianwatson.substack.com and find more at https://linktr.ee/iambrianwatson

iambrianwatson.substack.com

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Aug 15

Is it AIDS I run from when I move to Japan in 1988? Or is it anxiety, grief, and even joy? Crying in a Foreign Language reunites all of me, weaving narrative and flashbacks with historical research on AIDS, queerness, and Japan.
#QueerPit #A #MEM

The author during his first year in Japan, visiting a historical recreation village.

The author during his fourth year in Japan, meeting former prime minister Takeshita.

The author during his fifth year in Japan with the man he fell in love with.

The author and his husband returning in 2023 to the Kobe shrine that first united them in 1993.

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · 3d

Attending the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights didn't destroy my closet. And in retrospect, I was glad to be in that closet for many years after. Can't come out yet? Your queer elders and siblings love you no matter what.
open.substack.com/pu...

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · 10d

Today’s issue of Out of Japan discusses two steps forward and a kilometer of steps backward. Japan has just embraced its far-right demons and welcomed corruption back into its government.

iambrianwatson.subst...

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · 15d

Thank you!

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · 16d

Tuesday morning, one of my dream literary agents requested my full manuscript. (She knew it was in revision and asked for as much as was ready.) in between a cancer screening (I’m fine!) and recovery, and all weekend long, I finished everything. The complete MS is on her desk!

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · 24d

I drew a tarot card, the World, at the start of the year. And although the 2025 has yet to finish, I’ve been astounded by that card’s power. Deeper friendships, many celebrations, lots of writing, successes at work, and love, love, love. Gratitude doesn’t begin to describe it.

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · 29d

Thank you!

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 15

Thank you!

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 15

Thank you!

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 15

Thank you!

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 15

Winning gave me a unique opportunity. I attended an after party and had the chance to pitch my memoir to a few agents. Both of them asked me to send my proposal. And I’ve done so. I am an award-winning author!
3/3

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 15

When they called my name as the third place winner, I briefly panicked. My body started shaking, something unintelligible escaped my throat, and I tried, in vain, to take a photograph of the display. But as I passed it on my way to the dais, I proclaimed, “I’m that bitch!“
2/3

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 15

Last night, I attended an awards dinner. It’s the annual Pacific Northwest writers Association conference this weekend, and I submitted the first 12 pages of my memoir’s manuscript back in April for their annual unpublished book contest. Last month, I was named a finalist.
1/3

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 13

My Alaskan cousin and her mom, my godmother from Indianapolis, were in Seattle last night before embarking on a cruise this morning. The four of us had a blast, sharing memories. Hours of nonstop love.

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 8

Of identity, certainly. I think the perception of memory is harder to pin down. Age itself, however, makes me reconsider the accuracy and steadfastness of memory.

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 7

Thank you!

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 6

The red pen edits are complete. Most pages were lightly touched, some got more attention (and yes, Oscar Wilde was Victorian at his peak, not Edwardian), but I get to work on the computer version now. Is the manuscript going to be better as a result? Certainly.

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 6

I love our hugs!

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Sep 6

The official anniversary won’t be until September 14th, but I’ve (gratefully) already taken delivery of the award that recognizes my first decade of full-time employment (after nearly another decade of contract employment) at Nintendo. I’ve met so many amazing people here.

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Aug 31

I started off using a soft pink called Yozakura, nighttime cherry blossoms, but when I needed to refill the pen, I chose a more vivid red from my Pilot Centennial collection, named for Bishamonten, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune.

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Aug 30

Taking advantage of the holiday to review my memoir’s manuscript again. Looking at:
Verb tense consistency.
Places where end notes are needed.
Visual cues for other characters.
Potential plot holes after earlier revisions.
Errant spelling errors
300 pages. I’ve got this.

A clear cased fountain pen atop a coil-bound manuscript, sitting on a pile of books.

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Aug 24

James Dobson has gone to his damnation, but his legacy affects all Americans. Queer couples can arm themselves for the next wave of judicial prejudice, though. Learn more at open.substack.com/pu...

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Aug 24

Thank you, Jennifer, for this boost.

Jennifer Mach (she/they) @jennifermach.bsky.social · Aug 24

Powerful post by my friend, the writer @iambrianwatson.bsky.social on Dobson's death, growing up gay in the '80s, living in Japan, and ending with words of strength, along with some action items for gay married couples in our current dystopian hellscape. iambrianwatson.substack.com/p/by-the-num...

By The Numbers

James Dobson might be dead, but we're still stuck with his legacy

iambrianwatson.substack.com

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Aug 23

It’d be 喉寂しい. Nodosabishii. 😉

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Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Aug 22

🙏🏻

Brian Watson @iambrianwatson.bsky.social · Aug 20

My many thanks to the memoir category judges at the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. My manuscript, Crying in a Foreign Language was named one of five finalists for the 2025 Unpublished Book Contest. Winners will be announced on September 13th.

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