What Success Means to Me: Finally Bringing My Ideas to Life

There is something rather special about opening a book and seeing your own name on the cover.

Then comes the more nerve-racking thought: Will someone find this useful? That is where my idea of success begins.

Recently, my husband and I created two English-learning resources: EIKEN® Writing Master Guide and Harry Potter: Friendship, Courage & Choices. Seeing them finished is an achievement I am proud of.

They bring together something I care about deeply: teaching English and creating materials that give learners a reason—and a way—to use it. 

Turning a difficult task into manageable steps
Writing in English can be frustrating. You might understand the question perfectly and still struggle to decide what to write. Simply being told to “give two reasons” does not explain how to find those reasons or turn them into clear sentences. That is what we wanted to address in our 109-page EIKEN® Writing Master Guide.

The guide takes learners through understanding a question, planning an answer, developing reasons, writing sentences and improving a draft. Japanese explanations support the process, alongside original exercises and model answers. It focuses on Grade 3, with bridge sections for Pre-2, Pre-2 Plus and Grade 2. Creating it meant thinking carefully about the steps between seeing a question and completing an answer.

Making those steps clearer is what gives the finished book its purpose.

Giving learners something they want to talk about
Our Harry Potter: Friendship, Courage & Choices workbook approaches English from another direction.

Sometimes, the challenge is finding something you actually want to say. Would you take the blame to protect a friend? Is Neville brave when he stands up to his friends? Can loyalty and honesty pull you in different directions? Those questions invite opinions.

You might agree with a character’s decision—or strongly disagree—and suddenly have a reason to explain yourself. The 26-page Japanese–English workbook helps learners develop those ideas through reading, vocabulary, discussion and opinion writing. It is designed for teenagers and adults at B1–B2 level. I like the possibility of a familiar story opening up an unfamiliar conversation.

Finishing the books is an achievement. Giving them a purpose matters too. For me, success includes taking an idea seriously enough to turn it into something someone else can use.

These books now exist beyond our notes and plans. Someone can open them, choose an activity and start learning. That feels significant. I hope they help learners approach English with more confidence, whether they are preparing for an exam or explaining their thoughts about a favourite story.

Their real value will come from how people use them. For now, I am proud that PJ and I have brought them to life—and excited to share them. If you are interested in either resource, please feel free to ask me about it. You are also welcome to explore writing and discussion with me in a Cafetalk lesson.

What achievement are you proud of—even if it would look small to someone else?
I would love to hear about it in the comments.

Both books are independently created educational resources. They are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Eiken Foundation of Japan or the Harry Potter rights holders. The Harry Potter workbook contains spoilers for the first book.