A dozen teenagers, trying to manage their everyday lives while coping with the craziness that seems to follow them wherever they go. Three American exchange students become involved in the chaos that is Nerima, Tokyo. Along the way, they'll forge friendships that will last a lifetime, overcome extreme odds to protect one another, and try to cope with that awkward little thing called love. So much to do, so much to see... ten months in which to do it all. And in the end, they've got to return from whence they came. Ten Months in Tokyo... its the story of my life...

Currently picking up yet another rework of my one and only story... hopefully this one sticks. Questions? It's better to send me an email at DoctorGarciaWrites AT yahoo.com. That way I can answer you directly without adding to my own review count.

Ten Months in Tokyo is a story that I started writing in 2000. I filled what seemed to be 100 notebooks with ideas, charts, timelines, storyboards and eventually, chapters. At one point on this site, Ten Months in Tokyo had probably 11 chapters. But those had only about 2000 words each. After working on it for a year, I learned that I didn't like my writing style, and decided to blow up the project. This process repeated itself for a few cycles, before I totally dropped it in 2003.

In 2006, I decided to pick it up again. Unfortunately, this rewrite didn't last long, as depression set in and all motivation was lost.

I've decided to give it another go now, a little over 10 years later. I feel that my writing style, while not 100% professional in any way, has improved to the point where I feel I can actually tell this story the way I intended to. I started out hoping that my story would end up as one of the greats. Now I'm just hoping that I finish it so that maybe someone can enjoy it.

I want to thank the many people without whom there could never be a story to begin with: Michael Garrett, Don Fournier and Alex Edwardson - these three guys inspired my main characters. They are completely unique and awesome people and were all quite receptive to me including them as the main characters here. Without their blessing, I don't know if this story would ever have gotten off the ground. So thanks to them first and foremost.

Secondly, I would be remiss if I didn't thank Demino Hoyer. Throughout the various writes, rewrites and re-rewrites of this story, Demino was always there as a sounding board, editor, fan and even guest-wrote a chapter for me (which I have unfortunately lost, but will attempt to recreate because I loved it so very much.) Demino even went so far as to host my story on his website before I disappeared. So, Dem, if you're still out there reading this, thanks for everything, buddy.

Third, thanks to Rumiko Takahashi for coming up with this universe of insane characters and happenings. As with all of her works, you can tell Ranma was a labor of love for her. I can only hope to create something that lives up to that high standard. Or, at least, doesn't insult the source.

Thanks also to Lynn Warnesky, Ashley Sexton, Jade Chen, Tamiko Mikagami, Krissy Thompson, my brother "Pipe", and a million other people I know I'm missing. It takes a village to raise a child.

And thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this, or my story. It's a labor of love for me, too.

- Dr. Garcia