In a world where social media is constantly searching for the "next big thing," and remaining relevant is a full-time job for some, it's refreshing to see a writer who has found success in her own sweet time and on her own terms. Shiga Prefecture-based Rebecca Otowa has just published her third book, "The Mad Kyoto Shoe Swapper and Other Short Stories."

The Mad Kyoto Shoe Swapper and Other Short Stories, by Rebecca Otowa.160 pagesTUTTLE PUBLISHING, Fiction.

The tales in this collection encompass a wide range of themes, including historical, the supernatural and contemporary social issues, and Otowa's characters are equally diverse.