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| Heni as a bride |
This month, in February 2013, Abbottsbooks has big celebration. We celebrate one year of Antusiasme (Enthusiasm in Indonesian version) and three years of Enthusiasm by interviewing authors who have read Antusiasme/Enthusiasm. Who are they? Below is an exclusive interview with an Indonesian author, Heni Kurniawati, presented in English version, with her novel entitled Meraih Impian Merengkuh Cinta (MIMC). In English version means Achieving Dream Embracing Love.
A: As an author of MIMC, what idea had pushed
you to write this story?
H: The idea to write this novel came from my desire to write
my own biography. I am sure that my experiences in life will be useful for
others, especially those who want to reach their dreams. Novel is one of
literary works that I like the most. So, I wrote it based on my own biography
in the form of novel.
A: What message do you want to tell to the
readers?
H: If we have a
dream, fight to reach it. Never give up, try anything we can. One day, the problems
will find their solutions and all struggles will come to the end. Be patient,
persistent, sincere, and say NO to
desperation. Self development and continuous prayers will take us to successes
in our life.
A: What the most interesting comment do you get from the
readers who have read MIMC?
H: I got two interesting comments from readers. The first is
from the Dean of Faculty of English Literature, Dr. Soetomo University, Surabaya, Mr. Syamsuri
Aribowo. He had been very touched with
the story on relationship between Naila and her father. The second is from
Herwandi, a reader from Kalimantan (Borneo
island)) who bought MIMC at Gramedia book store in Samarinda. He sent me some
short text messages and said that the story of MIMC was kind of similar to his
life story. He also has big dream as like the main character, Naila.
A: From MIMC front cover, what is your idea to present the
pictures of snail?
H: Naila, the main character of novel MIMC starts her struggle to reach her
dreams from the beginning, really from no one to someone. Begin with her
profession as a waitress at a Japanese restaurant to be the one she wants to
be. She continuously struggles to develop herself, slowly step by step but
never stops. Snail has similar character with her struggle. This is the main
reason of why I use it as a symbol in this novel.
A: As a self-published author, what bad
and good experiences you have to market your book?
H: Well, thing that I like is I have freedom to do what I
want with this novel. I myself determine the price which means the value of my
works. Meanwhile, thing that I don’t like is I cannot rely on a book distributor
for marketing. If I want to hold some promotion events, I myself should arrange
them. I also work hard to sell this novel to the customers of my online shop,
Bening Koleksi. For me as a self-published author, I should be ready to work
hard. It’s no problem, this is the challenge. I get more experiences to
strengthen my marketing skill.
A: In the competitive book publishing world, what
do you think of the best thing to do as a self-published author?
H: Qualified
manuscripts. Physical appearance of the books should be eye-catching and
represent the content of the book. Another important thing is promotion to
inform others about the books. Author must help to sell his book and does not
only rely on book distributors. Come to readers and give them information about
the books. Self publishing does not only need a manuscript, but also a good
sense of business. A self publisher is the author and also the one who owns the
money. Therefore, his books must go to the readers’ hands.
A: Do you have any other self-published authors
who have inspired you? Who are they and
what’s your reasons?
H: No, I don’t have
any. One reason why I choose self publishing is the fact that major publishers
need long time to evaluate a manuscript. Moreover, they only give small royalty
to the writers. Some even only give 8% from the book price that cannot be
determined by the author. Meanwhile, I also want to try a new business,
calculate profitability, estimate market probability, and etcetera. I also want
to learn anything about book publishing.
A: As one of Enthusiasm
readers, how did you get a chance to read this book and what interest did you
have to wanting to read this book?
H: A colleague lent me this novel in English version. The
most interesting from this novel is the author’s discipline that should be
followed by new writers. Time frequently becomes a new writer’s main reason for
not to write. Meanwhile someone is the best time manager for himself.
A: From enjoying Enthusiasm, what the most interesting story do you like to share it
here?
H:
The
characterization of
Wanda, a little fascinating girl who always obeys her super
busy mom.
A: To whom you would like to recommend Enthusiasm and why?
H: To everybody who
has a dream and passion to make it come true. They should learn from this author’s
hard work.
A: We come back to talk about your novel, MIMC, to
whom you would like to recommend it and how to get it?
H:
University
students, senior high school graduates, all people who want to reach their
dreams, and people who have complicated problems in their family.
You can get this book at
Gramedia Book Stores
or at my online store,
Bening Koleksi or send
SMS to +62 815-5302-5569.
Author's Profile
Heni Kurniawati was born in Pare, a district of Kediri
regency, East Java, Indonesia. She was married to a man from Bangil, Pasuruan,
East Java, Indonesia. Heni is a graduate of the Faculty of English Literature,
Dr. Soetomo University, Surabaya.
She has begun writing since Junior High School. Some of her short stories were
broadcasted by a private radio station in Jombang, East
Java, when she was in Senior High School. After moved to Surabaya and studied in
English Literature, her English articles were published by Hello English
Magazine in 2000-2002. She won some writing contests as a favorite winner for
an East Java Essay Writing Contest held by her campus in 2002. After that she
did not write for quite long time because of her business in working and
studying. In 2007, she, again, started her writing career and became the third
winner of a Profile Writing Contest. She was also the first winner of writing
contest on the subject of The Most Beautiful Experiences in Ramadhan Fasting Month,
held by the Indonesian Online Daily News (
www.kabarindonesia.com)
. Since that moment on, many of her articles and short stories have been
published in this media—based on the citizen journalism. Her poem entitled
Pengantin
Padang (The Padangnese Bride and Bridegroom) was nominated as the best 75
poems at a Poem Writing Contest “Kado Untuk Kota Padangku Tercinta 2011 (a Gift
for Our Beloved Padang)” held by Padang Dalam Puisi. Now, aside of her
profession as a costing analyst for a global shoe manufacturer, she is also
appointed as a mentor for a fiction online writing course held by PMOH,
www.pelatihanmenulis.com.(*)
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