Quick Update!

- My newest book should hit the market in a couple months' time, it's still being edited.

- I'm revising a MetroPop book and writing a TeenLit, sequel of Ratu Preman (Queen of Rascals. That is VERY yours truly. Not. He he!). I'm still also toying with some ideas for TeenLit and MetroPop novels, can't decide which one I should start first.

- Regretfully I have to close down my online shop for a while. Right now I can't spare any time and energy for that.

- I am often online in Facebook these days.

- I am so sorry but I simply cannot spare any time and effort in reading new works and giving comments. However, if you're looking for blurbs for your soon-to-be published books, feel free to email me. Chances are if you give me at least a month's notice, I'll be glad to give a blurb for you.

Talk Show in Unpad

October 24, 2009, my partner and I was lucky enough to host a talk show and mini writing workshop in Psychology Department, Universitas Padjadjaran. It's nice to be able to step in my almamater after all these years, and things have changed a lot, for the better.

It was fun and entertaining (for both parties involved, I hope). The participants were enthusiastic and I hope in near future I'll be able to read their manuscripts.

Ideas, Where Do You Get Them?

Readers are very fond of asking this question. And whenever I answered, "Anywhere", they aren't satisfied.

I'm giving some examples on how I get my ideas. By playing what ifs, daydreaming or even, dreaming. By observing. By experiencing.

Playing what ifs is easy, and I'm sure most of you have your fair share of them. Just use imagination to depict a scene--the more outrageous, the better! Try to imagine becoming someone else, changing your way of thinking, putting yourself in somebody's shoes. Daydreaming can be healthy and fun, as long as you know how to differentiate reality and fantasy.

Observing can be both enlightening and invigorating. There are some ways to do this. You can read or watch TV/movies. Or you can go to the crowd and observe. Use your imagination. Make some stories about the ones you've seen. This is a fun exercise as well.

How can you experience things? Well, there are times when you need to join the fun instead of waiting patiently in the corner! Ever wondered how tough becoming a singer can be? Enroll yourself in a vocal class. Take a hike and stroll in the park, try to enjoy the very small things like the sound soft rustle of leaves and the sight of soft-petaled roses.

And most importantly, BRING YOUR NOTEBOOK! Write down your ideas. Even if they refuse to come, be positive. Life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest, and when you're happy, ideas will come running to you.

Whoa It's Been Months...

...since I last blogged. I'm more active in Facebook and Plurk these days, and I'm trying my hands on Twitter as well. Plus I've been spending more time on my family and also work.

Quick update, before I blog again!
- My right arm hasn't healed completely, will visit the doc soon to confirm whether I need to undergo another surgery or not.
- I'm currently writing at least 3 stories, juggling on them. Still busy with editing and copywriting job as well. No, as usual I won't really tell what they are about. But suffice to say I'm writing 2 manuscripts for MetroPop, 2 TeenLit and one nonfiction.
- I am still on a phase so bear with me, I might not be in the mood to respond or chatter incessantly.
- I am now 33! Great age, huh!

I promise to blog again soon, that was the longest hiatus ever, I think!

A Day with My Best Friend

We're both stay-at-home moms. We can be girly, prissy, even really really silly. We share the same astrological zodiac, penchant for books and bling bling stuff, also addiction to good, preferably gourmet food.

Sometimes we're shallow, even callous, all in all, we're essentially female. We love dabbling with stuff and we feel comfortable with each other despite of the fact that after all these years, we've only met... um, four or five times.

We both enjoy reading (obviously!), lazing around and writing! And soon, both of us are going to be published authors, because our pet project will be published by Gramedia Pustaka Utama.

Thank you for the make up session, Mbak Echy, and thank you my dear friend, Kori Suryani, for that wonderful day.