My Writing Process and What Makes Me Keep on Fire

Halo book worm...

About 13 years ago, I started my career as a novelist in a Facebook writing group called Cendol (not a cendol drink, but the name itself is an abbreviation for "long story short," Cendol is a large writing community). From there, I met many aspiring and experienced writers. Those friendships continue to this day. We meet often, though not regularly, but there's always a small gathering with Cendol friends once a year. But I'm not talking about my meetings with fellow writers.

This is about how each member has their own career as a real writer now. Take my friend Ari Keling. A few weeks ago, he shared a photo with schoolchildren holding one of my novels, "Dilwale." Ari told me that he had just finished giving a seminar to the students and was using my book as a reward to encourage them to write. In truth, the passion for writing grows and begins with a hobby of reading, right?

So the photo above has become a new reason for me to return to finishing my abandoned novel draft. You see, I'm currently revising a manuscript whose first draft I wrote about ten years ago. The manuscript has gone through numerous plot changes, even character changes and title changes. I'm eager for this manuscript to reach the editor's desk and have high hopes of publishing it as a novel after a two-year hiatus. Through this writing seminar conducted by my friend, Ari Keling, I became motivated that this book must be in the hands of these students.

But it's certainly very difficult to keep writing despite my busy schedule. While progress won't be as fast as a full-time writer, it's certainly a challenge in itself. Before the end of 2025, this draft must be submitted to a publisher so I can start writing new stories or re-finishing old ones. The most significant challenge, of course, is defeating myself.

Thanks in advance guys, to read my blog and hope you like my post!
See you on the next post...