I somehow made it like a trend not to include the acknowledgements page in my recent books. There is a valid reasoning for that, however, in case anyone thinks that I simply don’t have anyone to thank for. On the contrary, I would much rather post the acknowledgements on my blog instead, out of time (and space) constraints.
In any case, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals for their gallant contributions toward the completion of Polaris Music Dingin.
Have you ever felt “cold” inside? Not the kind that comes naturally when the temperature drops, but the kind that haunts you whenever you feel alone and helpless–whenever you feel unwanted?
When I was writing this book, I was at the lowest point in my life. Back then, it felt like all the walls were collapsing on me, and I didn’t have anyone I could share my problems with. Life, in all honesty, felt like a torture. It took my everything to stay sane–with writing being my sole solace of comfort.
So maybe that’s why I managed to finish writing this book so fast; in 7 days.
Maybe that’s why I was so entranced by the story I was trying to weave; because just as the characters in this book struggled and danced and thrived in my head, I secretly had hoped that I, too, would find strength within myself to do the same.
And if there is anything I’d want the readers to take from this book, it is strength.
The kind of strength that could save you. The kind of strength that brings hope; not the strength to withstand everything– but just enough to get you through another day.
I wrote the majority of Maybe Everything when I was heartbroken. So quite naturally, the songs featured in this writing playlist are the songs I used to listen to during the moments when I couldn’t stop thinking about my romantic interest. Even now, I still recall the evenings I spent during my commute just listening to the songs and staring out the window—wishing fervently for the pain to end. Continue reading “My Writing Playlist: Maybe Everything”→
Since I completed the first draft of this project during Lebaran Holiday of 2017, I didn’t really need the music so much. But still, there were some really difficult scenes that prevented me from going on a full writing sprint at times. These songs were what I used to listen to whenever I was feeling stuck at writing a certain scene. Continue reading “My Writing Playlist: Unspoken Words”→
Also keep your eyes open for GIVEAWAYSin the near future! I will be sure to post updates either on my Twitter, or my Instagram.
Last but not least, I’d like to extend my gratitude to everyone for being with me on this journey from the very start. I remember announcing the project on Twitter, venting my frustration during my self-edit process, and even holding a poll to decide the cover for this book. Even more so than being my manuscript, UNSPOKEN WORDS has evolved into something that could never see the light of day without everyone’s help.
This is a very big news for me, so I hope you’re as excited as I am in awaiting UNSPOKEN WORDS‘ release.
Some requested for information regarding the characters, some about my outlining process, and the rest were an equal mix between my writing process and publication date. The response, of course, took me by (a pleasant) surprise.
To be honest, I had been mulling over the idea of sharing more about Unspoken Words. And there is a good reason why I haven’t been as active as I wanted to be in sharing information about the book:
I didn’t know how to talk about the book without spoiling everything about it.
Let’s just say, this novel is the most personal one I have penned so far, and writing it had been an emotional roller-coaster to me. Just like when I once wrote my debut novel, 3 (Tiga), finishing the manuscript for Unspoken Words actually left me in a state somewhat similar to being hungover. Continue reading “Of How Unspoken Words Came into Existence”→
No, I’m not releasing an album. I just edited the picture myself out of boredom
A lot of people has been asking me, what kind of music do I listen to when I am writing my novels?
Now the truth is, I don’t necessarily need music to keep me in the zone. Of course I listen to them, but I wouldn’t consider music as my absolute writing essentials. I do have to admit, that music can help writers picture certain scenes better when used—which is practically what I am using music for: to help me write certain scenes that would be rather hard to write otherwise.
Below are the tracks I listened to when I was writing my novel, 3 (Tiga)
Alicia Lidwina 