Interview with suiginshou

Published 2016-01-01.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing when I was in elementary school. I wrote a short story and other stories, bust most of them are unfinished and have nonsense plot. Hahahaha.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I like writing very much. I thought to send my works to some major publication company, but it takes too long time and there will be some problems I'm too lazy to deal with. That's why I prefer to become indie.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
When my work is finished of course; and if my work has some factor X that can't be found in others' works.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
A story about a little girl who enters a magical world from the mirror. Based on Sherina's Putri dalam Cermin.
What is your writing process?
My dad said I writing like an artist who paints. I write some chapters, leave it for some day, weeks, months; then continue it again. If I start to write a novel, I make chapters first and write the main idea in each one. Basically, if I stop writing, it because I don't get any idea or support for my work like events and trends in a past, the truth behind a historical event, some scientific theories, and many more.
Who are your favorite authors?
I love Dewi Lestari and Ayu Utami. Andrea Hirata, Idrus, and Soe Hok Gie also interesting, too. They are Indonesian popular and inspiring writers. I like them since I introduced to their works in my class.
What's the story behind your latest book?
In a Saturday night, suddenly I remember Juwita Malam, a song I used to play with keyboard. This song tells about a man who fell in love with a woman at first sight in a railway station, but the woman had to go because the train to her destination had arrived. Before they separated, the man asked the woman her name and address, hope they can meet soon. It's a nice song, although it's supposed to be performed in Keroncong (one of Indonesian music), it has some jazzy feel. This song also has much historical meanings since it was composed by legendary Indonesian composer, Ismail Marzuki; and my cousin's wife said in her blog that this song was based from a true story.
I thought more about the song, and decided to make story based upon that. Immadiately I had a crazy ideas:
-The man is a vampire, the woman of course is a human
-This story set around '65-'66 before/after the G30S/PKI incident. It was one of the Indonesia's darkest hour.
-The woman is a writer, journalist, or reporter.
Based from those idea, I laughed at myself. Well, you don't need too much Western Gothic spices if you can create original Gothic one!
How do you approach cover design?
I ask my friend for help, even though he's sometimes like a sh*t.
What are you working on next?
I've thought to expand the universe from Bintang di Langit Merah by adding more supernatural characters and concepts.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I like making music. I do some arrangements and sometimes I compose. I also covering songs with Vocaloid. Check my SC: suiginshou-chan.
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