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UNAIR NEWS – One of Indonesia’s most prominent writers, Dewi Lestari motivated hundreds of students in a talk show of Contemporary Women: Fighting for Chance and Opportunity at ¶«¾©ÈÈ, Sunday, October 29. In the talk show, Dee, invited participants to forge their passion into a skill.

For Dee it is important to recognize our passion. With the passion, someone knows what can be given to the environment. Dee also said that each of us is unique and different.

“We do not have to talk about big problems. If each of us uses the talent we have for mutual benefit, the improvement will be realized, ” she said.

Dee presented her motivational speech in a relaxed way yet convincing. To hundreds of students attending, she convinced them that whatever passion a person has, they should be the best.

“If you’re a doctor, be the best doctor. If you’re an engineer, be the best engineer. If you’re an architect, be the best architect. So is an author, “Dee said.

So, how do people know their passion? Dee explained that a passion is when someone is willing to do something without having been asked and requested. They are pleased even though the rewards may not be much. When we are immersed in our passion, it will become a skill.

“Train your passion into a skill.  A skill is the main ticket in this era of globalization, “added the author whose novels been filmed.

Becoming a writer

For Dee, the writer’s first struggle was to put the word ‘end’ at the end of the book, which means to be able to finish the work. Many people love writing, but not many of them are capable of completing them into a work. To her, the completed work of her is a gift. Being published or even awarded, are only bonuses.

Furthermore, another need of a work is heard, a reader or critic who will provide feedback . She got criticisms for Supernova for almost a year, various responses, both good and bad responses. The second author’s test is to respond to their reactions.

“The next test is to work again. Writing is a lifelong skill that continues to be learned. In essence, we must be like a sponge that will continue to absorb things, ” said the author who once joined in the trio Rida Sita Dewi.

Dee admitted, the inspiration of the work she produced was born from her daily life. Like Filosofi Kopi for example, she created a fiction because she loves coffee so much, Or Madre , a work of fiction she created from her hobbies of cooking.

Next step is research. Research and data are important before someone writes a fiction novel. However, in her view, a good narrating skill is the main thing needed to write a novel.

“It’s not about the data and facts we get, but how to assemble them into a convincing fiction,” Dee said.

¹ó°ù´Ç³¾ÌýSupernova , Dee had been invited by the Physics Department of Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UI to talk about physics, a subject which she was not good at. She said that an author must be broad-minded, beyond the limit.

As the closing statement, Dee gave some advice to all participants. “Every human being is unique, everyone has a potential. Find what you like, immerse in it, and always learn, “Dee said.

In the occasion, there were also some inspiring figures in the talk show. There was Niken from Deputy of Gender Equality Ministry of Women Empowerment, Suraiya Kamaruzzaman, a woman activist and founder of Aceh Flower NGO, Genie Anggita, a Creative Director, and Merrie Elizabeth, an entrepreneur. (*)

Author: Binti Q. Masruroh

Editor: Nuri Hermawan