IDUPJ Holds “Tanpa Rencana” Book Review: Dee Lestari Shares Personal Experience
Bintaro, South Tangerang, 11/12/2024 - The Library Unit and Communication Studies Program of Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) successfully held a book review that presented Dee Lestari, a well-known Indonesian writer and singer. In this event, Dee discussed her latest novel entitled "Tanpa Rencana". The event took place in the UPJ Building Hall and was attended by students, lecturers, and the public.
In the discussion session, Dee Lestari shared her experience about her creative process. She revealed that every story has its own way to “find” its readers.
“It's not just everyday stories that are poured into this book, but me enter this book. Readers will know that Dee is the one speaking, not the character. You could say, in "Tanpa Rencana" there are many freshness and new things that I have never tried in previous works,” said Dee Lestari.
The novel "Tanpa Rencana" has a different approach compared to Dee's previous works. The writing process was inspired by everyday events and spontaneity. After being stopped in 2020 due to Dee's busy work on Rapijali, the writing of this book was only resumed in 2023. Dee also revealed that this novel was very personal to her, because the process of making it became a medium for reflection and healing from the various experiences she had during 2023-2024.
Dee explained that she wrote the first page without thinking about the ending. This approach gives her creative freedom, although she remains disciplined in organizing the word count and ensuring the manuscript is neat. “The first draft must be maximized so that the editor only needs to make minor improvements,” she said.
In another session, Dee shared her views on creating characters. She said that a good character must have a human side, with weaknesses that become sources of conflict and strengths that inspire. Specific habits are also important so that the character feels alive and real to the reader.
To conclude the event, participants had the opportunity to win attractive prizes in the form of the book "Tanpa Rencana" and several of her works that have been signed directly by Dee Lestari.
Through this event, Universitas Pembangunan Jaya once again showed its commitment in supporting literacy and creativity of the younger generation. UPJ hopes that similar events can continue to inspire students to love the world of literacy and broaden their horizons through quality works.
Author: Gisela Rara Wening Pinasthi (2022041101) | Editor: Muhammad Amas Dzulyana
