Metta Dian

Finally, I read my first short story published in a mass media in Indonesia. It might be something that people would consider “too much-reaction” for those who are more experienced and well-known in Indonesian literature. However, it is a brand new experience for me.

Begun with my belated knowldge of the published story from a new acquientance who had read Femina edition no.5/XXXVII/2009. I did not know it my self about it. What happened next was I “hunted” down the magazine in almost every corner of Semarang city including to some magazine distributors, but found none of them. They said the late left-editions were all returned back to Jakarta office.

Well, turned out my sister told me that she bought one already and she has read my short story. What a coincidence! I could’nt wait until I got hometown and here I am now, have been staying in Blora for several days and already read what I meant by MY PUBLISHED story: “A Virgin of God”.

It was fun also to listen to my closest ones made comments to this story, while not all of my big family has an intense reading habit. Hehehe… Then it was unsual for me to listen to my sister, who is a big fan of Agatha Christie and Sidney Sheldon, about what she thought of it. Added by what my conservative mom said (who read only papers and some references for her work presentation) against to what my moderate dad said, who definitely has a wide range of readings on religions but not religious at all and also some technical supportive readings to his adventuring hobbies. They debated in front of me about whether Swasti (the main character in the story) died or not. They asked me and I replied honestly, “I don’t know.” Hehehe….And the debate continued…:))))

Wow, I was just happy to see their reaction. It was the best appreciation for me from whom I love and love me back too. When even my mom who alineated herself from literature readings could say more and more, whatever it came from her. Inshallah, I think I am in the right path of life and be blessed for this one. This is not the end but the beginning of something bigger God’s prepared for me. Hmm…of course if I never stop and never give up.

Again, I’d like to express my gratitude to RK and Oka Negara for editing the story, to Femina for sure. And thanks to the appreciations expressed to me from relatives, bestfriends and new friends.
Hehehe…what am I saying? Is this Academy Awards night or what? Hahaha…

Well, let’s keep fighting for the (yet) never ending dreams!

You can read the short story in Indonesia in Femina magazine or in my Indonesian blog, click here.
Metta Dian

ps. I may translate the story in English and try to post it in this blog one day.