Andrea Hirata

Happiness is actually found in simple things, such as taking my nephew around the island by bicycle or seeing the stars at night. We go to coffee shops or see airplanes land at the airport.

I've backpacked to countries like Italy and Turkey and observed beautiful scenery, but then I realized that beauty was always very close to me. It is here in Belitung Island, where the rivers, beaches and the terrain captivate my attention most.

I am a writer who has a policy to allocate 90 percent of my time for research and the remaining 10 percent to write.

I think writers of memoirs need to be respected for the bold decision they take to bare their lives open. That alone should be enough. The things I write about, if you notice, are sensitive issues for a lot of people. If I told you my age, they would get ideas. The next thing you know they'll be filing lawsuits against me.

I want to write books that can truly become a legacy and bring benefits to people.

I am a working person. I always work, study or do research for my novel. I even work on Sunday.

I think what matters most in literary work is the context, not the text.