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The Spark That Lit the Fire
Looking back, I’ve come to realize that being an author isn’t just about putting words on paper—it’s about staying inspired, staying grounded, and never losing sight of why you began. When I first started writing language learning books, I wasn’t just creating study guides. I was translating years of classroom experience into tools that would help foreigners learn Bahasa Indonesia in a way that felt authentic, practical, and deeply connected to Indonesian life.
A Different Time, A Different Process
Writing back then wasn’t as easy as it is today. There were no AI writing assistants or voice-to-text tools—just me, a structured plan, and countless late nights filled with revisions. Every chapter required meticulous effort. Every example had to reflect real-world usage. It was slow, but it was sincere. And in hindsight, it was worth every moment. That old-school process taught me the essence of what makes a great educational book: clarity, relevance, and heart.
from the bookstore to my students' study room
From Print to Pixels: Embracing the Digital Shift
As the world evolved, so did my teaching methods. My print books became part of a broader transformation—one that embraced e-books, digital courses, and online learning. Suddenly, students from across the globe could learn Bahasa Indonesia without ever setting foot in a classroom. This accessibility was a game-changer. It allowed me to reach more learners more effectively through webinars, downloadable guides, and interactive content.
Writing with Purpose: Supporting a Greater Cause
More than a personal milestone, becoming an author gave me the means to support something close to my heart—Senyum Posyandu, a program under the Full Belly Initiative that supports local children’s health and nutrition. I knew that if I could turn my books into a steady income stream, I could create something sustainable. Every purchase meant more than just a sale—it meant a child received eggs, green bean porridge, or a health check. And then, something beautiful happened. Help came when I needed it most.
Angels in the Journey
I truly believe that when you pour your heart into something meaningful, the universe responds. I was blessed to have people like Mr. Leland Jourdan—a busy executive who still made time to record his voice for my project—and Mrs. Susie Wertanen, an expat wife in Jakarta, who also volunteered her voice despite her packed schedule. These gestures, though small on the surface, reminded me how generous and powerful a community can be. To me, they were angels in disguise.
Mr. Leland Jourdan and Mrs. Susie Wertanen, the voice talents
Language as a Bridge, Not Just a Tool
My dream has always been bigger than vocabulary lists and grammar charts. I want learners to feel the language—to use it to understand Indonesia’s values, its humor, its warmth. I hope my books have served as a bridge for expats trying to connect with local colleagues, neighbors, and even strangers. If someone read one of my books and felt more confident, more welcomed, or more at home in Indonesia, that’s my true success.
No Regrets, Only Gratitude
Would I rewrite any of my older books? No. Each one holds a piece of my journey—and the journeys of those who inspired it. From my students' questions to the stories I gathered from my classroom, every element was shaped with love and intention. They may not be perfect, but they are authentic. And that’s what matters most.
Kristin's contibution to the local community, 2012
What’s Next? A Future Built on Digital Learning
The future of Bahasa Indonesia education is evolving, and so am I. I’m working on new titles that reflect the post-pandemic shift in how we teach and learn. Think beyond traditional textbooks—picture e-books with embedded audio, virtual workshops, and self-paced modules that learners can access from anywhere. Teaching and writing have become inseparable parts of who I am. Each book I write pushes me to innovate my teaching. And each lesson I teach gives me fresh inspiration for writing. It’s a loop of creativity that continues to grow.
A Message to Aspiring Writers
To those dreaming of writing educational books: do it. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need a voice, a purpose, and a willingness to serve others. Educational writing isn’t about showing off your knowledge—it’s about making knowledge useful. Keep writing, keep learning, and most of all, keep believing in the impact of your work.
Where to Find My Books
Want to start learning Bahasa Indonesia today? Explore my titles on Google Play Books and find the one that fits your journey.
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Check out my online courses, Indonesian with Restiany here! Stay tuned for more stories soon, especially how I transformed my traditional classroom into a global digital learning experience.
Check out my online courses, Indonesian with Restiany here! Stay tuned for more stories soon, especially how I transformed my traditional classroom into a global digital learning experience.
