Fida R. Abbott's Blog, page 7
October 12, 2017
My Upcoming Book
I planned to publish my next book early this year. Because of my health problem and other unexpected happened, I had to postpone it. Also due to a new duty I have to asses a superior class student of defense language for Bahasa Indonesia, it seems I have to postpone the publication for upcoming year. My goal: New Year, New Published Book!
So, what my next book would be? I'm sure you really want to know. I will give a sneak peek of it. The Foreword is written by Dean Emeritus of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. It's reviewed by a well known writer/author in Indonesia and in the USA, and a well known artist in Canada. From my book, I will bring my readers' imaginations come to the real life. They would think, learn, practice, and be entertained by short stories in psychology, crime, relationship, family, horror, and others. It's not only those, but other several things that make this book special. What are those? I won't tell you this time. You should be patient and wait until the right time comes.
By the way, I always try to find a fresh idea in every book I will publish. My book will be simple but enjoyable and educational. So, please stay tuned! To follow the updated news, you should subscribe to this blog or follow my facebook page .
Thank you for your support.
Author of
Enthusiasm
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." (RWE)
July 28, 2017
Enthusiasm is Available on Google Play!
If you wish to get Enthusiasm in e-Book version with competitive price, you should visit Google Play! You will have free review up to Chapter 4. Besides you can add to your Wishlist, you can also set to Buy as Gift.
Google Play works best on Web, Tablet, Phone, and eReader. It's also available on Android devices for Read Aloud!Reading Information:
Smartphones and TabletsInstall the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone . It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.Laptops and ComputersYou can read books purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser
eReaders and other devicesTo read on e-ink devices like the Sony eReader or Barnes & Noble Nook, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Please follow the detailed Help centerinstructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
LET'S START TO READ AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE REVIEW!
Published on Friday, July 28, 2017July 10, 2017
The Writing Toolbox
I wrote my first manuscript with typing machine I borrowed from a neighbor. It was a short story, titled: Kidung Kasih Untuk Lintang (The Love Song for Lintang) when I was 13 years old. It was published in the school magazine as the main short story. I kept using typing machine till I was in the college for writing reports, homework, etc. By the end of the year in the college, I started to know the computer. It was the first time I use the computer for my final essay book after two-three months of experiment with mushrooms in Sidoarjo, East Java. We didn't have Windows program at that time. We still used many keys. Could you believe how hard it was? I also went to several different computer rentals as the computer was still a new thing in Indonesia and many people didn't have it.
Nowadays, with modern technology we have more options for writing than any one person can easily process. With this excess of choice, it’s wise to take some time to consider the different tools available to us and make informed decisions about how to spend our writing budget.
Let's look over a few of the ‘standards’ in terms of writing software.
Microsoft WordMS Word is one of the most accepted and versatile writing tools in the world. Despite Word’s perfectly adequate word processing, it is the tool we will want primarily after we’ve written. Word, at its core, is a formatting and layout tool.
Because the word processing is relatively easy, many writers will use Word exclusively as their writing tool. For most this will be just fine. But for some, the tools and style controls will be cumbersome, and the sheer volume of options overwhelming. For the writer who demands a simple, versatile writing tool focused on just getting the text typed up, Word may be too much.
The best way to use Microsoft Word is as an editing and design tool. We can take a completed manuscript and give it the final touches it needs prior to publishing, as well as export a PDF in a variety of formats to accommodate your printing needs.
It is also worth noting that Word, as part of the Microsoft Office Suite, is one of the more expensive writing tools on the market. Thanks to all the editing and design tools built in, along with the utility of the entire Office Suite, Microsoft’s product is important for any serious writer, and is generally considered the standard for word processing tools.
Libre OfficeA free, what we see is what we get, Microsoft Office replacement. Libre Office offers much the same functionality as Microsoft. For those who want the editing and design power of Word without the price tag, you’ll get that same functionality with Libre Office. The controls and navigation will differ, so a user familiar with MS Word may be put off by the learning curve when using Libre Office’s word processor. If we’re very comfortable with Word, the transition to Libre Office may be jarring. But as a completely free to use, open source alternative, Libre Office is a powerful tool.
Another difference to note is that Libre, being free and open source, doesn’t have any dedicated support in the way MS Word or other commercial software does. If a problem arises, we’ll have a fairly thorough wiki page and a community forum to rely on, but nothing more.
ScrivenerWhile Microsoft and Libre Office offer tools for writing alongside layout and design, Scrivener is a writing focused tool with a multitude of functions to assist in the creation process. This includes storyboard layout, utilizing a ‘Binder’ to contain all elements in one easily navigable location. Focused Mode puts all other tabs and programs in the background, allowing you to avoid distraction while writing.
Scrivener is a complete writing tool, though it should not be relied upon for formatting or layout details. Many common features (page sizing, margins, font control) are present, and allow us to play with some of the layout, but the real power of Scrivener is in organizing our ideas and generating the initial content. The utility Scrivener offers, coupled with the clean, no nonsense writer will appeal to writers of all sorts.
As an added benefit, the software stores your files through a Dropbox link, meaning we can work on our content across multiple machines, and even with an iOS app on your iPhone or iPad. What Scrivener lacks in versatility, it makes up for in utility.
SigilSigil is a unique program designed specifically for working with EPUB files. It is also a fully functioning word processor and if we plan to release our book primarily as an EPUB, the option is there to work solely in Sigil.
For most writers, Lulu Editor would not recommend using Sigil as your Word Processor. The tool will be too foreign, and the output can only be an EPUB file, so working in Sigil alone will not produce anything appropriate for print ready use.
But, for a more advanced user interested in fine tuning a book for EPUB use, Sigil is a powerful, easy to use tool with all the options we’ll need to create a high quality EPUB. Unfortunately, Sigil does not have an option to import a text file from other word processing tools like Word or Libre Office, but text can be copied into Sigil. More often than not, users will find Sigil most beneficial for editing and fine tuning an existing EPUB file.
If we are planning to only create an ebook (no print files necessary), you might find Sigil a nice tool for writing and editing, as the simplified text tools will limit us to only the options an EPUB can support. And once we’ve completed our ebook, Sigil can be used to generate the necessary metadata and table of contents for your work.
EvernoteEvernote is a handy note-taking and organizational tool. We probably won’t be composing a complete piece within Evernote, but we can easily write on the go and export to standard file types. We’ll have the security of cloud storage, so our Evernote files will be secure and accessible.
The real power of Evernote is in its versatility. If we are already an Evernote user, you’ll know how handy it can be to have an App capable of organizing your calendar, holding your notes, reminding us to go to the grocery store after work, and so much more. Evernote is a one stop, cross platform, multi-purpose productivity tool.
With an array of features, Evernote is really a very powerful tool to have available. But it is not the best when it comes to being a useful writing program. Yes, it’s helpful for catching notes on the run (using mobile) and syncing to your devices. Organizing and writing up anything more than a few hundreds words is going to be tedious, and probably beyond the purpose of Evernote. Same thing goes for formatting. Evernote is a not a formatting tool.
The bottom line? Evernote is a great tool for note taking and organizing, but not ideal for layout or story boarding.
FocusWriterFocusWriter is less well known than the other software, but it boasts a couple of useful and unique features worth mentioning. FocusWriter, like Scrivener, stores our files in the cloud, allowing for easy cross platform use and the security of knowing our files are safe. FocusWriter also features a focus mode like Scrivener, allowing us to push all other functions on our device to the background and focus on just writing.
The biggest upside of FocusWriter is that it is a free text editor and word processor. We can download the tool and begin writing immediately without paying a cent. Formatting and design will need to be handled elsewhere, but for a cost effective, clean, and efficient first draft tool, FocusWriter is well worth a look. ***
Source: Lulu Editor
Published: Monday, July 10, 2017
Nowadays, with modern technology we have more options for writing than any one person can easily process. With this excess of choice, it’s wise to take some time to consider the different tools available to us and make informed decisions about how to spend our writing budget.
Let's look over a few of the ‘standards’ in terms of writing software.
Microsoft WordMS Word is one of the most accepted and versatile writing tools in the world. Despite Word’s perfectly adequate word processing, it is the tool we will want primarily after we’ve written. Word, at its core, is a formatting and layout tool.Because the word processing is relatively easy, many writers will use Word exclusively as their writing tool. For most this will be just fine. But for some, the tools and style controls will be cumbersome, and the sheer volume of options overwhelming. For the writer who demands a simple, versatile writing tool focused on just getting the text typed up, Word may be too much.
The best way to use Microsoft Word is as an editing and design tool. We can take a completed manuscript and give it the final touches it needs prior to publishing, as well as export a PDF in a variety of formats to accommodate your printing needs.
It is also worth noting that Word, as part of the Microsoft Office Suite, is one of the more expensive writing tools on the market. Thanks to all the editing and design tools built in, along with the utility of the entire Office Suite, Microsoft’s product is important for any serious writer, and is generally considered the standard for word processing tools.
Libre OfficeA free, what we see is what we get, Microsoft Office replacement. Libre Office offers much the same functionality as Microsoft. For those who want the editing and design power of Word without the price tag, you’ll get that same functionality with Libre Office. The controls and navigation will differ, so a user familiar with MS Word may be put off by the learning curve when using Libre Office’s word processor. If we’re very comfortable with Word, the transition to Libre Office may be jarring. But as a completely free to use, open source alternative, Libre Office is a powerful tool.Another difference to note is that Libre, being free and open source, doesn’t have any dedicated support in the way MS Word or other commercial software does. If a problem arises, we’ll have a fairly thorough wiki page and a community forum to rely on, but nothing more.
ScrivenerWhile Microsoft and Libre Office offer tools for writing alongside layout and design, Scrivener is a writing focused tool with a multitude of functions to assist in the creation process. This includes storyboard layout, utilizing a ‘Binder’ to contain all elements in one easily navigable location. Focused Mode puts all other tabs and programs in the background, allowing you to avoid distraction while writing.Scrivener is a complete writing tool, though it should not be relied upon for formatting or layout details. Many common features (page sizing, margins, font control) are present, and allow us to play with some of the layout, but the real power of Scrivener is in organizing our ideas and generating the initial content. The utility Scrivener offers, coupled with the clean, no nonsense writer will appeal to writers of all sorts.
As an added benefit, the software stores your files through a Dropbox link, meaning we can work on our content across multiple machines, and even with an iOS app on your iPhone or iPad. What Scrivener lacks in versatility, it makes up for in utility.
SigilSigil is a unique program designed specifically for working with EPUB files. It is also a fully functioning word processor and if we plan to release our book primarily as an EPUB, the option is there to work solely in Sigil.
For most writers, Lulu Editor would not recommend using Sigil as your Word Processor. The tool will be too foreign, and the output can only be an EPUB file, so working in Sigil alone will not produce anything appropriate for print ready use.
But, for a more advanced user interested in fine tuning a book for EPUB use, Sigil is a powerful, easy to use tool with all the options we’ll need to create a high quality EPUB. Unfortunately, Sigil does not have an option to import a text file from other word processing tools like Word or Libre Office, but text can be copied into Sigil. More often than not, users will find Sigil most beneficial for editing and fine tuning an existing EPUB file.
If we are planning to only create an ebook (no print files necessary), you might find Sigil a nice tool for writing and editing, as the simplified text tools will limit us to only the options an EPUB can support. And once we’ve completed our ebook, Sigil can be used to generate the necessary metadata and table of contents for your work.
EvernoteEvernote is a handy note-taking and organizational tool. We probably won’t be composing a complete piece within Evernote, but we can easily write on the go and export to standard file types. We’ll have the security of cloud storage, so our Evernote files will be secure and accessible.
The real power of Evernote is in its versatility. If we are already an Evernote user, you’ll know how handy it can be to have an App capable of organizing your calendar, holding your notes, reminding us to go to the grocery store after work, and so much more. Evernote is a one stop, cross platform, multi-purpose productivity tool.
With an array of features, Evernote is really a very powerful tool to have available. But it is not the best when it comes to being a useful writing program. Yes, it’s helpful for catching notes on the run (using mobile) and syncing to your devices. Organizing and writing up anything more than a few hundreds words is going to be tedious, and probably beyond the purpose of Evernote. Same thing goes for formatting. Evernote is a not a formatting tool.
The bottom line? Evernote is a great tool for note taking and organizing, but not ideal for layout or story boarding.
FocusWriterFocusWriter is less well known than the other software, but it boasts a couple of useful and unique features worth mentioning. FocusWriter, like Scrivener, stores our files in the cloud, allowing for easy cross platform use and the security of knowing our files are safe. FocusWriter also features a focus mode like Scrivener, allowing us to push all other functions on our device to the background and focus on just writing.
The biggest upside of FocusWriter is that it is a free text editor and word processor. We can download the tool and begin writing immediately without paying a cent. Formatting and design will need to be handled elsewhere, but for a cost effective, clean, and efficient first draft tool, FocusWriter is well worth a look. ***
Source: Lulu Editor
Published: Monday, July 10, 2017
June 25, 2017
PODCAST: A Fun and Interesting Interview with A Reader Who Had Read "Enthusiasm" Four Times
Who ever read
Enthusiasm
written by Fida Abbott? How many times did you read it?From our correspondences we had collected the information. There were some readers who had read Enthusiasm twice. They had different reasons why they read more than once. They wrote us: they enjoyed so much, fun reading that made them smiling, laughing, and thinking; informative; emotionally involved with the story; feeling enthusiastic and motivated; and learning how to write like its author.
Recently we got another information from a reader who had read Enthusiasm four times. Do you want to hear what she said? Below we provide a podcast of that interview. The interview was held on Andrew Drive, West Chester, PA on June 14, 2017.
Eight minutes and fifteen seconds of fun and interesting interview with a reader from Coatesville, PA.
Marketing Team of Enthusiasm
June 25, 2017
May 28, 2017
Free Public Speaking for Indonesian Community in Philadelphia
To participate in celebrating Indonesian Independence Day, Author Fida Abbott is offering free public speaking for a small group, community, schools, church, and organizations during Summer 2017 for Indonesian community in Philadelphia, PA.
Theme: Motivation (Being an immigrant, Multi-culture in Relationship and Marriage, and other)
Writing (General Writing, Citizen Reporter, Writing for God)
Audience: Children, teenagers, youth, young adult, and adult
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Fill out the contact form on the right side of this blog or leave the message on facebook.
The Contact Form should be sent at least four weeks before the event.
About the Author:
Fida Abbott is an award-winning author and blogger. Her book Enthusiasm received a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award from the North American Book Entrepreneur (NABE) in 2010. In 2011, she was chosen as 2011 winner of 50 Great Writers You Should be Reading, presented by TheAuthorsShow.com. Her blog, www.fidaabbott.blogspot.com received Honorable Mention from BlogNetAwards.com in 2009 and was a Finalist of Christian Indonesian Blogger Festival in 2008, presented by Jawaban.com.
Fida has been writing since she was thirteen. Her first short story was published in the Middle School Magazine in Surabaya, Indonesia, the city where she was born. Her first publication in the local daily newspaper was her poem she wrote when she was in High School.
In 2002 she came to the USA and married her American fiance. With her husband and her daughter, they live in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, a city where she resides and expresses herself in her writings in English and Indonesian.
She is the director of an online writing course. www.pelatihanmenulis.com, as well as KabarIndonesia, an online Indonesian news, based on the citizen reporter, www.kabarindonesia.com. She is also a certified Department of Defense Language Instructor for Bahasa Indonesia, serving United States Air Force (USAF). In addition to writing, she is a motivational speaker covering writing and other topics.
Another new blog she wrote is created because of her background as a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture is www.worldofflora.blogspot.com. (*)
April 17, 2017
Free Public Speaking for Coatesville Community
Author Fida Abbott is offering free public speaking for a small group, community, schools, and organizations for Spring - Fall 2017.
Theme: Motivation
Writing
Audience: Children, teenagers, youth, young adult, and adult
Location: Coatesville, PA and radius 1 mile from Coatesville, PA
Contact: Fill out the contact form on the right side of this blog or leave the message on facebook
About the Author:
Fida Abbott is an award-winning author and blogger. Her book Enthusiasm received a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award from the North American Book Entrepreneur (NABE) in 2010. In 2011, she was chosen as 2011 winner of 50 Great Writers You Should be Reading, presented by TheAuthorsShow.com. Her blog, www.fidaabbott.blogspot.com received Honorable Mention from BlogNetAwards.com in 2009 and was a Finalist of Christian Indonesian Blogger Festival in 2008, presented by Jawaban.com.
Fida has been writing since she was thirteen. Her first short story was published in the Middle School Magazine in Surabaya, Indonesia, the city where she was born. Her first publication in the local daily newspaper was her poem she wrote when she was in High School.
In 2002 she came to the USA and married her American fiance. With her husband and her daughter, they live in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, a city where she resides and expresses herself in her writings in English and Indonesian.
She is the director of an online writing course. www.pelatihanmenulis.com, as well as KabarIndonesia, an online Indonesian news, based on the citizen reporter, www.kabarindonesia.com. She is also a certified Department of Defense Language Instructor for Bahasa Indonesia, serving United States Air Force (USAF). In addition to writing, she is a motivational speaker covering writing and other topics.
Another new blog she wrote is created because of her background as a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture is www.worldofflora.blogspot.com. (*)
Offering Free Public Speaking
Author Fida Abbott is offering free public speaking for community, schools, and organizations for Spring - Fall 2017.
Theme: Motivation
Writing
Audience: Children, teenagers, youth, young adult, and adult
Location: Coatesville, PA and radius 1 mile from Coatesville, PA
Contact: Fill out the contact form on the right side of this blog or leave the message at facebook
About the Author:
Fida Abbott is an award-winning author and blogger. Her book Enthusiasm received a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award from the North American Book Entrepreneur (NABE) in 2010. In 2011, she was chosen as 2011 winner of 50 Great Writers You Should be Reading, presented by TheAuthorsShow.com. Her blog, www.fidaabbott.blogspot.com received Honorable Mention from BlogNetAwards.com in 2009 and was a Finalist of Christian Indonesian Blogger Festival in 2008, presented by Jawaban.com.
Fida has been writing since she was thirteen. Her first short story was published in the Middle School Magazine in Surabaya, Indonesia, the city where she was born. Her first publication in the local daily newspaper was her poem she wrote when she was in High School.
In 2002 she came to the USA and married her American fiance. With her husband and her daughter, they live in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, a city where she resides and expresses herself in her writings in English and Indonesian.
She is the director of an online writing course. www.pelatihanmenulis.com, as well as KabarIndonesia, an online Indonesian news, based on the citizen reporter, www.kabarindonesia.com. She is also a certified Department of Defense Language Instructor for Bahasa Indonesia, serving United States Air Force (USAF). In addition to writing, she is a motivational speaker covering writing and other topics.
Another new blog she wrote is created because of her background as a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture is www.worldofflora.blogspot.com. (*)
April 4, 2017
Available Books/e-Books To Purchase
In English
1. Novel
Enthusiasm, A Novel Based on the Author's Own True Story
Available in Paperback, Hardcover, and e-Book
Published by Xlibris: February 24, 2010
* Buy from Author via Paypal (Free S+H for US customers)
* Buy from Xlibris, Amazon, BN, Kobo, and other online stores.
2. Cookbook
Tumpeng, An Authentic Indonesian Food
(The Second Book of Amerindo Kitchen in Series)
Available in Paperback (Photo Book)
Published by Lulu: September 15, 2010
* Buy from Lulu
Fabulous Leftover Turkey
(The First Book of Amerindo Kitchen in Series)
Available in Hardcover (Photo Book)
Published by Lulu: April 11, 2009
* Buy from Lulu
3. Anthology
Chaiku Poem Anthology
Available in hardcover (Mini Photo Book)
Published by Lulu: March 22, 2015 (Second Edition)
* Buy from Lulu
4. Children Book
What Prayers Does Mommy Teach Me?
Available in e-Book (PDF)
Published by Lulu: November 19, 2008 (Second Edition)
* Buy from Lulu
In Indonesian
1. Novel
Antusiasme, Novel Perjuangan Seorang Penulis Meraih Mimpi
Available in Paperback
Published by Yayasan Komunikasi Bina Kasih (YKBK),
February 14, 2012
* Buy from YKBK
2. Christian Book
Terhilang di Rumah Bapa, 15 Renungan yang Mengubahkan
An Anthology
Available in e-Book (PDF)
Published by CrossWritten, March 29, 2008
* Buy from Scribd
1. Novel
Enthusiasm, A Novel Based on the Author's Own True Story
Available in Paperback, Hardcover, and e-Book
Published by Xlibris: February 24, 2010
* Buy from Author via Paypal (Free S+H for US customers)
* Buy from Xlibris, Amazon, BN, Kobo, and other online stores.
2. Cookbook
Tumpeng, An Authentic Indonesian Food
(The Second Book of Amerindo Kitchen in Series)
Available in Paperback (Photo Book)
Published by Lulu: September 15, 2010
* Buy from Lulu
Fabulous Leftover Turkey
(The First Book of Amerindo Kitchen in Series)
Available in Hardcover (Photo Book)
Published by Lulu: April 11, 2009
* Buy from Lulu
3. Anthology
Chaiku Poem Anthology
Available in hardcover (Mini Photo Book)
Published by Lulu: March 22, 2015 (Second Edition)
* Buy from Lulu
4. Children Book
What Prayers Does Mommy Teach Me?
Available in e-Book (PDF)
Published by Lulu: November 19, 2008 (Second Edition)
* Buy from Lulu
In Indonesian
1. Novel
Antusiasme, Novel Perjuangan Seorang Penulis Meraih Mimpi
Available in Paperback
Published by Yayasan Komunikasi Bina Kasih (YKBK),
February 14, 2012
* Buy from YKBK
2. Christian Book
Terhilang di Rumah Bapa, 15 Renungan yang Mengubahkan
An AnthologyAvailable in e-Book (PDF)
Published by CrossWritten, March 29, 2008
* Buy from Scribd
ENTHUSIASM: A Review from Aubrey Baldwin at Amazon
A review has been received from Aubrey Baldwin on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at Amazon: I had purchased a copy directly from the author, which she kindly autographed for me. BONUS. It was an amazing book. I have read it twice already and I just can't seem to put it down once I start reading. Absolutely wonderful. (*)
Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2017
About the Author
Fida Abbott is an award-winning author and blogger. Her book
Enthusiasm
received a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award from the North American Book Entrepreneur (NABE) in 2010. In 2011, she was chosen as 2011 winner of 50 Great Writer You Should be Reading, presented by TheAuthorsShow.com. Her blog, www.fidaabbott.blogspot.com received Honorable Mention from BlogNetAwards.com in 2009 and was a Finalist of Christian Indonesian Blogger Festival in 2008, presented by Jawaban.com.Fida has been writing since she was thirteen. Her first short story was published in the Middle School Magazine in Surabaya, Indonesia, the city where she was born. Her first publication in the local daily newspaper was her poem she wrote when she was in High School.
In 2002 she came to the USA and married her American fiance. With her husband and her daughter, they live in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, a city where she resides and expresses herself in her writings in English and Indonesian.
She is the director of an online writing course. www.pelatihanmenulis.com, as well as KabarIndonesia, an online Indonesian news, based on the citizen reporter, www.kabarindonesia.com. She is also a certified Department of Defense Language Instructor for Bahasa Indonesia, serving United States Air Force (USAF). In addition to writing, she is a motivational speaker covering about writing and other topics.
To learn more about her published books/e-books, you can visit her blog at www.abbottsbooks.com. Another new blog she wrote is created because of her background as a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture is www.worldofflora.blogspot.com. (*)
Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2017
