Sharing insights into becoming a successful writer

KUCHING: Writing is a pursuit that demands more than just talent; it calls for dedication, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Chief executive officer (CEO) of New Sarawak Tribune and Suara Sarawak Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir, a celebrated scholar and author of over 58 books, shared this with an audience of aspiring writers at a recent literary event.

Jeniri’s career, marked by both challenges and triumphs, offers valuable insights into what it takes to become a successful writer.

“The core values that shape a writer’s journey, underscoring the power of discipline, the importance of reading, and the fulfilment that comes with creating work that resonates with readers,” he said.

Jeniri (second left) visits the book stalls with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian (on his right). Photo: Ghazali Bujang

He said this during his talk titled “Secangkir Teh Setapak Bandung : The Secret to Making Money Through Writing” at The Hills here on Wednesday.

Addressing an audience of aspiring writers, he reflected on the challenges he faced in his early career, including financial struggles that motivated him to publish his work as a means of survival.

He emphasised that writing isn’t a quick path to fame or fortune but requires discipline, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

“There are no shortcuts to becoming a writer. Two things are essential: writing continuously and reading consistently. One cannot be a successful writer without reading,” he said.

This statement captures Jeniri’s philosophy, underscoring the importance of knowledge acquisition through reading, which he believes is crucial to producing impactful literature.

Jeniri shared anecdotes from his own journey, including trips to London to study historical archives and extensive research that forms the foundation of his writing process.

For him, writing is akin to a “thousand-mile journey,” where research takes up 60 per cent of the effort, followed by 30 per cent writing and 10 per cent editing. This structured approach has enabled him to create high-quality works, including books on biography writing and significant historical events in Malaysia.

In a time when reading habits are declining, Jeniri encouraged writers to create books they would personally want to read, adding that a well-written book with an appealing title can capture public interest.

He also advises writers to persevere, improve continuously, and strive for quality—principles he believes are essential for achieving true satisfaction in the literary world.