[Unpad.ac.id, 6/04/2016] Writing a book is a process to actualize ourselves as historical human beings, setting us apart from pre-historic man. Writing a book can be said to be a self-perpetuating process for us, in which our work will be read until hundreds of years later.
“When we write a book, we’re actually perpetuating ourselves,” said Drs. Mahpudi, S.I.K., M.T of Ikapi West Java in Book Writing Workshop in Oemi Abdurrachman Room, Faculty of Communication Science (Fikom) Unpad, Jatinangor, Wednesday (6/04).
Mahpudi gave example that by writing Negarakertagama, Mpu Prapanca was known until now. It might be that during the era many people were experts in certain sciences, but they did not write anything therefore their names were never mentioned until now.
“With Negarakertagama, Mpu Prapanca were mentioned until now, more than 500 years later. If in our lifetime we never wrote any book, no matter how great our knowledge, perhaps we would never have known,” he said.
Then, how to start writing a book? Mahpudi said we should not make writing as difficult difficult, even though it is not too easy matter to begin with. Essentially, in every human brain there is a “book”, it is just how we pulled it out from our head.
Meanwhile, Head of Unit, Unpad Press Dr. Gugun Gunardi, M.Hum. provided learning tips to write a book, making knowledge as power, making the activity of writing as something fun, and not to give up easily.
“Starting a writing is incredible difficult. But as you have started, it then becomes an entertainment. Especially if you’ve become a book, then it becomes a gift for us, “said Dr. Gugun.
In writing, especially textbooks, the most important is the correct scientific responsibility. Thus, editorial is important. “Not only editing language, but also being a scientific editor,” said Dr. Gugun.
Another speaker, Dra. Hj. Rema K. Soenendar of Ikapi Jabar said that to find the right book publishers, authors should learn about profile of the publisher in advance.
“Do choose a publisher. Publishers mostly have a website now and we could learn what their speciality is,” said Rema.
This book writing workshop was opened by Director of Innovation, Academic Corporation, and Business Prof. Dr. Tualar Simarmata, Ir., M.S.. 85 participants, of lecturers, students, and administrative officials in Unpad attended this workshop. This workshop was held by Bale Pabukon Unpad, Directorate of of Innovation, Academic Corporation, and Business, Unit Unpad Press, and supported by Ikapi Jawa Barat as strategic partner in publishing and dissemnination of knowledge.
“The purpose of this activity is to increase writing motivation, seeking manuscripts from Unpad academicians, as well as becoming a publication of scientific papers or books to the reputable publisher,” said Bale Manager Pabukon, Andri Yanto, S. Sos., M.I.Kom. *
Reported by Artanti Hendriyana / eh
