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span class="inline inline-center">JP/R.Berto WedhatamaEntertainer Shanty was back in town last week for a whirlwind round of promotions for her new book, Bongkar Rahasia, Bagi Cerita (Revealing Secrets, Sharing Stories). The 32-year-old now resides in Hong Kong with her Ecuadorean husband, Sebastian Paredes, and infant son, Juno.

Before leaving Sunday, she answered questions about the book (co-written with Ve Handojo), which details her sometimes rocky showbiz career as an MTV veejay, TV host, actress and, most famously, a singer, and offered her advice to celebrity wannabes.

How was it promoting the book, and also being back in Jakarta?

First, my management team offered interviews to the media, but after two days the media started calling and asking to interview me about the book.

I was very surprised by the reaction. I wish I had more time here in Jakarta so I can have more time to promote the book.

But since arriving Sunday night, I started Monday with promotional activities non-stop from morning to night. I’m tired but very happy.

I’m sad that I had to leave my baby at home for long periods of time, like eight hours a day … I miss him and want to rush home every minute, but I know this is what I have to do to support the book.

I don’t want my hard work to be for nothing because of a lack of promotion.

What is your intention in writing the book?

To share my knowledge and experience. I thought it’s a waste if I just keep it in my head, and I know a lot of people would benefit from this. So they wouldn’t get into the trouble I did.

Your career high point?

When I was winning awards at the beginning of my career. I won the best newcomer category for almost every award. Also, when I performed with 3 Diva [Krisdayanti, Titi DJ and Ruth Sahanaya] in their concert.

I grew up listening to their music, and suddenly I was in a big concert with them. What an honor.

And low point?

There were many low points, but the worst was when I finished my contract with a major record label. I did not know what to do, keep on singing or stop?

I was in that confused phase for months, lost and not knowing which direction to take. I felt like I had failed. I could not think of anything creative, and I did not have the spirit to make music or perform.
I was numb.

What would you tell the 18-year-old Shanty starting out in her career?

Hang on tight, because the road ahead is very, very bumpy!

One piece of advice for anyone with dreams of stardom?

Prepare to do some more hard work, and more and more and more hard work!

Read more about Shanty’s life today in the October WEEKENDER, available Friday