Sorry to journal-crash -- I surfed by on friendsfriends. But I just needed to say that I will TOTALLY READ YOUR STORY, and it sounds amazing. Especially the Queen of the South Seas, because that story always gives me chills.
Regarding names-- I mean, in speech your characters will probably use shortened versions of each other's names, and that should be easy enough to follow for a Western reader. Once I was writing a SPN story about Indonesian immigrants in the States, based on the kuntilanak myth, and I deliberately chose to give my characters names like Juliantini (Tini), Satirianah (Rana), Steisinisari (Steisi), Imelidiawati (Imel). Because, I mean, they're beautiful names! And sure, 'Ryan' and 'Irena' are just as Indonesian as anything, but why are people reading if they don't want to move outside their comfort zone?
PS. OTW is always looking for help with Indonesian translations! PPS. And I hear you on the 'bahasa' thing. NOTHING SHITS ME MORE.
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Regarding names-- I mean, in speech your characters will probably use shortened versions of each other's names, and that should be easy enough to follow for a Western reader. Once I was writing a SPN story about Indonesian immigrants in the States, based on the kuntilanak myth, and I deliberately chose to give my characters names like Juliantini (Tini), Satirianah (Rana), Steisinisari (Steisi), Imelidiawati (Imel). Because, I mean, they're beautiful names! And sure, 'Ryan' and 'Irena' are just as Indonesian as anything, but why are people reading if they don't want to move outside their comfort zone?
PS. OTW is always looking for help with Indonesian translations!
PPS. And I hear you on the 'bahasa' thing. NOTHING SHITS ME MORE.