An Exclusive Interview with Kirana Sidin, Author of Cheers for a Good Life: Strong Mind. Calm Heart. Chosen Life.

Welcome to another exciting author feature on Bibliophile Talks. Today, we are delighted to welcome Kirana Sidin, an Indonesian writer, life coach, speaker, and the author of the inspiring debut book, Cheers for a Good Life: Strong Mind. Calm Heart. Chosen Life.
In a world that often celebrates constant hustle and dramatic transformations, Kirana offers a refreshing perspective—one that focuses on intentional living, self-respect, meaningful relationships, and the power of everyday choices. Drawing inspiration from Stoicism, essentialism, and timeless wisdom, she encourages readers to cultivate a strong mind, a calm heart, and a life aligned with their deepest values.
Beyond her work as an author and coach, Kirana is a devoted mother of five, a passionate lifelong learner, and someone who believes that the most profound life lessons are often found in ordinary moments. Through her writing, coaching sessions, and speaking engagements, she continues to inspire people to live with greater clarity, purpose, and authenticity.

Join us as we talk with Kirana Sidin about her writing journey, the inspiration behind Cheers for a Good Life, the role of intentional living in today's fast-paced world, and the lessons she hopes readers will carry into their own lives.

1. Please tell our readers a little about yourself and your journey as a writer, life coach, and speaker.
K. My journey began with a comment from one of my children, who jokingly called me "jobless." It made me wonder how I could make better use of my time and whether I had something meaningful to offer beyond my family.
I've always loved reading, but for years, I was simply consuming ideas. Eventually, I realised that reading alone wasn't enough. I began writing about what I had learned, connecting timeless ideas from philosophy, psychology, and everyday life with the ordinary moments we often overlook. What started as a personal blog gradually became a space where I could reflect, learn, and hopefully encourage others.
As I continued writing, I discovered that I wanted to do more than share ideas; I wanted to help people apply them. That led me to become a certified life coach. Coaching naturally opened the door to speaking through webinars and workshops, where I could reach and support more people.
In many ways, writing a book is the natural continuation of that journey. The book grew out of two years of writing on my blog, gathering the lessons, reflections, and conversations that have shaped both my work and my own life.

 2. Congratulations on your debut book, Cheers for a Good Life: Strong Mind. Calm Heart. Chosen Life. What inspired you to write this book? Could you tell us a little about the book? 
K. Thank you! Cheers for a Good Life grew out of a simple observation: many of us spend years living on autopilot. We move from one responsibility to the next, believing that a good life will eventually happen on its own, when in reality, it is built through the choices we make every day.
The book is the result of two years of writing on my blog, where I reflected on the small, often overlooked moments of everyday life. Along the way, I found myself returning to the same themes: self-respect, purpose, meaningful relationships, personal growth, intentional living, and learning to focus on what truly matters. Rather than presenting complicated theories, I wanted to connect timeless wisdom from Stoicism, essentialism, psychology, and my faith with ordinary experiences that readers can easily relate to.
More than anything, I hope the book encourages readers to pause, reflect, and realise that a good life isn't something we accidentally stumble upon. It's something we consciously choose and patiently build, one decision at a time.

3. The title itself is uplifting and thought-provoking. What does a "good life" mean to you personally?
K. Thank you, that's exactly what I was hoping for! If the title makes someone stop scrolling for a second and wonder what a "good life" really looks like, then it's already done part of its job.
To me, a good life isn't a fleeting feeling of happiness. It's the quality of how we live. We can still experience sadness, disappointment, or uncertainty, yet remain steady because we know our values, respect ourselves, and stay anchored in what truly matters. A good life doesn't mean life is always easy; it means we don't lose ourselves when life becomes difficult.
Ultimately, a good life is one we choose consciously. It's about having the courage to build a life that aligns with our values and investing our time and energy in the people and things that truly matter.

4. Your writing draws inspiration from Stoicism, essentialism, and intentional living. How did you first discover these philosophies, and what made them resonate with you? 
K. About five years ago, I picked up one of Seneca's writings for the first time. It challenged me to think differently about things I had always taken for granted. How we respond to difficulties, what truly matters, and how much of life is actually within our control. That led me to Marcus Aurelius, whose Meditations became one of the books I return to again and again.
Around the same time, I read Filosofi Teras by Indonesian author Henry Manampiring, who made Stoic philosophy feel approachable and relevant to everyday life. I also discovered Greg McKeown's Essentialism, which taught me the importance of focusing on what truly matters, and Rolf Dobelli's The Art of Thinking Clearly, which challenged me to recognise the thinking traps that quietly shape our decisions.
What resonated with me most is that none of these books promises a perfect or problem-free life. Instead, they encourage us to think more clearly, choose more intentionally, and live according to our values. Those ideas gradually became the foundation of both my writing and how I try to live my life.

5. Every book begins with a spark. Was there a defining moment that made you realise this story needed to be written?
K. Looking back, I think the spark was there from the very beginning. When I started my blog, I intentionally named it Cheers for a Good Life because I had already become fascinated by Aristotle's idea of eudaimonia—the idea that a good life is not about chasing pleasure or success, but about living with virtue, purpose, and flourishing as a human being.
That question stayed with me: What does a good life actually look like in modern, everyday life? Every article I wrote was, in one way or another, an attempt to explore that question. Over time, I realised I wasn't just writing separate blog posts, I was building a bigger conversation.
Writing Cheers for a Good Life felt like the natural next step. It allowed me to bring together two years of reflections into one place and invite readers to explore that same question for themselves.

6. Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?
K. Absolutely! Writer's block is part of the process. Sometimes I do step away and read a good book because reading almost always sparks new ideas. But more often than not, I simply sit at my computer and force myself to write—even when I have no idea what to write.
Those first few minutes can feel painfully slow. I'll stare at the screen, sift through random thoughts, and revisit ideas I've been carrying around. Then, almost unexpectedly, one sentence appears. One sentence becomes another, and before I know it, the words begin to flow. I've learned that inspiration doesn't always come before writing; sometimes it arrives because I started writing.

 7. When you're not writing or coaching, how do you like to spend your free time?
K. When I'm not writing or coaching, I genuinely enjoy living a full life. I love playing the guitar and singing (karaoke definitely counts!), visiting art exhibitions, watching films at the cinema, and going to live music concerts. I also enjoy good coffee and meaningful conversations with friends, and whenever possible, travelling with my husband or spending time with my family. Many of my best ideas come from those ordinary moments.

8. You're a mother of five. How do you balance writing, coaching, family life, and carving out time for yourself? 
K. I don't really believe in the idea of having a perfectly balanced life. Life comes in seasons, and different people or responsibilities need us in different ways at different times.
Instead of chasing perfect balance, I try to make intentional choices about where my time, energy, and attention belong. Once I've made that choice, I want to be fully present. When I'm writing, I write. When I'm coaching, I coach. And when I'm with my family, I put work aside and simply be with them. I believe the people we love deserve our full attention, not just our leftover time.
Of course, I don't always get it right, but that's what I keep striving for. To me, a meaningful life isn't about doing everything equally. It's about making intentional choices and being fully present with the people and moments that matter most.

9. What was the most rewarding—and the most challenging—part of writing your first book? 
K. The most rewarding part was seeing two years of writing finally come together into one book. It reminded me that small, consistent efforts really do add up.
The most challenging part wasn't writing. It was believing that my ideas were worth sharing. Like many first-time authors, I had moments of self-doubt. Eventually, I realised the book didn't have to be perfect; it just had to be honest and helpful. Once I embraced that, the next challenge was deciding what to leave out so the message remained clear and focused. In the end, writing this book taught me the same lesson it hopes to share: choosing what truly matters is never easy, but it's always worth it.

10. What does a typical writing day look like for you? Are you someone who follows a strict routine, or do you write whenever inspiration strikes? 
K. I used to have a personal motto: "Go where the wind blows and flow with the river". I believed inspiration would eventually find me.
These days, I don't quite believe that anymore. I've learned that if I only write when inspiration strikes, I probably won't write very much. Discipline has become far more reliable than motivation.
I keep a simple writing routine and make sure I write at least once a week, no matter what. I still love those unexpected moments when ideas appear out of nowhere, but I've learned not to depend on them. More often than not, inspiration shows up after I've started writing—not before. Creativity, I've discovered, grows through consistency.

11. Besides writing, what activities help you recharge and stay creative?
K. Creativity isn't something I find only at my desk. It usually finds me while I'm out living life.
I love playing the guitar and singing (karaoke definitely counts!), visiting art exhibitions, watching films at the cinema, and going to live music concerts. I also enjoy good coffee and meaningful conversations with friends, and whenever possible, travelling with my husband or spending time with my family.
I've learned that creativity isn't just about consuming more information. It's about paying attention to life. Some of my best ideas come from the most ordinary moments.

12. What are your favourite literary journals? What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
K. To be honest, I don't regularly read literary journals. I'm much more likely to be found with a thought-provoking book than a literary journal.
The authors who have influenced my writing the most include Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, whose Stoic philosophy changed the way I think about life. I also admire Ryan Holiday, Brigid Delaney, and Henry Manampiring for making Stoicism practical and accessible to modern readers. Beyond Stoicism, Greg McKeown's Essentialism, Rolf Dobelli's The Art of Thinking Clearly, and James Clear's Atomic Habits have all shaped the way I think about intentional living, decision-making, and personal growth.
And then there's Jane Austen. While she writes fiction rather than philosophy, I admire her keen observations of human nature, relationships, and the quiet complexities of everyday life. Her work reminds me that profound truths are often found not in extraordinary events, but in ordinary conversations and choices.
Although these authors write in very different ways, they all have one thing in common: they don't just give readers more information. They help them see life differently. That's the kind of writing I aspire to create.

13. Coffee seems to be one of your simple joys. If you could have coffee with any author—living or historical—who would it be, and what would you ask them?
K. I'd choose Aristotle without hesitation. His idea of eudaimonia—living a flourishing life through virtue and purpose, in his book Nicomachean Ethics- sparked the very question that eventually became my blog, Cheers for a Good Life, and later, this book.
Over coffee, I wouldn't ask him to define a good life; I think he's already done that remarkably well. Instead, I'd ask, "If you were living in today's world, surrounded by endless distractions, social media, and constant comparison, would your definition of a good life still be the same?" I'd love to hear how timeless wisdom responds to modern life.
Although knowing Aristotle, I have a feeling I'd spend more time listening than drinking my coffee. And honestly, I'd be perfectly happy with that.

14. Which quote or life philosophy do you find yourself returning to whenever life becomes overwhelming?
K. I always return to the Stoic idea of the Dichotomy of Control. Whenever life feels overwhelming, I simply ask myself, "What is mine to control, and what isn't?"
That one question immediately brings me back to the present. Instead of worrying about outcomes or other people's opinions, I can focus on making intentional choices about my own thoughts, actions, and attitude. Ironically, the more I let go of what I can't control, the calmer and more purposeful I become.

15. Looking back, what advice would today's Kirana give to her younger self?
K. Honestly? Nothing.I think she did just fine.
Of course, she made mistakes. Some painful, some embarrassing, but every one of them shaped the person I am today. If I took those experiences away, I might also lose the lessons, resilience, and perspective they gave me.
So instead of giving my younger self advice, I'd simply tell her, "Keep going. You're becoming exactly who you need to be."

16. What advice would you offer aspiring authors who are working on their first manuscript but struggling with self-doubt?
K. I'd tell them that self-doubt isn't a sign that you shouldn't write. In fact, I think most writers experience it—especially when they're working on their first book.
What helped me was realising that my manuscript didn't have to be perfect. It just had to be honest and helpful. Once I stopped trying to impress people and started focusing on serving my readers, writing became much easier.
So my advice is simple: keep writing. You can always revise a draft, but you can't improve a blank page. Don't wait until you feel confident. Write anyway.

17. Can you give us a glimpse of what you're working on next? Should readers expect another book in the near future?
K. I'm already working on my second book, which explores a different stage of the journey. If Cheers for a Good Life is about intentionally building a good life, the next book is about continuing to grow within it. Growth doesn't stop once we make better choices—it simply becomes quieter, deeper, and more personal.
It's still taking shape, but I hope readers won't have to wait too long.

18. Finally, is there a message you'd like to share with our readers and your growing community of book lovers around the world?
K. Thank you for taking the time to read my words and, more importantly, for allowing books to be part of your life. Every book we read has the potential to change us—not always in dramatic ways, but often through one idea, one sentence, or one quiet moment of reflection.
If there's one thought I'd love to leave you with, it's this: never underestimate the power of small, intentional choices. They may not change your life overnight, but over time, they quietly shape the person you become. I truly believe that's how a good life is built—not through one extraordinary moment, but through countless ordinary choices made with intention.

Rapid-Fire Round:
• Mountains, beaches, or cities? Cities
• Pen and notebook or Laptop? Laptop
• One destination still on your travel bucket list? London
• Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset
• One word your family would use to describe you? Strong

As I conclude this inspiring conversation, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kirana Sidin for sharing her journey, wisdom, and the philosophy behind "Cheers for a Good Life: Strong Mind. Calm Heart. Chosen Life".
Throughout this interview, Kirana reminds us that a fulfilling life isn't built through extraordinary moments alone—it is shaped by the small, intentional choices we make every day. Her reflections on Stoicism, purpose, self-respect, family, and personal growth offer a refreshing perspective in a world that often values speed over mindfulness.
I wish Kirana continued success with her debut book and eagerly look forward to her upcoming projects, including her next book exploring the ongoing journey of personal growth. We do not doubt that her words will continue to inspire readers to live with greater clarity, courage, and intention.
Thank you, Kirana, for being part of Bibliophile Talks. It has been a true pleasure getting to know the person behind the pages. We hope our readers enjoyed this conversation as much as we did and discovered valuable insights to carry into their own lives.
Until our next literary conversation, happy reading—and here's to choosing a good life, one intentional step at a time.

Connect with Author Kirana Sidin:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiranasidin/?hl=en

Website: https://cheersforagoodlife.com/book/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiranasidin