Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a passionate Author (and new comer) of non-fiction and fiction alike. Currently, I reside and write in Asia. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, my passion for crafting stories and documenting experiences began early on and it has stayed with him ever since.
Throughout his creative career, I have penned several articles for the website www.waybeyondborders.com and authored a book entitled, “A Few Hidden Truths.” Recently, which is part of a book series all about Islam and Indonesian life.
I am an avid traveler who enjoys discovering as many new cultures and places as possible. I also have a keen interest in art and design and Sociology.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Few Hidden Truths
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’l sometimes write at length, leave things for a while and return to it several months, or even years later. Old ideas and experiences can often be expressed more fully as my ability as a writer develops. Sometimes old ideas benefit from new perspectives or writing style.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
While I was writing A Few Hidden Truths I stumbled upon the work of Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz, who have both written extensively on the future of tolerance and Islam. Harris and Nawaz coauthored “Islam and The Future of Tolerance”, an immense book, which contains an amazing meeting of minds and perspectives. This dialogue makes the case for a reform of Islam without causing offence and without apologizing for some of the most heinous events of our time. Reading this led me to follow the amazing work of counter terror think tank Quilliam, and Sam Harris’ unique blogs on secular thought. I’ve re-read many parts of this, intellectually profound work.
What are you working on now?
Promoting my first book, A Few Hidden Truths.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still very much learning how to promote my work, its early days yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persevere. Use an editor. Writing a book is a process, one that needs collaboration between writers, editors, designers and readers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The greatest guidance I’ve received comes from what I read rather than what I hear. Wise words in print are there for all time, and can thus be returned to for reflection, amplifying their power. I choose questions as my advice because by asking ourselves questions we strive to achieve in finding answers. We can improve as writers and as people in this way. This memorable piece of guidance is a quote from Brendon Burchard, Author of The Charge: “At the end of our lives we will all ask, Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter?”
What are you reading now?
Improbable Fortunes by Jeffrey Price. A book which depicts an everyday fictional town in twentieth Century North America. This is a tale of love and life which spans the recent past of the cold war era.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Researching my next book, a historical fact/fiction which penetrates the often misrepresented life of a great king.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Reading for me it like buying a car. Cars have different purposes, if you want performance, buy a Ferrari or Lamborghini. A family car will be spacious and for luxury you might purchase a Rolls Royce or Bentley. Choice of book depends of what I’m reading for. Daniel Priestley and T. Harvey Eker might be great writers of business, but C.S. Lewis is a great story teller. A range of genres reveals many facets of the worlds best writing.
Author Websites and Profiles
Stephen Lee Mowat Amazon Profile
Stephen Lee Mowat’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile