Today the spotlight turns to a wonderful human being: S. F. Sowter is an author from Australia who writes fun, action-packed stories. So far he’s given the superhero genre a dark twist, tackled shark horror, and his upcoming title goes all in on military action.
I met S. F. Sowter through a now-defunct indie author book store a couple years ago and was immediately impressed with the quality of his stories. I was a guest on his “Q & Author” podcast and found him to have a great sense of humor and true love of cinematic story-telling. Along with writing books, he also has written screenplays, and directed a number of short films, winning awards in both areas. Just this week I finished reading an advanced copy of his upcoming military action novel, Strike Force Delta, which I believe will be available later this year.
SD: Welcome Scott, thank you for agreeing to this interview. We’ve been acquaintances for a couple of years now, and I’m inspired by the number of stories you’ve put out in that time. What got you into writing to begin with?
SF: I think just a life long want to tell stories, entertain people, scare people and just share those weird and random images and words that pop into my head.
SD: How do you get started on a new project or writing session? Any rituals or routines?
SF: I make a play list is generally my go to ritual. I map out sequences in my head with what soundtrack would most suit it. I also then saturate myself with similar media. Writing my recent military novel. I played a lot of call of duty. Watched a lot of war films. I find it helps keep me focused.
SD: What's the most unusual thing you've researched for a writing piece?
SF: I mean besides all the weird stuff we all do. As an Australian and not a particularly gun saturated culture. Researching firearms for my new novel Strike Force Delta was kind of odd. I guess just the notion of guns is kind of confronting here in Australia.
SD: What imagery, themes, or motifs do you find yourself coming back to time and again?
SF: Aging seems to be a big one for me. Getting old, what that means for us. And I think direction. Like what we do with ourselves. Where we are going in life.
SD: Describe your writing space.
SF: So I have an office book in our living room, it’s surrounded by cabinets and book shelves of all of my nerdy things. Lego, cars, books. I just surround myself with my own little geek sphere.
SD: Editing. Love it or hate it?
SF: I despise it! I wish I was better at it and more patience for it. It might be an adhd thing.
SD: If you could ask one writer to read your work, who would it be?
SF: I feel like I want to say Stephen King but I feel like if he hated it, it would somehow crush me.
SD: Who should read your work?
SF: Anyone who wants to be entertained! I don’t write deep, just fun bombastic stories.
SD: What attracts you to your genres?
SF: I still feel like I haven’t committed to a genre yet. Or ever will. I’d kinda like to try writing a little bit of everything if I can.
SD: Share any upcoming work you’d like people to know about.
SF: Strike Force Delta! A military thriller will be out come years end. I’m very excited about it feels like my first big boy book. Less reliance on jokes and mush more serious in themes. I’m very proud of it.
SD: Please share any socials for people who want to check out more of you.
SF: Insta is where I’m most active @sfsowter
You can check out my website sfsowter.com.au I have recently added some of my short films there from the old days! And one day I’ll get round to being better at posting reviews and things like that there.
SD: Thank you for your time today. I encourage anyone to check out your work, and I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
If you would like to support my work, you can always buy me a coffee using the link below!