Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a senior engineer by profession and a writer by passion. I live south of Boston, Massachusetts, but I am originally from the Near East, where I lived my teenager years, before going to Brussels, Belgium to study. In 1987, I emigrated to the U.S. where I met my wife and blessed with 4 children. I love poetry, biographies, and technology. I am fluent in 3 languages; Arabic, French, and English.
I wrote and published 2 e-books; one of French Poems called “Mes Pensees” and one biographical collection of essays (in English).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest e-book is “Forgotten Precursors – Scientists, Engineers, Educators and their Insights in the World”. What inspired me is the wonderful imagination and achievement of these distinguished engineers and scientists whose quest was to discover, build and transform the world. For example, the physicist-priest, who proposed the theory of the birth and expansion of the universe, did not find in his faith the philosophical obstacle or thoughtless argument against the magnificent facts of the world. Or, the engineer who combined Art and Technology in designing and constructing the most marvelous, long-span, and lasting bridge structures. He conceived and built structures that bridge nature with a graceful outline and with a personal care.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write while riding the commuter rait train going to work in the morning. I follow my motivation and look for inspiration, from the moving nature gazed at through the train-car window. I follow my feelings and my desire to share my thoughts. Then, I do my research work during the week nights.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
On one side, poets and philosophers (Rimbaud and Gibran) have influenced my love of poetry, and on the other, engineers and scientists (Feynman, Leonardo) have motivated and inspired me to learn and then honor their accomplishment through my writing.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a Memoir/Autobiography; three chapters of my life from the Near East, through Europe, to the United States of America. Recently, I felt the urge to write my memories and my thoughts. First, because I love my large family and I longed to talk about its history, events, and accomplishments. Second, due to the 9/11 events, I wanted to reiterate the account of being proud of a heritage, of being an immigrant, and of the participation in the American Dream, with the opportunity and liberty of building a family, a community and a career.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am learning to use Social media (such as about.me, Facebook, and Linkedin) as well as the writers/publishers association websites (bookbaby, goodreads, Independent Book Publishers Association) .
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. And learn the tools and methods of good planning, writing, publishing, and publicizing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word — excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.”
–Pearl Buck,
Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer
What are you reading now?
I am now reading a spiritual book:
The Orthodox Veneration of Mary The Birthgiver of God Paperback – 1994
by St. John Maximovitch (Author), Fr. Seraphim Rose (Translator)
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to expand my writing experience toward providing presentations and discussions, to help people search for their hidden feelings and talents.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The New Testament – “The Prophet” by Gibran Khalil Gibran – The french play of “Cyrano de Bergerac” by Edmond Rostand.
Author Websites and Profiles
Nabil Hourani Website
Nabil Hourani’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile