Leap of faith pays off for Sarawak author

Sarawakian author Malcolm Mejin with his latest book "Lost in Space".

KUCHING: Sarawakian novelist Malcolm Mejin says he took a leap of faith by quitting a steady job to be a full-time writer.

He decided to leave behind the security of a conventional career path to pursue his passion for writing children's books.

"I have had a burning desire to write stories since I was a little boy.

"Leaving my full-time job was a leap of faith, but it has allowed me to dedicate my energy to writing stories that inspire, entertain and empower children," he said.

Mejin, who previously worked as a copywriter and editor, said time commitment was a factor in his decision.

"Writing a book requires a significant amount of time and energy.

"Juggling a demanding job alongside writing can be quite challenging and does not allow me to dedicate the necessary hours to my craft," he said in a recent interview.

He added that signing a book deal with international publishing company Penguin Random House last year also helped him decide to pursue writing full time.

Mejin's latest book "Lost in Space" was released by Penguin Random House last month.

It's the fourth book in his Diary of a Rich Kid series and the first to be published internationally, as the first three were self-published.

His next book, which will be set in the mountains of Sarawak, is scheduled to be published towards the end of this year.