Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in the UK, but now I live in the Middle East with my wife, which is great for travel opportunities. I’ve been to over one hundred countries, across six continents. Travel is my passion, as is playing bass guitar in a rock band.
I have written nine books, and eight of them are based on my travels. The other one, is an account of me gaining my private pilots license.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Rapid Fire Europe: City Hopping in 22 different nations of Western Europe.
Western Europe is just on the doorstep to the UK, and one day I decided to visit as much of it as I could. The only way I could do this without bankrupting myself was to do it quickly. a day here, a day there – rapid-fire style.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. At least I hope not. Unless you count bathing in blood before starting a new book as odd?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’d say Peter Moore, the Australian travel writer first inspired me. I read his book, The Wrong Way Home, about him traveling from. The UK to Australia, overland, and loved his style – a real mix of description, humor and education.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a travel book about visiting the countries of the Middle East.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.theredquest.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. Simple advice but the main one, really.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Paint the scene with words rather than just say, ‘the view was great’. You need to really describe it to the reader, saying why is was great.
What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading a novel called I am Pilgrim.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to do a series of trips with a budget airline called Ryanair.
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?
Too difficult to answer, But, the thickest ones I could find.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Smart Website
Jason Smart Author Profile on Smashwords