Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a solo slow traveler since retiring from my professional life in 2014. From Fall 2014 to Summer 2017 I travelled to every country in Central and South America except one. I worked out the kinks in my approach to solo travel during this time. In Fall 2017 until the start of the pandemic I traveled to all the regions of Africa.
During this period l have written two books on my travels in Wedt Africa with more books to follow.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book, A New Day Dawns, shares my travels in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Ghana. I wrote this book to help people in the West to look at these parts from another perspective beyond that given by the mainstream media. To date l think l have succeeded with my intent.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing is done in two stages. Having experienced the day of travel, l post to my personal fb page for family and friends. When l am ready to write the book l confirm the accuracy of what I am attesting to and do further research before writing the story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have from boyhood enjoyed the classic work of Mark Twain. In more recent times it has been the work of writers such as Paul Theroux who have influenced my approach to my writing.
What are you working on now?
Currently l am focussed on marketing my books for the next two months then l will start the third book in my series . The next book will focus on Gabon, Cameroon and Namibia. These are very interesting countries that do not get the attention that the leading East African countries do so there is a story to be told.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have promoted my books by Amazon adverts and selected promotion sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think authors should be veryclear of why they are writing and how they will measure success. Once this is worked out their activities can be geared up to achieve those goals. One should not write just to write as upon completion there is no clarity in promoting the work,etc.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write another book! When given this advice l did not understand it. Now l fully understand and would give the same advice in short form and then explain what it really means and how it plays out.
What are you reading now?
Presently I am in several fb groups with book trains. I am doing this is increase the reviews my books have some I read what’s up for reading when l go to the trains. So very random and not any particular genre.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to have my books become popular …not to make lots of money but to have my readers have a broader view of the countries l write about. So my success will not be measured in book sales but it the response that books create measured by reviews and articles about the books.
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?
One travel book, one mystery book and one historical book. These are where my interests lie.
Author Websites and Profiles
Terry Lister Amazon Profile
Terry Lister’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile