facebook
Exclusive Interview with Terry Lister | Insights & Stories on CraveBooks

#Followers: 27

Terry Lister
verify tag verified big Verified Standard (Monthly) Account

Member Since: 11/2023

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Honourable Terry Lister is a traveller and a writer. He wasn't always! Previously, he was a partner in Deloitte accounting firm, a Minister in the Government of Bermuda and a realtor. But he always wanted to be a traveller so in 2014 he retired at 60. The Honourable was a solo traveller until Covid forced him to stay at home for a long three years. His pattern has been to go on the road for eight weeks then return home for eight weeks and then off again. During the early years he went to every country in Central America and all but one in South America. Currently he is in the planning stage as he prepares to launch out to Asia later this year. When he retired Terry had travelled to 48 countries but since which he has been to 52 more spending between one week and six weeks in these countries. It has been some journey! By summer 2023 he had been to 100 countries! His first book, Immersed in West Africa, told the tale of eight adventure filled weeks in five West African countries. Since then he has been to 18 additional African nations and written five more books. Terry says he writes to share the modern day Africa story as he sees it. And he is writing for both his pleasure and that of his readers. An unexpected surprise is that all four of his paperback books have won more than ten awards and he, himself, won a Daniel award in Bermuda for the success of his books. But he is not always travelling. When relaxing he enjoys a good book, which must be historical or biographical. He would love to read other genres but there are enough great books in the travel area to keep him reading. His love for travel means he always has a few travel books on the go as preparation for his next trip. Terry does a lot of research before heading out. He is looking to find those things that tourists either don’t do or don’t know about. Then with what little time he has left, he is a sports fan- cricket and football being his favourite games. So little time to be bored!

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I am retired, have been for ten years. When I was working I was a partner at the accounting firm,Deloitte. I also owned a real estate company. Later l became a full time politician, serving as a Minister in the Government of Bermuda for 10 years. When l finally retired l became a solo slow traveller, which l enjoy fully. My hobbies today include following sports and reading. My interest is easy l want to experience and understand more of the world so l will continue to add to the 103 countries that l have been to.

When and why did you start writing books?

I completed my first book in August, 2019. I wrote because many people were interested in my travels and so l wrote to share my experiences.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Writing is not my career at all. It is a byproduct of my travels. I follow a pattern of two months on the road followed nmby two at home and so on. I then write and publish.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

My first book is my favourite because l was just getting the feel for the task of writing. I was challenged throughout but in the end, Immersed in West Africa, has been well received and that brings me much pleasure.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

My second book was the hardest to write because the first two countries I visited had been through terrible Civil wars that still impact the countries today. As a result I found crafting the story for A New Day Dawns to be very challenging and l feel l grew from what l was able to put on paper in the end .

Who is your favourite author and book?

George MacDonald Fraser and l totally enjoy his rogue solider, Harry Flashman.

What book are you reading right now?

Africa is not a country by Dipo Faloyin

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

My daily encounters as l travel provide the inspiration for my writing.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my family especially my grandchildren.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I plan to have another book launched in the coming Fall.