Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up on the tiny Mediterranean island of Cyprus and have always been passionate about travel and culture. By the time I was seventeen, I had extensively explored the Middle East and Europe. My studies in the UK and a year at the University of Bordeaux, France, deepened my appreciation for diverse styles and cultures, exposing me to a world of eclectic, edgy fashion and timeless, chic elegance.
After university, I started a career in London that allowed me to travel globally, visit cities like New York, Paris, and Milan, and manage a travel blog. This hobby soon grew into a platform for collaborations and exclusive experiences worldwide.
In 2017, I left the corporate world for a creative life, beginning with a transformative three-month stay in Mozambique, an experience that transformed my life values and relationship with fashion.
I then returned to Cyprus, using it as a base for continued travel and launching several travel-focused businesses. A notable venture during the pandemic was Globetrotter VR, a virtual travel platform that gained international attention and was accepted into a Dubai-based incubator.
Now settled in the United Arab Emirates with my husband and our adopted pet, Bono, I’ve written my first published book, “Travel with Style,” which embodies my lifelong passion for travel, style, and cultural immersion.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “Travel with Style,” was sparked by my dismay to the current trend in travel attire, where comfort has become synonymous with wearing sports clothes or jeans and t-shirts. I grew up travelling, and from my first flight at five years old, I remember my mother’s elegance on our trips. She always dressed with care, instilling in me the sense that travel was an occasion.
As someone who has travelled extensively, living in nine countries and visiting over forty, I’ve seen firsthand how travel is a profound expansion of self and worldview. It’s about connection, discovery, and opening ourselves to new ways of thinking and being. The book is a call to embrace this experience fully, including how we present ourselves, reflect our identities and interact with the cultures we visit.
Fashion has always been a profound expression of culture and identity, from India’s saris to Japan’s kimonos. “Travel with Style” challenges the status quo of the current travel fashion, encouraging travellers to become conscious of their attire. It’s an invitation to engage deeply with the places we visit, respecting local customs and enriching our interactions. Through this book, I aim to inspire travellers to dress in a way that honours the beauty and diversity of our world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Indeed, I have a unique writing ritual that some might find unusual—I find my inspiration in transit. Something about the rhythmic hum of a plane’s engine or the steady clack of train wheels focuses my mind and spurs my creativity. I’ve written some of my best passages while nestled in the backseat of a car on a long drive. It’s as if the shifting landscapes invite new ideas and perspectives to flow onto the page.
Part of my writing process involves what I like to call ‘creative fermentation’. I’ll draft a piece, then step away from it to let it breathe. This pause allows me to revisit and refine my work with fresh eyes. “Travel with Style” underwent this process about four times, each iteration bringing it closer to the version that eventually made its way to the editor.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up, I was completely absorbed in fantasy novels. The Harry Potter series was my go-to. I also had a soft spot for poetry. I’m a big fan of T.S. Eliot and Seamus Heaney.
As I entered the working world, my reading tastes shifted towards non-fiction. I dove into books on psychology, self-development, and esoteric subjects, finding in them a source of knowledge and empowerment.
Elizabeth Gilbert has been a monumental influence in my life. Her book “Big Magic” was a game-changer, inspiring me to launch my travel blog and ultimately leave a career in finance for a life of creativity.
In my late twenties, as I ventured into entrepreneurship, I gravitated towards self-development and business books. Audiobooks became my new best friends. Titles like “Creativity Inc.,” “The Design of Everyday Things,” “Start with Why,” “Lean In,” “Never Split the Difference,” and “Atomic Habits” have been instrumental in shaping my approach as a leader and entrepreneur.
I’m also deeply fascinated by human potential and the power of the mind. Authors like Joe Dispenza and Deepak Chopra are favourites of mine. Their insights and practical tools have been invaluable in harnessing my own potential and understanding the incredible capabilities of the human mind.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my book “Travel With Style”. We just published it on Amazon as Paperback and Kindle, and now I’m focused on getting the word out about it to the world!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I recently discovered Booksirens, which offers you the opportunity to get your book read and reviewed by avid readers interested in your field. I firmly believe that robust reviews are essential for a book’s success. They provide social proof, which is incredibly important in our digital age, where many readers rely on the recommendations and opinions of others before making a purchase. Building up a collection of honest reviews can really make a difference in how a book is perceived and, ultimately, how well it sells.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
First, be aware of the timelines involved in publishing a book. The editing process can be lengthy; for “Travel With Style,” we went through two rounds of edits that took about two months. This extended the timeline, shifting my initial publication date from October to December.
One of the things I’d do differently was launch the book website earlier. I wanted a website with sections for previews and reviews, but waiting for these elements delayed the launch significantly. As a result, I only had the website up a week before the book was published. I advise starting with a simple landing page where interested readers can leave their contact details. This way, you have a reference point for everyone interested in your book long before it’s published.
Another vital aspect is PR and media coverage. I waited until the book was finished before contacting publicists and arranging media reviews. In hindsight, I recommend starting this process earlier. For my next book, I plan to have an advanced copy review team in place well ahead of the publication date. This approach can create buzz and anticipation, which is crucial for a successful launch.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t wait for anyone’s permission to follow your dreams.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a bunch of non-fiction books:
Cosmogenisis by H.P. Blavatsky
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I’m navigating the realm of self-publishing with my debut book, my next steps as a writer are already taking shape in my mind. “Travel with Style” provides a comprehensive style guide and packing lists for 20 top destinations, including Bali, London, Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo. It also dives into the specific gear and style recommendations for skiing and safari adventures.
Building on the foundation of this book, if it resonates with readers, I plan to expand upon these insights with a sequel. While “Travel with Style” currently showcases twenty of the most popular destinations, initially, I wanted to cover fifty. But to balance depth and breadth and avoid overwhelming readers, I decided against creating an encyclopedia. Instead, I focused on fewer destinations, giving each the attention it deserves. Looking forward, I plan to explore the remaining thirty destinations from my initial list in a subsequent book.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Choosing a favorite book is tough, but a few have earned a permanent spot on my re-read list across different genres. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert always reigns as a source of inspiration, “Reality Transurfing” by Vadim Zeland has been a mind-opener, and I can’t leave out the Harry Potter series, which has been a magical escape time and time again.
Author Websites and Profiles
Anastasia Pash Website
Anastasia Pash Amazon Profile
Anastasia Pash’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile