Meet Anita E. Crist
With over 45 years in the travel industry, Anita E. Crist has turned a lifetime of global exploration into a mission to inspire others through writing. As a veteran travel professional and former cruise agency owner, Anita has visited some of the most beautiful destinations on Earth and now, she’s bringing those experiences to life for readers everywhere.
Her second book, Bucket List Travel Getaways: Africa!, launches on August 19, 2025, marking the debut of her much-anticipated Travel Series. “My goal is to share my love for travel and encourage readers to go beyond sightseeing,” she says. “I want people to immerse themselves in the culture, the people, and the heart of every destination they visit.”
The Inspiration Behind Bucket List Travel Getaways: Africa!
For Anita, Africa! is more than just a travel guide it’s a celebration of the world’s most diverse continent. After decades of exploring destinations across the globe, she realized that many travelers experience the world only on the surface. Her book invites readers to dive deeper to become part of the stories, landscapes, and traditions that make travel transformative.
“Africa changed me,” Anita reflects. “Its beauty, history, and resilience touched my soul. This book is my way of helping others feel that same connection.”
Writing Habits That Fuel Creativity
Anita begins her writing long before sunrise. “I’m up at 5 a.m. with a cup of coffee in hand,” she laughs. “It’s quiet, my mind is clear, and my puppies are still asleep. Those are my golden hours. I can write for three or four hours straight without interruption.”
This disciplined morning routine allows her to capture vivid memories and turn them into captivating travel stories that transport readers around the world.
Authors and Books That Inspire Her
When it comes to influences, Anita’s reading list is as diverse as her travels. “The Bible is my greatest source of inspiration,” she says. “It keeps me grounded and grateful.”
She’s also a devoted fan of series fiction, especially The Chosen and the Left Behind series. For style and storytelling, she admires Danielle Steel for her emotional depth and Stephen King for his bold imagination.
Current and Upcoming Projects
Anita’s immediate focus is on the successful launch of Bucket List Travel Getaways: Africa!, but her creative journey doesn’t stop there. As soon as her promotional campaigns are running smoothly, she plans to begin work on her next book, Bucket List Travel Getaways: Scandinavia!
“This series is my life’s work,” she explains. “Each book will explore a different region of the world its beauty, its culture, and its lessons. My dream is to help readers see travel not just as an escape, but as a journey of connection and self-discovery.”
Promoting Books the Smart Way
Throughout her publishing journey, Anita has discovered powerful promotional tools that help authors reach their audience. “AwesomeGang.com has been incredible,” she says. “And Written Word Media offers some of the best advertising options out there it’s easy to use and perfect for scheduling promotions.”
She also learned firsthand how important reviews are for a book’s success. “Reviews can make or break your launch,” she explains. “If you can’t handle the ads or review outreach yourself, find a reputable company that can. It’s worth the investment.”
Advice for New Authors
Anita offers straightforward guidance for aspiring writers:
“Don’t rely too heavily on AI. It can help you brainstorm ideas or polish your writing, but your readers can always tell when something isn’t written from the heart. Authenticity matters.”
She also recommends using Grammarly to catch typos and grammar mistakes before publishing. “Even the best writers miss things,” she says. “A fresh set of eyes or a great editing tool can make all the difference.”
The Best Advice She’s Ever Received
Anita credits much of her growth to the mentorship she received from her publishing coaches. “The team at Publishing.com pushed me hard, but it made me a better writer and marketer,” she recalls. “Their best lesson was about resilience and attention to detail never make the same mistake twice.”
What She’s Reading Now
At the moment, Anita is between books as she focuses on her book launch. Once her marketing campaign is in full swing, she plans to dive back into travel literature and memoirs for inspiration.
What’s Next for Anita E. Crist
The next destination in Anita’s travel series will take readers north to Scandinavia, where majestic fjords, colorful villages, and ancient traditions await. “Every book in this series will open the door to a different part of the world,” she says. “And hopefully, readers will find a bit of themselves along the way.”
Books She Would Take to a Desert Island
If stranded on a desert island, Anita would pack a mix of faith, wisdom, and practicality:
- The Bible for spiritual strength and comfort
- An Off-Grid Survival Guide for practical know-how
- A Year-Round Gardening Manual for sustainable living
“These three would keep me nourished mind, body, and soul,” she says with a smile.
