Interview with Anna Ransom

Author of Comprehensive Guide: Travel Emergencies Abroad

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Chicago but have spent most of my adult life in Florida, Santiago Chile and now I reside in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

after graduating from college with my nursing degree I moved to Sarasota Florida where I lived and worked for 10 years. My next 12 years were spent working as missionary in Santiago Chile. These were amazing years of service and travel. I then returned to Florida, to Jupiter this time, and worked as a nurse for a couple of years. During this time I met my husband on e-Harmony and ended up marrying him and moving to Las Cruces where we have resided for 11 years. Two years ago I decided to open my own travel agency and am loving working in this field.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

My many years traveling and working with frequent travelers showed me that most people traveling overseas are woefully unprepared for an emergency abroad. I seem to have the luck of Murphy from Murphy’s Law and have lived through many such emergencies. I realized that as a nurse, ex-pat and travel agent that I had a unique perspective and life skill set that others could truly learn. I decided to be this resource.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

This is a guide book that everyone traveling overseas should read and take with them. It is a step by step directory on what to do when the unthinkable happens while traveling abroad. From minor medical situations to death while traveling it covers what do to in each situation. You’ll learn what steps to take if you lose your passport or identification. Who to turn to if you are a victim of a crime or are detained or arrested. What to do if a terrorist attack occurs. But, even more importantly it covers how to avoid some of these terrible crises.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Those who are traveling overseas. This book is especially helpful for those traveling overseas for the first time. It is the perfect gift to give someone traveling abroad.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I learned that my life really does follow Murphy’s Law as I have experienced way too many emergencies. But my experiences have served to help me educate and maybe even, prevent someone else from having to go through them.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

It would have been helpful had I kept a journal during my travels.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I hope to help thousands of travelers be prepared for the unexpected.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest challenge has been finding time to write and edit. The biggest frustration has been learning the publishing process although learning the publishing software might be a tie.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I would say it is my solid knowledge base of the materials I write about. The expertise makes writing with confidence a pleasure.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness is definitely the marketing end of the process. It is a challenge to get the word out about this great guide.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am not sure, but probably within the next year.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self published with my book available on Amazon.