Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a wife, mother and young grandmother, like I like to say. I was born in Italy, grew up in South Africa, and have been a long-time resident of the United States. I discovered my love of books when I was introduced to my town’s public library at the age of eight. At nine, I wrote my first fiction piece, gaining my teacher’s praise with my short story The Library at Midnight. I haven’t stopped writing since, though Misty Dreams is my first published novel. My travels between the three continents have strengthened my love for the sea and the outdoors. It’s no surprise that Misty Dreams is set on a small tropical island. When not writing or absorbed in the latest gripping page-turner, I love to cook and enjoy long nature walks.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel Misty Dreams is sweet contemporary romance. When people ask me what inspired me to write it my response is always: my characters. The main characters in Misty Dreams came to life long before the plot was even conceived. The story evolved around them as I wrote it. It was my first attempt at a full-sized novel, and I had no concept of how to plot a story. The writing process was one long exercise in perseverance, as well as a learning experience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it can be considered unusual as I’m sure a lot of writers do this, but I tend to edit as I go, going back to revise what I’ve already written every so often. You could say I’m a perfectionist, and if something didn’t sound right the first time I can’t move forward unless I go back and fix it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Certainly two of my earlier influences were Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown, but Nicholas Sparks is the one author I have drawn the most inspiration from more recently.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a prequel of Misty Dreams. My first draft of the novel was an obscene number of words, around 350,000, and I had to cut off a lot of the backstory to bring it down to a more marketable size. I hated the idea that that part of the story would never be known, so I decided to put it in a prequel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my book primarily on Goodreads, but also on Instragram and Facebook, as well as on my website.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot, and of course, write. Never stop writing and believing in yourself, even when your goal seems beyond your reach.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I received was from the great Nora Roberts herself at a book signing, when I told her I wanted to become a writer but had a demanding full-time job. The advice was a peremptory “Make time!” I’m so glad I listened.
What are you reading now?
I just finished The four Winds by Kristin Hannah, a historical novel that blew me away it was so deep and emotional and raw. Currently I have a series of new releases lined up by indie authors I support.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned, I’m working on a prequel of Misty Dreams, trying to divide my time between writing and figuring out that complicated beast called marketing. After that I have an idea for another standalone novel.
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?
It would probably be my two favorite books of my youth, Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) and Anne of Green Gables (Lucy Maud Montgomery), and then my own Misty Dreams, of course.
Author Websites and Profiles
Josephine Strand Website
Josephine Strand Amazon Profile
Josephine Strand’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account