Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I became interested in Alexander the Great’s story in the mid ’90s after watching a documentary about him and admiring his persistence and perseverance. In 1990 (I was 19) my car was hit by a city bus – I sustained a severe brain injury, was in a coma, paralyzed, and the doctors thought I wouldn’t recover (my story is in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries). Within a few months I was walking again and my husband and I moved to Iowa where we started our family of seven kids, and I began writing to cope with severe PTSD. I began college part time in the mid-2000s, as I continued to research and write Visions of a Dream. I’ve earned my BLS from The University of Iowa, and I’m now working on a Master’s Degree in Literature through Northern Arizona University. I’ve written two books of my own and I am a contributor to 11 more books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Visions of a Dream” focuses on the spiritual fire that ignites Alexander the Great’s actions as he learns from the other cultures he comes into contact with. His closest relationships vie for his love but they also provide the steel he needs to be sharpened spiritually and emotionally, for before he conquers the world he must first conquer his own mind (Masahide’s quote, “My storehouses having burnt down, nothing obstructs the view of the bright moon,” is included in Part Three). He was inclusive of all people, all cultures, and all religions and he lived that belief. Alexander’s relationships with his fellow man knew no restrictions, nor did his love of the sublime.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote to recover from my 1990 car accident – the research I did for “Visions of a Dream” helped me to organize my thoughts and discipline my mind as I recovered.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, and the Bible – both captivated my imagination.
What are you working on now?
I’m mainly working on promoting “Visions of a Dream,” though I’ve also started a few other historical novels. I’m also working on my Master’s Degree in Literature through Northern Arizona University and I hope to eventually teach literature or creative writing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think word of mouth, people passing on to others how good the book is, is the best way to promote my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep working and keep learning, keep an open mind.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
An interview I read by Ezra Pound, where he tried to use as few words in his poetry as possible to get his meaning across. The University of Iowa also helped me learn to cut out the unnecessary words.
What are you reading now?
I just finished studying Frankenstein for a Literature course at NAU and next semester I’ll be focusing on Wuthering Heights.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to promote “Visions of a Dream” and introduce it to new people, and I also hope to earn my Master’s Degree and teach Literature and Writing.
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?
Wuthering Heights
The Bible
Shakespeare
Plato
Author Websites and Profiles
Justine Johnston Hemmestad Website
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