Hello all,
Thank you for subscribing to my Substack newsletter and my weekly edition of Women Writing. Happy Solstice to all!
The solstice is a time for reflection and of rebirth. In Finnish mythology, Louhi, the witch Goddess of the north, was responsible for the darkness after capturing both the Sun and the Moon and hiding them away up north in a mountain’s cavern. She also stole the fire from the hearths of the people, leaving the land in utter darkness. The story is told in the Finnish national epic, The Kalevala in Rune XLVII. I love the idea that the solstice’s long night brings with it hope for the return of the light.
As many of you know, traditionally I’ve written a newsletter at the changing of the seasons, reflecting on the previous months and looking forward to the months ahead. In addition to letting you know what’s going on in my authorly (and now book coaching) life, it’s a lovely way for me to reflect. With a host of new subscribers and many who moved over to Substack with me from my seasonal author newsletter, I feel like it’s time to introduce (or reintroduce) myself here. I hope you will indulge me.
About me …
For those who don’t know me, I’m a Finnish Canadian author and book coach. In June 2022, I left my teaching career of twenty-seven years to pursue my passion for writing and supporting writers. Eighteen months later and I’m pleased to announce it was not only the right decision, but a life-changing one. Prioritizing my own goals reflects in my mental clarity, improved health, revitalized spirit, and increased energy. I feel very blessed to be in a position to be able to make that choice, and for the support of my friends, family, and writing community. Now, I get to spend my time writing and working with writers. It is truly transformative and soul filling work.
About my family…
I’m also the proud mom of two adult children. My daughter is a talented writer and journalist in Ottawa and my son is studying theatre performance at George Brown in Toronto. I’m also the puppy parent of Emmy who has brought us much joy in the last seven months. My husband is a music teacher, so it’s safe to say we’re a family of creatives with various levels of introversion.
About my books …
In 2017, my self-published family memoir of my father’s experiences as a young Finnish merchant marine imprisonned by the Nazis in Stutthof Concentration Camp was published by Latitude 46 under the title Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate. It was short-listed for a Northern Lit Award and published in Finland by Docendo. I was so thrilled when my son recorded the audiobook version last winter. His pappa would be very proud of him!
In October 2022, Latitude 46 published my debut novel, Sisu’s Winter War. It’s historical fiction set during the Finnish-Russian Winter War of 1939-1940, and in Northern Ontario in 1980. It’s a novel of love, loss, loyalty, and sisu, that uniquely Finnish concept that loosely translates to perseverance and determination in the face of great adversity.
““In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus
About the past three months…
In September I officially received my certification as an Author Accelerator Book Coach and I hit the ground running. Since then, I’ve conducted manuscript evaluations, and had group book coaching sessions, as well as planned a retreat called Rekindle Creativity: Women’s Writing Retreat in Muskoka with my co-host Dinah Laprairie. Our retreat takes place in Huntsville, Ontario from January 16 to 19 (we have three spots left for anyone interested!). I also enjoyed an author event hosted by Allison the Bookman and the North Bay Public Library with Vera Constantineau, Laurie Kruk-McCulloch, and Heather Campbell of Latitude 46 Publishing.
Upcoming …
What’s next? In addition to Rekindle Creativity in January, and 1:1 book coaching, I’m hosting an 8-week group book coaching session to continue the work I started in the fall with a group of wonderful writers. I have another 6-week group session starting in January for individuals interested in developing ideas for a novel or memoir, and I have a 12-week session designed for teachers and retired educators starting in April. If you know anyone who might be interested, please let them know about my book coaching services. Word-of-mouth is truly the best way to get the word out.
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” – Edith Sitwell
Of course, in addition to working with writers, I’m working on my own writing project. I’m busy researching the Finnish utopian society called Sointula created at the turn of the twentieth century on Malcolm Island in British Columbia and I’m hoping to make a trip to Sointula next summer. Plus, I have two historical fiction manuscripts seeking publishers. Keep your fingers and toes crossed!
Until spring when I’ll send you another update, I wish everyone a happy and healthy winter. The light is coming, my friends. Let it fill you with love and joy. To my Finnish friends and family, hauskaa joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta! Happy holidays to all!
Until next time, stay well.
Kiitos!
My online spaces …
Women Writing is a weekly newsletter featuring women who are doing the difficult work of writing. If you enjoyed reading the newsletter, please share it with a fellow writer. Let’s inspire each other!