In order to give people a little sample of my collection, Unikirja, today I want to offer one of the stories that previously appeared in print. “Vipunen” is based — oh, so loosely — on Runo 17 of the Kalevala. That runo has been interpreted in various ways, including musically by Estonian composer Veljo Tormis….
Category: folklore
The Kalevala and Kanteletar
One of the difficulties involved in introducing my story collection Unikirja has to do with most people’s unfamiliarity with The Kalevala and The Kanteletar, the twin tomes of Finnish myth and folklore. The stories and songs that make up these collections are very old, but were gathered together in the nineteenth century as a surging…
My Kantele
What is the kantele? The short answer is the national instrument of Finland, a lap harp traditionally with five strings. Of course, that has changed much over the centuries: 5, 10 and 15-string kanteles are common (and often electric!) and there are even grand concert kanteles. Above is a picture of my very first kantele,…
Signing: Eastline Books
Just a quick note to let you know that I will be doing a signing for Unikirja May 30th at Eastline Books in Clifton Park, NY. The fabulous Robyn Ringler hosts many events at her independent book store and it’s a great place to browse — in fact, she’ll be having a big sale that…
Branding Myself: Finnish
I’m trying to think about several angles for the “branding” idea, which I must admit still makes me a tad uncomfortable. I revile the forces of capitalist consumption in its may destructive forms, so I rebel at the idea of turning myself or my book into a product. However, I am well aware of the…
Two weeks to Unikrja
Available for sale in just TWO WEEKS! Hurrah! I will be scheduling a reading at East Line Books in late April or early May. Whoo hoo! All right, no time to be giddy. Loads to do before heading to New Orleans at dawn tomorrow.
Not a Joke!
Proof copy! Thanks for bringing it down to my office, Gene. There is a least one little fix to be done, but it will be available for purchase within a week (yes, it will be on Amazon)! Hurrah!
Kantele TV
(check the credits at the end, too 🙂
Publication: Kantele
As I headed out the door to the office this afternoon, I found the premiere issue of Kippis in the mailbox. It features my story “Kantele” which is from the forthcoming (I swear!) collection, Unikirja. I also finally got confirmation that I have been accepted for the Angela Carter conference, so very pleased with that…