I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Liisa Kovala—a writer whose work bridges continents, generations, and the tender space between memory and imagination.
Liisa is a Finnish Canadian author, certified fiction and memoir book coach, and podcast host. Her second historical novel, Like Water for Weary Souls (House of Karhu, 2025), arrives this year, following her debut Sisu’s Winter War (Latitude 46 Publishing, 2022). She also brought her father’s story to life in Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate (Latitude 46, 2017), which was translated and published in Finland by Docendo and short-listed for a Northern Lit award.
In our 25-minute conversation, we explore:
Her mission and work — How Liisa came to write historical fiction that honors forgotten stories and the resilience of the human spirit
Sisu as creative fuel — The Finnish concept of sisu—a fierce, quiet determination rooted in clear values—and how this ancestral wisdom serves as both moral cornerstone and motivating force in her work
How she receives clarity — The practice of listening deeply to what wants to be written, and how knowing what you believe and stand for gives stories the power to endure across generations
This conversation reminded me that the most enduring creative work comes from a place of deep clarity about what matters. When we know what we believe, what we stand for, we create from a wellspring that doesn’t run dry. Our values become the fuel that sustains us through every revision, every doubt, every long season of creation.
Connect with Liisa: liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com
Join Me for a Conversation: Calling in Clarity is a podcast where I sit down with thought leaders, artists, and visionaries to explore how we receive clarity in our lives and work. I use these two questions as starting off points for our flowy conversations:
What is your mission and your work, and how did you come to it?
How do you receive clarity?
That’s it. No complicated format—just space for authentic conversation about the moments when we stop searching and start receiving.
I’d love to speak with you. If you’re a creator, coach, writer, or artist exploring clarity, intuition, or transformation in your work, message me. I’m open to podcast swaps and cross-posts, too—let’s amplify each other’s voices and share our wisdom with both communities.
If this conversation resonated with you, please share this post with someone who needs to hear it—a writer seeking their creative fuel, an artist searching for clarity, or anyone learning to trust what they believe.
with gratitude,
Sophia
P.S. You’re Invited: Clarity Party Online
If this conversation sparked something in you—if you’re ready to call in your own clarity and step into 2026 with intention—I’d love to have you join me for Winter Solstice Clarity Party.
This is an intimate, live gathering where we’ll create space to release what’s been blocking you, get clear on what you truly want, and set powerful intentions for the new year.
When: Saturday, December 20th, 11am-12:30pm EST (90 powerful minutes)
Where: Live on Zoom
Investment: $26 — perfect for setting up success in 2026!
We’ll blend guided practices, EFT tapping, journaling prompts, and community connection—everything you need to end this year with clarity and begin the next with momentum.
Spaces are limited to keep our circle intentional. I can’t wait to create this magic with you. ✨
