<p>Tonight I’m joined by Finnish-Canadian author, certified book coach, and podcaster A. L. Jensen (aka Liisa Kovola) to explore how reinvention, discipline, and a dash of Nordic comfort can transform both a writing life and a mystery series.&nbsp; We dig into her pivot from teaching to full-time creativity, why she split her work between pen names, and how book coaching accelerates craft, confidence, and completion.<br />&nbsp;<br />A. L. shares the inspiration behind her Nordic cozy Hygge House series—where small-town charm meets culture, community, and just the right amount of murder—and how midlife changes fueled her storytelling. We also unpack the power of accountability, the realities of finishing a book, and why readers are craving warmth and connection alongside their whodunits. You’ll hear practical insights on plotting vs. pantsing, the value of mentorship, and the tough-love truths new writers need.<br />&nbsp;<br />A. L. also talks about becoming Canada’s first Asahi Nordic instructor, embracing multiple creative identities, and how podcasting helps introverted storytellers find their public voice. If you’ve got a book inside you—or a new chapter of life to write—this conversation is your nudge to start before you feel perfectly ready. <br /><br />Guest: A.L. Jensen (Liisa Kovala)<br /><a href="https://liisakovalabookcoach.com" target="_blank">https://liisakovalabookcoach.com</a><br /><a href="https://liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com" target="_blank">https://liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com</a><br /><br /><br /></p> <p> Watch and Follow<br /><a href="https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz</a><br /><a href="https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz</a><br /><br />FOLLOW US ON:<br />X: https://x.com/joerooz<br />Facebook: https://facebook.com/joeroozshow<br />Twitch TV: https://twitch.tv/joerooz<br />Instagram: https://instagram.com/notjoerooz<br />TikTok: https://tiktok.com/joe.rooz<br />Minds: https://minds.com/joerooz<br />GETTR: https://gettr.com/joerooz<br /><br />Special thanks to:<br />Executive Producer Wayne Rankin<br />Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin<br />Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez<br />Executive Producer Angela Wetuski<br />Executive Producer John Seeley<br /><br />Want to be a guest on The Joe Rooz Show?<br />Send Joe a message on #PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/joe<br /><br />Check out our partners:<br />Podhome.fm<br />Creative Edge<br /><br />Music: https://youtube.com/@pogo<br /><br />️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! <a href="https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864" target="_blank">https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864</a><br /><br /><p>(01:48) Opening monologue and show intro from Asylum Studios</p><p>(02:26) Tonight’s topic and guest tease: fiction, cozies, and execution</p><p>(03:06) Housekeeping: website, contact options, live schedule, algorithms</p><p>(05:36) Guest setup: introducing A. L. Jensen and the Hygge House series</p><p>(07:00) Reunion banter and catching up on time passing</p><p>(08:07) What’s new: two books released and becoming an Asahi Nordic instructor</p><p>(10:01) Origins: deciding to write and the moment it became serious</p><p>(12:26) Career pivots, burnout, and listening to the body</p><p>(16:15) Pen names and creative freedom: Lisa Kovala vs. A. L. Jensen</p><p>(19:45) Defining book coaching and how coaching relationships work</p><p>(22:23) Learning craft: mentoring, feedback, and tough love</p><p>(26:39) Fit matters: vetting clients and choosing the right coach</p><p>(27:59) Pantsing vs. plotting and finishing the first draft</p><p>(29:42) Can great writing be taught? Talent, practice, and growth</p><p>(31:25) Sisu and finishing: what separates completers from dreamers</p><p>(33:00) Why shift to cozy mysteries and how the idea arrived</p><p>(35:00) Defining Nordic cozy and weaving Finnish heritage</p><p>(37:52) Hygge, design, and culture inside a small town setting</p><p>(40:01) Why comfort plus murder resonates in chaotic times</p><p>(41:58) Dark humor detour: hatchets, horror, and comic relief</p><p>(43:39) The Hygge House arc: plans for Book 3 and beyond</p><p>(44:49) Podcasting, introversion, and finding a public voice</p><p>(47:56) ‘Podcast voice’ and performing different roles</p><p>(49:02) Women writers’ voices and representation today</p><p>(50:50) Local leadership shout‑out: saving a literary festival</p><p>(52:48) Where to find A. L. Jensen and Lisa online</p><p>(54:04) Host wrap‑up, producer thanks, and support options</p><p>(55:36) Final thoughts: ideas vs. execution and ‘Someday’ isn’t a plan</p><p> - <a href="https://sacredtarotcardreadings.com/" target="_blank" >Marisa Lee</a></p><p> - Wayne Rankin</p><p> - Rosanna Rankin</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Angela Wetuski</a></p><p> - Carolina Jimenez</p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com/support" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com/support</a></p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com</a></p></p>