The Helsinki Book Fair – a true haven for book lovers, where literature and its creators come together to celebrate one of the most anticipated events of the autumn. This year, I had the honor of presenting my book, Lumina, and the experience was both unforgettable and full of inspiration and warm encounters.
One of the highlights of the event was that Lumina had its own booth at the fair! This provided a unique opportunity to showcase my fantasy novel, which draws on Finnish and Kalevala-inspired mythology, and offer readers a chance to immerse themselves in story world even before opening the book.
Magical Encounters and Conversations
At the book fair, every conversation is an opportunity. It was such a joy to exchange thoughts with readers, hear their impressions of my story, and answer their questions about Lumina’s world. One reader told me how the magical atmosphere of the book had transported them away from everyday life – exactly the kind of experience I hoped to create with my writing. Hearing this warmed my heart immensely.
I also had the chance to share my journey as an author and the story of the book. Themes such as the balance between light and darkness, identity, and the courage to face oneself often came up in our discussions – themes that are central to the story.
Lumina’s Moment on Stage
One particularly memorable moment was presenting Lumina on stage as part of the fair’s program. It was incredible to share this experience with a live audience and dive deeper into the book and its origins. We also discussed how Finnish and Kalevala mythology inspired the world and characters of Lumina.
This stage moment was especially meaningful because it highlighted how fantasy can serve as a gateway to exploring traditional myths. You can find more details about the program event on the Helsinki Book Fair’s website.
Connecting with Fellow Authors
The book fair isn’t just a place for readers and authors to meet – it’s also a chance to network with fellow writers. It was inspiring to hear about my colleagues’ experiences and see how each of them creates stories that resonate with readers in their own unique way.
These encounters provided me with both strength and new perspectives for my author journey. It was wonderful to see how supportive and vibrant the writing community is.
Thank You, Helsinki Book Fair!
The Helsinki Book Fair will remain in my memory as a time when the power of books felt truly tangible. I want to thank everyone who stopped by to meet me and share their thoughts. Lumina is a deeply personal work for me, and seeing it reach readers is a great joy and honor.
If you couldn’t make it to the book fair, you can still explore Finnish version of Lumina through Spellpolaris webshop – feel free to take a look! In Lumina’s world, light and shadow walk hand in hand, and who knows – you might discover something you didn’t know you were looking for.
What’s next? More stories, new projects, and of course, meeting readers. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Warm regards,
Heidi Roth
English 
Finnish