Last weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate the magic of literature at the Tampere Book Festival! The atmosphere at Tampere Hall was warm and inspiring as book lovers, authors, and publishers gathered under one roof to honor the power of storytelling. I was there to present my book in Spellpolaris stand, Lumina, and the weekend was filled with unique encounters, inspiration, and unforgettable moments.
The Unique Atmosphere of the Book Festival
The Tampere Book Festival stands out for its local sense of community and welcoming vibe. The bright halls of Tampere Hall buzzed with the rustling of book bags, lively conversations, and the joy of reading. It was a delight to see people of all ages excited about books – from young adults to seasoned bookworms.
Lumina in the Spotlight
During my time at the festival, I had the chance to introduce my book to many interested readers. Our conversations often revolved around the book’s themes of Finnish and Kalevala-inspired mythology, which sparked curiosity in many. One visitor shared how the themes of Kalevala have always fascinated them, but they had never encountered them in the form of fantasy before. This reminded me of the importance of reinterpreting traditions and how fantasy can bring ancient myths into a modern context.
I was especially thrilled to see how many different kinds of readers were drawn to this story. I had conversations with enthusiastic young adult fantasy fans eager to explore Lumina’s world, as well as with retirees captivated by the book’s mythological atmosphere. It was truly heartwarming to see how the story resonated with readers across generations.
Additionally, many festivalgoers told me they were buying Lumina as a Christmas gift! It was wonderful to hear how the book was the perfect choice for a friend, family member, or even for themselves to enjoy on a dark winter evening. These moments highlighted the unique role books play as gifts – they transport the recipient to new worlds and bring light to everyday life.
I also received lovely messages from festival attendees through social media. Many had discovered Lumina and shared their thoughts on Instagram and Facebook. If you’d like to take a peek at what happened, you can check out my Instagramreel and Facebook update.
Connecting with Fellow Authors
The Tampere Book Festival was also a fantastic opportunity to meet other authors and exchange experiences. It’s always inspiring to see how different stories emerge from the minds of various writers. The festival reminded me of how literature serves as a bridge between different worlds and perspectives.
Thank You, Tampere!
The Tampere Book Festival left me with many memories, gratitude, and fresh energy for upcoming projects. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by to meet me and share their thoughts! Meeting readers is one of the greatest joys of being an author.
If you couldn’t attend, Lumina is available in Finnish many book shops around Finland. The world of Lumina awaits you – perhaps it will take you on a journey where light and darkness find a new balance.
Tampere left me longing for more – and perhaps hoping to return again next year.
Warm regards,
Heidi Roth
English 
Finnish