Writer couple Riitta and Olli Jalonen give each other book tips, but also immerse themselves in their own worlds, where the only key is their own.
Unpacking makes you look back on the life you have lived and experienced together. As a young writer dreaming of a career as a novelist, did it turn out the way you once thought it would?
– It has been in everything. Sometimes it made me blush, but even though the decades have passed, I myself have remained pretty much the same,” Olli Jalonen says.
Riitta Jalonen thinks that the archives live inside her, are part of her self. There were bits of atmosphere, small pieces of text on the paper.
– Basically, the train of thought has always been in the same direction. Over the decades, the writer self has become braver – fortunately.
About a year ago, Riitta Jalonen announced that she would stop writing novels. A total of dozens of novels and children’s books have been published.
How do you know you want to quit?
– When the arc is ready. When you yourself understand that this is now here: my work is complete, intact. The characters in the books exist, and they are close, even to each other, says Jalonen.
Jalonen thinks that every character has had a meaning. They have walked by his side from one stage of life to another.
When Olli Jalonen was a 7-year-old boy, he seriously considered that the best years of life were already over. When 24-year-old Olli’s first work was published in 1978, he could not have imagined that he would have such a versatile career as a writer.
– The idea that I would write something related to the 17th century seemed impossible when I was young. But a writer’s work is a self-enriching genre, he says.
In addition to books, audio plays and plays have been created over the years.
Riitta Jalonen also pondered serious questions as a child. As a straightforward woman of the world, she wrote to her fellow students at the age of 9: \”I’m not a writer yet, but I’m on my way there. Everything has happened to me, I don’t even remember everything.\”
– My dream really came true, he says.
Space and peace of mind
The union of two successful writers lasts when both stick to their work. Olli Jalonen’s writing process is very private. He says that ideas have been swirling around in his mind for years, even decades.
It has proven to be a good routine to stop writing in the afternoon. Time must be given for recovery and for things other than writing.
Not a word is said about the book under work, to anyone. When the novel’s manuscript goes to the publisher, Riitta gets it read at the same time.
– Doing creative work must be respected. It is important, because we have a marriage here, and not a school district, says Riitta Jalonen.
Book tinkering and contract issues
The Jaloses, who have been together for half a century, certainly have a lot of discussions about literature. For example, you can recommend a good book to someone else. It is easy to share work-related questions with another writer.
In addition to everyday printer problems, the writer’s work involves many contractual issues, which are discussed together. Various performance invitations and interviews are also watched together, says Olli Jalonen.
What do the Nobles think about giving up?
Olli Jalonen says that he has accepted the fact that there is no longer a writing process that will last many years. Publishing houses like to look in the direction where the author still has a lot of career ahead of him.
Riitta Jalonen thinks that everything old and done supports her.
– The old carries me, but you can move towards the new. You can choose your thoughts, says author Riitta Jalonen.