Pen Names and Plot Twists: The Nordic Cozy Blueprint with A. L. Jensen (Ep. 319)

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.  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.
 
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.
 
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.

Guest: A.L. Jensen (Liisa Kovala)
https://liisakovalabookcoach.com
https://liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com

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Special thanks to:
Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
Executive Producer John Seeley
Producer Karl Nicosia

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(01:48) Opening monologue and show intro from Asylum Studios

(02:26) Tonight’s topic and guest tease: fiction, cozies, and execution

(03:06) Housekeeping: website, contact options, live schedule, algorithms

(05:36) Guest setup: introducing A. L. Jensen and the Hygge House series

(07:00) Reunion banter and catching up on time passing

(08:07) What’s new: two books released and becoming an Asahi Nordic instructor

(10:01) Origins: deciding to write and the moment it became serious

(12:26) Career pivots, burnout, and listening to the body

(16:15) Pen names and creative freedom: Lisa Kovala vs. A. L. Jensen

(19:45) Defining book coaching and how coaching relationships work

(22:23) Learning craft: mentoring, feedback, and tough love

(26:39) Fit matters: vetting clients and choosing the right coach

(27:59) Pantsing vs. plotting and finishing the first draft

(29:42) Can great writing be taught? Talent, practice, and growth

(31:25) Sisu and finishing: what separates completers from dreamers

(33:00) Why shift to cozy mysteries and how the idea arrived

(35:00) Defining Nordic cozy and weaving Finnish heritage

(37:52) Hygge, design, and culture inside a small town setting

(40:01) Why comfort plus murder resonates in chaotic times

(41:58) Dark humor detour: hatchets, horror, and comic relief

(43:39) The Hygge House arc: plans for Book 3 and beyond

(44:49) Podcasting, introversion, and finding a public voice

(47:56) ‘Podcast voice’ and performing different roles

(49:02) Women writers’ voices and representation today

(50:50) Local leadership shout‑out: saving a literary festival

(52:48) Where to find A. L. Jensen and Lisa online

(54:04) Host wrap‑up, producer thanks, and support options

(55:36) Final thoughts: ideas vs. execution and ‘Someday’ isn’t a plan

- Marisa Lee

- Wayne Rankin

- Rosanna Rankin

- Angela Wetuski

- Carolina Jimenez

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