Riku Korhonen - a professional writer

Riku Korhonen

- used to teach creative writing at the University of Turku during 2004-2008 

- published 4 ( books published in Samakko)

How would you describe Turku and its literature?
Turku is an "underdog"  in literature scene. Because everybody knows each other and there is a positive energy. There is a tendency to keep distance from Helsinki. It is becasue of history. Turku used to be a capital city, and it still deals with this fact. Also every bigger press company is situated in Helsinki. I think Turku has much bigger potential, there is more what to develop. On the other side, we are still very activ - the second city after Helsinki.

And what about Finnish literature?
Finns read a lot, but unfortunately, books are still a bit boring, I have to say. 7 from 10 books are boring. There are typical topics, trying to be very realistic. However there are some writers who experiment with surrealism and describes human´s conditions.The biggest influence comes from Anglo-Saxon countries. Finnish literature is no very well known. For example Swedish books are better known. Swedes have more contacts with Europe, they travel a lot.

What are "hot topics" in literature in Finland?
Sexuality - it is difficult for Finns to cope with this topic, when it is openly discussed in books. There was a book recently, which was about how is sexuality abused in marketing. The books received many negative critiques. It was discussed a lot this year. Also old motives, like war with Russians and heroic pictures are not that popular any more. Problems with money are common phenomena in today´s society, so it is also in books. It is understandable, people are afraid about Finnish welfare system.

Since when do you write?
Since I am 26. And after writing five books, I can say, that I feel more confident.

What are you everyday´s challenges as a writer?
The book which I am currently writing, I am trying to write more compact, structurally simple. It is good to write different books. Of course, in every book is repeating something, but I am trying to find something new, different view.

Is there any community of writers in Turku?
Idea of community in literature is very important. I always listen to people which are important for me. Of course, I communicate with other writers in Turku.

What is the feeling after you finish a book?
After my fourth, the longest book, I felt relief, but also sad, like an orphan. But then I am excited for writing another book.