The conversation explores the profound influence of animals on creativity and the role of pets in the writing process. Anne shares her experiences with her pets, Shay, Marlowe, and Mireille, and how they have inspired and influenced her writing journey. The conversation delves into the writer's routine and lifestyle, the challenges of social media and marketing, the pressure of online platforms, bots and artificial engagement, and the impact of memories and inspiration on writing. It explores the balance between writing and other obligations, as well as the influence of social media on writers' lives.

Takeaways

• Animals as Creative Inspiration
• The Role of Pets in Writing Balancing writing with other obligations
• The impact of social media on writers

Chapters

• 00:00 Anne's Pets: Shay, Marlowe, and Mireille
• 25:13 Writer's Routine and Lifestyle
• 31:30 Challenges of Social Media and Marketing
• 39:33 Bots and Artificial Engagement

Can You Hear Me Now?

In this lively episode, Holly and Rogan share a candid, humorous conversation covering everything from unexpected snowstorms and their evolving hobbies to work stress and fitness pursuits. Perfect for those who appreciate real-life banter with insights on balancing chaos and passion.

Key Topics:

• Dealing with unexpected snowstorms and weather disruptions
• Sharing personal "thing of the week": Olympic weightlifting and weightlifting coaching
• The charm and challenges of miniature crafting and creative hobbies
• Supportive relationships in sports and creative pursuits
• Balancing work stress with outdoor activities like running and stair climbing
• The pun-filled humor about escape rooms, miniatures, and dogs "lifting"
• How hobbies influence personal growth and connections

Ramblings from the Little Shed - Episode 3

Guest: Liisa Kovala - Author, Book Coach, and Podcaster

Episode Overview

Join hosts Holly and Rogan as they welcome special guest Liisa Kovala, a Finnish Canadian author, book coach, and podcaster. She is the author of Like Water for Weary Souls (House of Karhu, 2025), Sisu's Winter War (Latitude 46, 2022) and Surviving Stutthof: My Father's Memories Behind the Death Gate (Latitude 46, 2017).

Liisa shares her journey from teaching to full-time writing, the creative influence of her mini golden doodle Emmy, and her exciting new project, Hygge House Nordic Cozy Mystery series she writes under the pen name A. L. Jensen.

Meet Emmy: The Canine Companion

• Emmy: a 2.5-year-old mini golden doodle who reminds Liisa to rest, play, and take walks

• The 40-year wait for a dog and convincing her husband (spoiler: he's now in love with Emmy!)

• How pets keep us young, vibrant, and creatively inspired

• Walking as a tool for creative thinking and slowing down

Liisa's Writing Journey

From Historical Fiction to Cozy Mysteries

• Recently published "Water for Weary Souls " (historical fiction, November 2025)

• Transitioning to writing a cozy mystery series

• How a beautiful house (the Rowley House) sparked an entire series concept

• Ideas "downloaded" during the drive home

The New Cozy Mystery Series:

• Features protagonist Minna with her mini golden doodle Hugo Dogberg (named after Finnish artist Hugo Simberg)

• Set in a Nordic-inspired town with rich character details

• Includes two Norwegian cats: Freya and Astrid

• A resident ghost named Fanny

The Creative Process

• Recording voice notes while driving to capture ideas

• The contrast between writing historical fiction and cozy mysteries

• Balancing multiple projects across different genres

Writing Wisdom & Advice

On Creativity

• Creative people need to be moving and active

• Walking in nature is magical for the creative process

• Even 15-20 minutes of creative time daily fills the well

On Reading

• Writers should be readers, and readers become writers

• Reading widely across genres enriches the creative mind

Liisa's Recent Reads

• "The Wake" by Linden MacIntyre

• "Jenny Cooper Has a Secret" by Joy Fielding

Current Reads

• Holly: "Dungeon Crawler Carl" by Matt Dinniman and "The Eyes and the Impossible" by Dave Eggers

• Rogan: Planning to start Terry Pratchett's Discworld series with friends after finishing The Wheel of Time

Connect with Lisa Kovala

• Substack: liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com

• Website: liisakovalabookcoach.com

Subscribe, rate, and review Ramblings from the Little Shed wherever you get your podcasts.