AS RED AS BLOOD is an international bestseller from Finland written by Salla Simukka and translated by Owen Frederick Witesman, and we’re thrilled to have Salla here to tell us more about it.
Salla, what scene was really hard for you to write and why, and is that the one of which you are most proud? Or is there another scene you particularly love?
There is a scene where the main character Lumikki has to hide inside a freezer. It was hard and fun to write at the same time. I had to figure out WHY she is hiding in there and WHY she can’t get out and HOW she finally can manage to escape. I think the scene turned out to be quite good and it’s also my favorite part to read out loud.
What did this book teach you about writing or about yourself?
AS RED AS BLOOD taught me that writing can be so much fun that you don’t want to do almost anything else! This was a new feeling for me even though I have been a writer all of my life and had written ten novels before this one. The writing process also taught me that I’m stronger and more confident than I had thought.
What’s your writing ritual like? Do you listen to music? Work at home or at a coffee shop or the library, etc?
I work at home, drink a lot coffee and listen to music BEFORE I start writing to get into the right mood (I usually can’t listen music when I’m actually writing because it tends to distract me). If I feel like I can’t get anywhere with the text, when I’m stuck, I go for a walk or a run to clear my head – and usually come back with a solution.
ABOUT THE BOOK
As Red as Blood
by Salla Simukka and Owen Frederick Witesman
Hardcover
Crown Books for Young Readers
Released 1/17/2017
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for teens—this international bestseller is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat Nordic noir that chills to the bone, and not just because of the bleak winter setting.
Lumikki Andersson has made it a rule to stay out of things that do not involve her. She knows all too well that trouble comes to those who stick their nose where it doesn’t belong. But Lumikki’s rule is put to the test when she uncovers thousands of washed Euro notes hung to dry in her school’s darkroom and three of her classmates with blood on their hands. Literally.
A web of lies and deception now has Lumikki on the run from those determined to get the money back—no matter the cost. At the center of the chaos: Polar Bear, the mythical drug lord who has managed to remain anonymous despite hosting lavish parties and having a notorious reputation. If Lumikki hopes to make it out alive, she’ll have to uncover the entire operation.
Even the cold Finnish winter can’t hide a culprit determined to stain the streets red.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Salla Simukka is Finnish writer and translator who lives in Tampere. She has studied Nordic philology, Finnish language, general literature, creative writing and women’s studies at the University of Turku.
Besides books, Simukka writes book reviews for the newspapers Helsinkin Sanomat and Hämeen Sanomat.
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Have you had a chance to read AS RED AS BLOOD yet? Have you written a novel that was more fun to write than others? Does exercise help you find a solution when you’re stuck? Share your thoughts about the interview in the comments!
Happy reading,
Jocelyn, Shelly, Martina, Anisaa, Sam, Erin, Susan, Michelle, Laura, and Kristin
