Spotlight On Writers
Henna Johansdotter
- Where, do you hail from?
I’m born and raised in a small town along the coast of Finland. My first language is Swedish although I’ve also been writing poetry in English for a long time. I find it interesting how I express myself in different languages, especially in poetry where every syllable is so precious. I find my writing in English has a completely different build than that which is written in my own language.
- What is the greatest thing about the place you call home?
We’re a tight community where it seems everybody knows each other, and we work hard to express ourselves and our culture. Swedish-speaking Finns are a minority in Finland still somehow we have a thriving culture and a prominent can-do-spirit that makes this a great place to live.
- What turns you on creatively?
Weakness, tenderness, the courage to be human, cruelty, longing, forgiveness and bloody revenge.
- What is your favorite word, and can you use it in a poetic sentence?
Vällust (lust, pleasure) and frosseri (gluttony). I rarely write bilingual stuff but here’s an excerpt from a poem where I put these to use:
Three. I appear missing,
a joke lost in translation
from Swedish into ache
vällust and frosseri,
taking all I need,
ignoring lessons
learnt by pride
the same teacher who taught me
how to swing a bat.
- What is your pet peeve?
Whistling. I hate whistling. Any kind of whistling. It makes my intestines twist and turn.
- What defines Henna Johansdotter?
Tough one. I’d say I’m socially unafraid on an awkward level. I’m the one who would probably admit to liking hentai on the first date. I don’t care for keeping people comfortable. That’s not my responsibility. I like makeup. I like metal. I like gory horror. I like poetry. I like being who I am. And I really liked participating in this interview. Thank you!
