Photo Credit:
Photo credit
Westmount Photography
Liisa Kovala
BIO
Biography

Liisa Kovala is a Finnish Canadian author and teacher. Her first book, Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate (Latitude 46, 2017), was shortlisted for a Northern Lit Award and published in Finland under the title Stutthofin selviytyjä (Docendo, 2020). Her work is inspired by her Finnish heritage and the northern landscape she calls home. Sisu’s Winter War (Latitude 46, 2022) is her debut novel. She lives in Sudbury, Ontario with her husband and two children. 

 

 

ADDRESS
City: Naughton, Province/Territory: Ontario
EMAIL
GENRE
Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Creative Non-fiction
LANGUAGES
English
PUBLICATIONS
Publications
Title
Surviving Stutthof: My Father's Memories Behind the Death Gate
Publisher
Latitude 46
Year
2017
Title
Sisu's Winter War
Publisher
Latitude 46
Year
2022
AWARDS
Awards
Name
First Place for "Surveillance"
Publication
Geist's 18th Annual Literal Literary Postcard Short Story Contest
Year
2023
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
Presentation details
Audience Size
Audience size
Any
Presentation Genre
Creative Non-fiction, Historical Fiction, Memoir, Creative Writing
Presentation Length
60-90 minutes
Presentation Description
Presentation description

Author talks and workshops can be tailored to the unique needs of the organization or individuals, including interactive creative writing workshops in fiction and memoir, as well author presentations about Surviving Stutthof and/or Sisu's Winter War, writing historical fiction, and creative non-fiction.

Presentation Fee(s)
300
Workshop details
Audience Size
any
Intended Audience
Grades 9-12
Workshop Length
60-90 minutes
Workshop Description
Workshop description

Creative writing workshops allow students to develop skills through guided writing prompts to develop a story. Workshops can be tailored to suit the age and level of the students in consultation with the classroom teacher.

Workshop Fee(s)
300.00
School presentation details
Intended Audience
9-12
Presentation Length
60-75 minutes
Presentation Description
Presentation description

Students will participate in a creative writing workshop involving quick writes and a mini-lesson on a particular topic. Goals can be established with the teacher in advance according to students' needs and experiences. The focus may include short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and/or use of writers' craft techniques (sensory details, dialogues, show don't tell, slowing down time, character development, etc.).

Presentation Fee(s)
300.00
Programs & Interests
Interested in participating Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program:
All members are eligible for the Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program. Are you interested in participating in this pro
Yes
Interested in participating in the Northern Ontario WITS program:
The Union’s Northern Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program funds in-person visits to northern Ontario schools when possible. Ar
Yes