Interview with memoirist Linda Jämsén

Writer Linda Jämsén joins me today to chat about her memoir, Odyssey of Love: A Memoir of Seeking and Finding.

The memoir is currently available for .99 at the Kindle Store and will remain at this price throughout the blog tour (until late October).

Bio:
Linda Jämsén is an American expat writer and musician living in Finland. She grew up in New York, holding a book in one hand while exploring the piano keyboard with the other. Mesmerized by her mother’s playing of the Romantic repertoire, she soon studied piano with her and later graduated with a B.A. in Music from Bard College. Linda is also an avid choral singer and has performed in Hungary, Finland, the UK, and Israel.

After working for many years as a fundraiser at various non-profits, Linda longed to reconnect with her musical roots, and in 2001, moved to Budapest, land of her musical idol, Franz Liszt. There, she volunteered for the Music Academy in his name and also received a CELTA certificate from International House, where she taught English as a foreign language. Her musical, romantic, and travel adventures abroad inspired her to write Odyssey of Love: A Memoir of Seeking and Finding, her literary debut.

Linda lives on an island in Helsinki with her husband, the “tall man with glasses” from the memoir, and their treasured Russian icon.

Please tell us about your current release.
Odyssey of Love: A Memoir of Seeking and Finding is the true story of how I left my former boyfriend in Boston to find The One overseas. After it became clear that my partner wasn’t interested in marriage, my best friend Jenni insisted I prioritize my needs and “settle down, not settle for.” Sage advice! She scheduled a session with an intuitive, Angelica, whom I reluctantly agreed to visit, not knowing our hour together would change my life.

During the session, Angelica told me that my future husband was not my current love, but a “tall man with glasses” waiting for me in Europe, and also predicted that a “Russian icon” would bring us together. When she “saw” me surrounded by musical instruments and said I would reconnect with my love of music abroad, I was intrigued.

Eager to embark on the musical and romantic-filled “Odyssey” that Angelica foresaw, at age 41, I moved to Budapest, land of my musical idol, composer-pianist Franz Liszt. Odyssey describes my new life abroad—from teaching English to Hungarians and the many cultural clashes of expat life; travels throughout Europe; amorous but inappropriate suitors; and singing with a local chorus at the Liszt Academy and in Israel. Angelica’s predictions do come true, but I won’t give away the heartfelt ending.

What inspired you to write this book?
I started working on Odyssey many years ago. While still in Hungary, I penned what later became the “Ádám’s Fib” chapter because the events that transpired with a former student were so unusual. More chapters about my Hungarian friends and memorable events flowed after I moved to Finland but not in any particular order. Of course, I knew the happy ending of the story and thought others, especially women, might find hope and comfort in my experiences. The book’s message is that you don’t have to settle for second-best, whether that’s a love relationship, family life, a job, or an artistic endeavor. It is possible to make changes in mid-life, to start over, or rediscover parts of yourself that have become dormant.

 

Excerpt from Odyssey of Love:
(From Prologue)

“As the concertmaster warmed up the strings onstage, the overhead lights in the distance dimmed to tiny flecks, like stardust in the Judea Desert. Bass singers discreetly loosened their bow ties while altos fidgeted with beaded earrings from Tel Aviv markets. I plucked a page from the Rossini score and fanned myself, hoping not to tip over in three-inch heels onto the trumpet section—a minor concern compared to our overriding fear: a suicide bomber lurking in the Opera House.

I gazed out over the audience and prayed for another appreciative crowd. Ours was the only foreign chorus brave enough to travel to Israel at a time of increasing turmoil. So far, we’d been warmly welcomed on the three-week tour. Festival organizers had reassured us of less violence at Christmastime, but it was difficult to ignore all the heavily armed soldiers patrolling the streets and metal detectors looming at every tourist site that December in 2002.

In anticipation of Maestro José Serebrier’s entrance, the stage fell silent and turned momentarily pitch-black, plunging my thoughts into even darker terrain. I reached back into the soprano section for Zsuzsa’s hand. “You don’t hear any loud ticking sounds, do you?” I whispered to my friend.

“No, Linduska, only your heartbeat,” she said. “Breathe deeply and relax. Think of Mary.”

Yes, Mother Mary. She’ll protect us.”

 

What exciting story are you working on next?
During NaNoWriMo, I will revisit the sequel to Odyssey, which I started working on years ago while simultaneously writing Odyssey. Triptych, also a memoir, begins where Odyssey left off and focuses on the challenges my husband and I faced seven years into our marriage. No, I’m not referring to the infamous “seven-year itch,” but health and family hardships. During these struggles, we sought healing at two famous pilgrimage sites, Czestochowa and Medjugorje, so some of the spiritual and mystical elements of Odyssey are explored further in Triptych.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Like many writers, I struggled for years with whether I could call myself one, mostly because my memoir wasn’t yet published. However, two positive signs emerged that motivated me to reconsider. Firstly, a story I’d written about the Roma street beggar character in Odyssey placed in a Writer’s Digest competition. Soon after, a local English language newspaper in Helsinki published two excerpts based on the ending of my memoir. After this, I dared to call myself a “writer,” although it was difficult to utter the word to anyone other than my husband.

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
In addition to writing part-time (not full-time), I continue to sing with different choruses and am busy practicing and rehearsing, as well as playing piano. I was a professional fundraiser prior to moving overseas and continue to find a lot of joy in volunteering for various non-profits. Here in Helsinki, I have taught English at the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance, as well as raised money for refugee musicians from the Middle East. I’m delighted that this year I will be in charge of decorating my church’s Christmas bazaar.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t write in sequence, and I often jump from project to project, sometimes in the same day! Unless a deadline is looming, I usually write about the person or situation that’s on my mind that morning. For example, if I wake up thinking about my mother, I’ll work on a chapter or story in which she’s featured. Or, if the fall foliage outside reminds me of an adventure in the Finnish countryside, I’ll revisit the fairy tale I’d started. I rarely get writer’s block and tend to have the opposite problem: too many ideas and thoughts swirling around and not enough time to put them down on paper. This is typical of my Gemini nature J

Whereas many writers find daily word counts helpful, I can write thousands of words at a stretch, then not write for a week or so. I know this isn’t usual and don’t recommend this “routine.” When I’m in a writing groove, I make sure to walk outside in the afternoon to rest my eyes and return to the pages with a fresh perspective and hopefully, more energy.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
At various points: a ballerina (ha!), an actress, a pianist, a mystery writer. At age eleven, I penned my first “published” short story, “The Case of the Stolen Money.” At 25 cents, it was quite a bargain! I loved reading mysteries, especially Harriet the Spy, and am a big Sherlock Holmes fan.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Many thanks to those who are participating on my blog tour and to those readers taking time to read our posts and leave reviews. Living in Finland, I often feel cut off from other English language writers and readers, so this is a great way to feel connected.

Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon

Thanks for stopping by today, Linda.

— Blog Tour Calendar

September 20th @ The Muffin
We kick off the blog tour over at WOW! Women on Writing’s blog, The Muffin, where we interview the author and give away a copy of this amazing memoir. https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

September 21st @ One Writer’s Journey
Join Sue as she features author Linda Jämsén’s guest post about how to organize and host a kick-ass virtual book launch event at little cost. https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 22nd @ Create Write Now
Join Mari as she publishes author Linda Jämsén’s guest post about what inspired her to start journaling. https://CreateWriteNow.com

September 23rd @ One Writer’s Journey
Visit Sue’s blog again where she reviews Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 24th @ The Faerie Review
Join Lily when she features Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

September 26th @ Michelle Cornish’ Blog
Join Michelle as she shares her review of Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

September 28th HERE!

September 30th @ Choices
Come by Madeline’s blog today and you can read a fascinating guest post by the author about how a visit to a psychic ended up changing her life. http://madelinesharples.com/

October 1st @ Michelle Cornish’ Blog
Visit Michelle’s blog again and you can read a guest post by the author about self-publishing versus traditional publishing and why she chose the former. https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

October 3rd @ Word Magic
Join Fiona as she features Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love and gives away a copy of the book to one lucky reader.
http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

October 5th @ A Storybook World
Stop by Deirdra’s blog and read a feature of Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. A memoir you don’t want to miss if you are looking for love! http://www.astorybookworld.com/

October 6th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Visit Beverley’s blog and read a guest post by the author about publishing as a debut author in mid-life. Don’t miss this inspiring post! https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

October 8th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Come by Beverley’s blog again and you can read her thoughts about Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

October 11th @ What is That Book About
Visit Michelle’s blog and read Linda Jämsén’s guest post about taking chances in mid-life and finding adventures and true love. https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/

October 12th @ Alanna Jean
Alanna features Linda Jämsén’s guest post about top European travel destinations. https://alannajean.com/blog/

October 14th @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy’s blog today and read her review of Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

October 15th @ The Forgotten Books
Join Heather as she reviews Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love on her Instagram page. https://www.instagram.com/The_forgotten_books_/

October 15th @ Balance and Joy
Join Sheri as she reviews Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. https://www.balanceandjoy.com/

October 18th @ Memoir Writer’s Journey
Visit Kathleen’s website as she reviews Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. https://www.krpooler.com/

October 20th @ Words from the Heart
Visit Linda’s blog where she reviews Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/

October 24th @ Leslie’s Voice
Join Leslie on her blog today and read her review of Linda Jämsén’s memoir Odyssey of Love. https://lesliesvoice.com/