Falling Forward: Finding Renewal in Autumn

I love the month of September. More than January 1st, it feels like the true start of a new season: a fresh page, a clean slate. Recharged after the summer holidays, September’s crisp air and golden hues signal that it’s time to get down to business—by diving into something new or tackling those projects that have been waiting in the wings.

This September has been especially exciting for me. On the 3rd, I toasted the release of Nornöns eko at Fågel Blå Bio, an iconic movie theatre in Stockholm. One hundred and twenty guests joined me to launch my fourth novel into the world. I love book parties; to me, they’re like birthdays. I was filled with anticipation and loved planning the event, picking my outfit, and surrounding myself with so many kind faces. In today’s uncertain, fast-moving world, let's celebrate whenever and however we can. My gratitude toward the friends and readers who carved time out of their busy schedules to be there was immense. Writing is such a solitary endeavor, and their interest, encouragement, and support fueled this project. Without them, finishing the novel would have been far more difficult. I hope they felt the depth of my appreciation.

The evening included an author conversation with literary aficionado Johanna Lundin. We discussed my new novel’s themes, inspiration, and writing process, and I received so much thoughtful feedback about our discussion. I’m a book groupie and love hearing these exchanges, but for many of my guests, it was a first. I was glad to see that they embraced my intention.

Since the launch, I’ve delighted in seeing photos of the book out in the world. I must admit that these sightings never get old—whether they’re poolside, on a flight, or on a bookshelf! The book feels so much more real when it’s in a reader’s hands, bridging the space between my mind and theirs. One never knows how the story will land, which is both exhilarating and scary. Therefore, I was especially touched by a message from a friend: “...I’ve been completely hooked, and binge-read most of it, but now I’m forcing myself to slow down. I want to savor every page and stretch out the experience a little longer...”

I exhaled after reading her words. It was the very first reaction I’d received about my novel, and I was so happy to hear she was invested in the plot and characters. While I don’t expect glowing reviews from every reader, it was a relief to know that someone had connected with the story.

The next big event this month was my actual birthday. While I’m well past the age of putting the exact number of candles atop my cake, I still love marking the date as something special, not just a regular day. Over the past year, I’ve had two surgeries: one on my foot and another on my shoulder. Nothing major, but enough to bring discomfort and months of physical therapy. My recovery has gone smoothly, yet I’m also aware that I’m a little stiffer than before—and I sometimes get a serious dose of brain fog! Change is underway, so my birthday wish is the gift of good health—strength, agility, and endurance—especially since my beloved mother passed away from pancreatic cancer at fifty-eight. With each year that brings me closer to that number, I become hyperaware of how precious and unpredictable time can be.

But after the rollercoaster of my writing life, I also want to give myself another kind of gift: permission to focus less on external goals and more on nurturing my inner self and overall well-being—moving my body, caring for my mind, strengthening relationships, setting boundaries, and rebooting my creativity. This may include starting another book—or it may not. I want things to flow organically, without pressure or expectation, and to follow where my curiosity and spirit lead me.

That’s how I’m choosing to step into this new season.