About Me

My name is Liisa Kovala, a Finnish Canadian author, book coach, and former teacher. I’m the author of Sisu’s Winter War (Latitude 46, 2022) and Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate (Latitude 46, 2017). My short stories and creative non-fiction have been published in a variety of anthologies and literary magazines. As a certified Author Accelerator fiction and memoir book coach, I work with writers both in small group settings and 1:1 and I co-host Rekindle Creativity Women’s Writing Retreats with Dinah Laprairie

With a combination of compassion, tough love, and proven strategies, I hold writers’ hands through the book writing process. I serve women who want to write a novel or memoir, but are struggling with finding time and energy to do it alone. I'm passionate about finding joy in writing and filling your creative well so you can serve others. I work with fiction and memoir writers, especially those focused on historical fiction, women’s fiction, memoir, and young adult, who are ready to invest in their writing, and themselves.

CONTACT ME

MY BACKGROUND

I'm a nearly empty nester, living with my husband and energetic puppy Emmy. After over twenty-five years as a high school English, Creative Writing, and AP Research teacher, I retired early to pursue my writing and book coaching dreams and have never looked back.

I am a lifelong learner and have earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours, English), Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, Certification of Creative Writing, Graduate Certificate of Creative Writing, and Fiction and Memoir Book Coaching Certification through Author Accelerator,* the premiere book coaching certification program. I am also a proud member of the following organizations:

Book Coaches Canada
The Writers' Union of Canada
Canadian Authors Association
Sudbury Writers' Guild (past president)
Historical Writers Association
Historical Novel Society
Sampo Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
Canadian Gymnastics Federation
Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation

*As an Author Accelerator certified book coach, I am qualified to coach writers using Author Acccelerator's strategy, methods, and materials, but I operate independently of Author Accelerator and am not affiliated with them.

"Liisa Kovala is a fantastic book coach! She approached the developmental edit sessions for my first draft manuscript as a member of a team. With both myself as author and her as coach we considered the goals and purpose of the project together. She asked specific, pointed questions to guide the conversation. We discussed character development, plot and conflict considering what was working and what wasn’t and how to move forward with improvements. At all times the project was the focus. Her ‘red, yellow and green light’ thoughts and suggestions were an orderly way to discuss potential problems and solutions. Liisa’s strength as a book coach is in her knowledge and skills as a writer herself. She applies what she knows and has learned through her own career. She is also, simply put, a delightful person to work with!"

Emily De Angelis, author of The Stones of Burren Bay

(on working on her second YA novel)

Emily De Angelis, author