In a revealing interview, renowned Finnish author Monika Fagerholm discusses her transformation after decades of struggling with alcohol addiction. She describes how, after years of reliance on drinking, a pivotal moment came when she lost the desire to drink altogether, which she considers a miracle. This realization led her to seek help and reassess her life, marking a significant turning point in her personal and professional journey.

Fagerholm recounts a particularly intense year, culminating in health issues related to stress during the final stages of writing her latest book. After being diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, she took a necessary break and traveled to Greece to recover, which allowed her to gain a fresh perspective on both her writing and her life. The completion of her long-awaited novel "Eristystila: Kapinoivia naisia" and its subsequent nomination for the prestigious Finlandia Award underscored her newfound approach to work and self-care.

Throughout the interview, Fagerholm emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries around her work and the supportive role of her partner, Hilding, throughout her journey. She reflects on her experiences dating back to the publication of her first novel "Ihanat naiset rannalla" in 1994, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of maintaining her identity as a writer while navigating the complexities of life and addiction.