Do you remember when you first decided to become a writer?
It was in 1985. I read a book, which I thought was rather basic. It annoyed me and I told my husband, a journalist, that anybody could write a book. He said that it would not be as easy as I thought and he threw me a challenge: “Why don’t you do it if you think it is easy.”

Was it an easy choice to make?
I wrote my first three books when I had a permanent job in a bank. First in 2000 after the Millennium I became a full time writer. I had had a well-paid job in the City of London, so yes, it was a difficult decision, but it was also a tempting opportunity, which I took.

What writers did have a major influence in your work / life?
I greatly admire Paul Erdmann’s books. He has written about financial crimes of massive scale, such as the Crash of 1987. I also like John Grisham a lot, and of Finnish writers Mika Waltari is my favourite.

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a writer in Finland?
Finland is a lovely country, although I live outside it most of the time. One of the best things of being a Finnish writer is that the Finns read a lot. They love books. The flip side of this is naturally that in a country with 5 million people the market is very small. I can only envy the UK and French writers who have a potential of 60 million in their own country alone. The other negative thing is that books are expensive in Finland. The government should support culture by not charging VAT on books.

What are the themes that you like to explore in your books?
Themes in my books: I like to describe financial crime since I know so much about banking. I also like to study human nature and behaviour. My books are quite international since I have lived so long in the UK and France.

How could you define your style?
I think you have to ask the critics. I have never studied literature so I cannot define my style other than that it is typical to a crime novel. One element is important to me: There must be speed in my books.

Have you ever considered the possibilty to totally change your style?
No.

How do you write? Do you try to follow some strict rules or do you only write “when it comes”?
When I have my writing period I work in a very disciplined way. I start in the morning, at 8-9 o’clock and continue to 12-13. I then go out to walk or to a bicycle ride. Later in the afternoon I read what I have written and make corrections.

When you’re working on a book, what is the stage / moment that you prefer?
When the book is about two thirds ready. Then I know that it will become a book.

What books or authors have you read recently?
Jeffrey Archer: Prison Diary,

Pirkko Koskenkylä Mielenkiintoinen tuttavuus(An interesting acquaintance, Pirkko is a friend an the book tells about her fabulous trips at sea.),

Fred Vargas: Pystyyn, kuolleet! Debout les morts! Interesting French crime novel.

If there is one…what is your favorite book? For what reasons?
There are so many good books, I really cannot select one.

How do you consider Internet as an author?
For me, it is an excellent source of research.

Do you think that Internet could somehow change the traditional publication process?
There are many possibilities. So far, authors who have tried to publish in the net, have been disappointed. Their work has been stolen by hackers. I think in the future we will find out new opportunities. However, the book will never dye. People need the book. It is easy to carry with you, to read in trains and planes, in waiting rooms etc.

What are your actual and future projects?
I am currently working with my eight’ novel. It will have the same protagonist as in VAUHTISOKEAT, my latest book. I am also planning to write an article about Finns who are living and working in France.