At the end of October Messukeskus fills up again, tote bags bulge with books and the coffee queue winds around the hall. I'll be there twice this weekend.

Saturday: Ihana messuiltapäivä

On Saturday 24 October from 3 pm I'm taking part in Otava's Ihana messuiltapäivä, an afternoon for influencers who love feel good fiction. If you got an invitation, see you there! If you didn't, Sunday is open to everyone.

Sunday on the Esplanadi stage

On Sunday 25 October at 11 am I'll take a seat on the Esplanadi stage for Hyvän mielen kirjojen sunnuntai, joined by Maija Kajanto and Hanna Velling, with Irina Björkman asking the questions. We'll talk about books where everyday life gets too cramped and someone decides to make room for something new. Expect humour, romance and a touch of winter. The conversation is in Finnish. I can't promise clay stains, but I can't promise there won't be any either.

Signing at the Otava stand

After the talk I'll head to the Otava stand 6a50 to sign books. Bring your own copy or pick one up at the stand. You can ask for almost any dedication you like.

The Helsinki Book Fair takes place at Messukeskus from Thursday 22 October to Sunday 25 October 2026. See the Sunday programme on the fair's website.