TLT: What inspired you to write this title, “Saga of The Swedish Water Spirit,” and how did Scandinavian mythology and folklore influence the story’s development?

Caroline Helenasdotter: I wanted a unique name that stood out and would enthrall the readers. Most people know about Vikings and the Norse Gods, but fewer know about other creatures in Scandinavian mythology. I have always had a great interest in folklore and mythology, and I want to spread awareness through my fictional writing. The creatures of Scandinavian mythology make up a significant part of the story. In the world where “Saga of the Swedish Water Spirit” takes place, these creatures share the world with humans. The book is set in our world but incorporates elements from mythology.

TLT: Your protagonist, Liv, experiences a deep longing and desire for adventure and passion. How did you develop her character, and what aspects of her journey do you think will resonate most with readers?

Caroline Helenasdotter: I think that a lot of people today long for true connection and that many have hidden desires they do not dare to admit to themselves. Female sexuality has been a taboo subject for a very long time and still is today. In many cultures, female pleasure and sexuality remain controversial. I want to make this subject less taboo and remove the stigma around female pleasure. Many people see this as something bad today, and I think that is unhealthy. Historically, female pleasure has been suppressed, controlled, and denied by many cultures and societies. I want Liv to inspire women to acknowledge their desires and not be afraid to meet them. As for the adventures, the book takes place in the 17th century, a time when women were seen as property to their husbands and had no say in their lives. In some places on this earth, this belief still exists. I want to inspire women to pursue their desires and find their passion in life without feeling suppressed, owned, or controlled by society.

TLT: Näcken, the water spirit, is a central figure in the story. Can you share more about this character’s mythological background and how you interpreted and adapted this folklore for your book?

Caroline Helenasdotter: Näcken is a water spirit that dwells in lakes. He is known for his magical abilities and how divinely he plays the violin. He is a very dangerous creature with his morals. He has his agenda and follows his desires. It was said that if you sought him out, he could grant you your greatest wish, or if he did not like you, he could drown you in the lake. Depending on his mood, he could help you or become your greatest nightmare. In some tales, he was an ugly green monster, and in others, he was an enchantingly beautiful man. He played his violin to lure women into the lake, seduce them, and take their souls. Many musicians sought him out to learn from his incredible musical talent, but this came at a cost and a great risk. Many feared to go near the lakes, afraid of being drowned by Näcken. In my book, he is a guardian of the forest and lake, and he can choose to take on whatever appearance you prefer to meet your wildest desires.

TLT: How did your own experiences living in different countries, such as Switzerland, Norway, Portugal, and Russia, shape your writing and the themes explored in “Saga of The Swedish Water Spirit”?

Caroline Helenasdotter: Having lived in different countries has widened my perspective of the world. I think that traveling, meeting other cultures, and experiencing things that are out of your comfort zone is healthy for everyone. That is how you grow as a person. Having different experiences helps me broaden my writing and think from different angles and perspectives. The theme that nothing is truly good or truly bad is recurrent in my books. It is all a matter of different kinds of perspectives, and we all have a bit of both within us. Having lived in different countries helps me to have an open mind and to stay curious.

TLT: The setting of 17th-century Sweden plays a significant role in your novel. What kind of research did you conduct to accurately portray the historical and cultural backdrop of this period?

Caroline Helenasdotter: I grew up in Sweden, and history was one of my favorite subjects in school. I learned quite a lot about Swedish history in school, and that interest has remained with me up until today. I also read a lot of books about Swedish history. One of my favorite authors on the subject is Herman Lindqvist. He has written many books about Swedish history and Swedish Kings. Historical information is very easy to find today, and there are a lot of fantastic books on the subject. In my upcoming book “Carolean Snow,” the Swedish King Carolus will play an essential role.

TLT: As a mother of two young children and a practitioner of yoga and martial arts, how do you find time for writing, and how do these activities influence your creative process?

Caroline Helenasdotter: I have a really busy life. I only have time to write at night when my kids are asleep. I do not sleep a lot. I know that many female authors who are mothers have said the same. Sleep is the first thing we cut out to have time for everything else. Today, there is a lot of pressure on women to do it all, and that can have a negative impact on many people’s lives. I also have a very disciplined schedule to make time for everything in my life. For example, my son loves to ride his bicycle, and he joins me when I am out running. It takes a lot of planning to make time for writing when you have a full-time job, children, and other interests. But I would say that I appreciate writing more and write very effectively when I sit down to write since I know my time to write every day is limited. I would say that it helps a lot to know martial arts when writing fighting scenes. Yoga keeps me focused and calm, and focus is a great discipline when it comes to writing.

TLT: Liv’s relationship with Näcken challenges the norms of her time. What message do you hope readers will take away from their love story, particularly in terms of following one’s heart and defying societal expectations?

Caroline Helenasdotter: This is your life, and no one can decide what is best for you but yourself. If you want something, then go after it. Do not listen to everyone who tries to convince you that it is a bad idea, or that you are bad for doing so. You cannot train yourself into not wanting what you want in life; that will only lead to misery and despair. Do not let anyone hold you back or tell you that you are unworthy of your dreams. One must stay true to oneself and find their path. No one ever regrets following their heart on their deathbed. With that said, it is equally important to connect with other people. Life is a difficult balance between staying true to yourself and respecting and helping others. Liv is a mild and gentle character, but she is also passionate and knows what she wants. Hopefully, she will inspire people to look within themselves for the balance when it comes to giving and taking.

TLT: Your book delves into themes of longing, passion, and destiny. How do these themes reflect your personal experiences or beliefs, and why are they important to you as a writer?

Caroline Helenasdotter: I think that passion is essential for humans, and I do not just mean sexual passion but passion in general. Following your passion makes your life fuller. I would say that passion is what fuels all artistic professions. It is that burning calling from within those who refuse to be silenced. We are here in this lifetime to expand our consciousness and to learn. If we deny ourselves that, then there will always be a part of us that feels like something is missing. We must always embrace ourselves and our passion. When we embrace our passion and stay true to ourselves, we inspire others to do the same.

TLT: Fluency in Portuguese and your international experiences suggest a diverse cultural perspective. How do you incorporate these diverse influences into your writing, particularly in “Saga of The Swedish Water Spirit”?

Caroline Helenasdotter: The different kinds of cultures in this book are more between humans and väsen (which is the collective name of all the magical creatures that reside in forests, lakes, and other dimensions that can opt into our realm). Humans tend to think in terms of us and them, and they want to annihilate all väsen. In “Saga of the Swedish Water Spirit,” it is implied that we all come from the same source and that all our souls are essentially connected. Liv sees the value in all living beings and respects them. She sees them as part of herself and has no desire to harm anyone, but she feels trapped within society’s norms and beliefs.

TLT: What can readers expect next from you? Are there any upcoming projects or sequels to “Saga Of The Swedish Water Spirit” that you can share with us?

Caroline Helenasdotter: I released one book called “Whispers of the Nordic Draugr” just recently. Right now, I am working on a book called “Carolean Snow,” which will be released later this fall. It follows a Carolean soldier who encounters the gruvå. These books are closer to the genre of romantic fantasy than erotica. This summer, I will release the first short story in my series “Lustful Legends,” which is poetic historical erotica where women encounter different kinds of magical beings in Scandinavia. The series will consist entirely of short stories, and if you enjoy poetic erotica, you will appreciate this series. I felt that there is a lack of representation of women over 30 in fantasy and erotica.
This summer, I will release the first short story in my series “Lustful Legends,” which is poetic historical erotica where women encounter different kinds of magical beings in Scandinavia. The series will consist entirely of short stories, and if you enjoy poetic erotica, you will appreciate this series. I felt that there is a lack of representation of women over 30 in fantasy and erotica,