Johanna Maria Juntunen

I jokingly say masochism, but being a writer is not painless. It can be a lonely road, but if you don't take it, you will never know where it leads, and most importantly, what you will find along it. There are pit stops and side roads along the way, so be flexible to explore them if they appeal to you. If you fix your gaze too firmly on the destination, you might miss the main attraction hiding by a dirt road less traveled. I am fearless, open-minded, and curious about the world around me, especially nature, which never stops surprising me. It is an endless source of wonder, inspiration, and a source of renewal. It helps to have a survivalist mindset in the jungle - whether urban or any other kind. Being ready to pivot, asking for help when needed, and respecting others are guidelines that I keep close to my heart on this journey.

I had to think about this hard, but I concluded that the advice I got from a fellow journalist is worth mentioning here: "No matter what you are writing, the piece is never done, you just have to stop writing it at some point". In other words, perfection does not exist, even if we desire and reach towards it. Were we to achieve 'perfection', there would be nothing else to do.

I always encourage young women interested in writing to follow their hearts and stay true to their personal values rather than chasing financial gain. When you create from a place of authenticity, the right opportunities will follow. Most importantly: do not take rejection personally. There are numerous reasons why a publication would reject your pitch. They could have just commissioned a similar piece. If you followed the guidelines, crafting an intriguing pitch, do not waste time asking why. It is not worth it. Writers are not mindreaders. Move on. Keep writing. Anything from poetry to prose and everything in between. And read books.

The writing and creative industries are evolving quickly with the rise of AI. While technology can streamline certain tasks, I believe writers must stay hands-on and preserve the human touch. Our creativity, intuition, and ability to connect emotionally with readers are what make writing truly powerful. But utilize AI to create ideas, headlines, and reword sentences for a better flow if you feel it is missing from your writing. But never use the exact suggestion AI offers. Make it yours. And be transparent when using AI. It is a tool. Not a friend. Double-check everything AI outputs. It is prone to taking shortcuts and exaggerating. Check all sources, as often the quote taken from them does not exist.

I deeply value activities that nurture both my personal and professional well-being. Gardening, birdwatching, and spending time in nature contribute to my wellness, bring me peace, and keep me grounded. I also find immense joy in producing belly dancing events in Culver City—turning my passions into a living has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. Brutal honesty is my default trait, as I believe that honesty (which does not hurt people on purpose) should always be appreciated. It saves time, gets to the point, and does not leave anything for interpretation or guessing. Another must for me and the people I engage with is respect. Trust me, a person can't respect you while behaving disrespectfully. There can be no trust without mutual respect, whether in personal or professional life. These values are essential building blocks that form strong foundations and lasting collaborations.