In June 2016 I interviewed Jonas Jonason, the Swedish author. He is popular with his novels, but also with his interesting personal story. After so many years in the media business he realised that the only thing he really needed to do is tell stories. He sold his business and started a new life on an island. For this interview he had to go to a near island, where the internet connection was better. I waited for him in the television studio in Sofia, dressed in a dazzling yellow dress, my hair beautifully done, face made up and shoes in my favourite Manolo Blahnik. I was terribly nervous. I asked myself whether the internet connection would be good, if my questions would be a failure, if I had seen enough interviews with him, if I had missed a novel. Exact to the minute Jonas Jonason appeared on the screen. Wearing a white shirt and wide smile. Illuminating casual happiness.

I asked him:
In an interview for the British Telegraph you said you were married to your work. When you decided to leave journalism, TV productions, media in general, did you feel like you climbed out of the window and disappeared? (As in his novel The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared)

Jonas Jonason: Yes, you can say that. I recommend it to everyone. We have only this life and it is so short – too short. We need to turn it upside down once or twice, before it is too late.

I: Do you think there is an author in every journalist?

Jonas Jonason: In every journalist? I think there is an author in every man. The question is whether we have something to say.

 

And here I am two years lates. A journalist, mother of two, a loved one, a good friend, a participant in more than one mischiefs, now “climbing out of the window”, suitcase in hand, hunting for stories. For the time being I will tell them here. Later I might try to put them in a book. These stories or others. Mine or rented.

In my blog Life of Donika, I will try NOT to give directions or advice, but mostly to share ideas, inspiration and smiles. To bring you closer to my travels, my life, which, just like yours, has its highs and lows.
People I like will come along the way. You will read about them in the Interview section or you might try to cook together recipes from all over the world.
Have fun, write to me, ask and never forget that:
We have only this life and and we need to turn it upside down once or twice, before it is too late.

Enjoy!