Anja Snellman
Humanist of the day

Anja Snellman

Anja Snellman is constantly mastering new areas of life out of pure curiosity. She is well-known as an author, but she has also enjoyed a long career as journalist. For Ms Snellman, a novelty in the field of media is hosting digital television talk shows. She has just completed her studies in advanced Solution-Focused Therapy and now her attention has turned to a Master’s degree in Finnish Literature.

Anja Snellman

Born May 23, 1954, Helsinki

Bachelor of Arts 1977 (Finnish literature, English philology, applied psychology)
Studies in advanced Solution-Focused Therapy 2001–15, Helsinki Brief Therapy Institute
Master’s degree programme 2015–16 (Finnish Literature), thesis: Pentti Saarikoski and highly sensitive individuals

Author, journalist and therapist
Host of the HSTV talk show Arka paikka (‘A sensitive place’) 2014–
Active debater of social issues

Literary production

Awards:
The J. H. Erkko Award (later the Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize) for best debut novel 1981
Kiitos Kirjasta book award 1994
Lyytin päivän palkinto (award for the promotion of gender equality) 2000
Stadin Friidu (Helsinki cultural woman of the year) 2004
Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland
Medal of the City of Helsinki 2008

Photo: Ulla-Maija Lähteenmäki
Written by Anja Snellman (Kaija Hartikainen ed.)
Translated by Matthew Billington

For the common good

I am at once do-gooder, a challenger, a magician and a dreamer, all in the same skin, there’s no denying it. I am a humanist, but not a toothless one. As a writer I have written about many taboos and social problems and societal themes that are difficult to articulate. The journalist in me questions, debates, roots around, ponders and wants to say things directly, without fear. The poet in me senses, whispers, longs and has a mad love for words. At the core of my being I am a wordsmith and a story teller.

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