Worlds, Words, and Nature with Bjorn

Writing is not just telling a story: it’s a journey, a way to process life, and for some, a path to complete independence. For Bjorn, storytelling has been a lifelong passion, one deeply connected to personal experiences, nature, and a desire for creative freedom. 

We hope his story inspires you to pursue your own creative passions, embrace the freedom that comes with storytelling, and find inspiration in the world around you! 

What inspired you to get into writing?

I have always been very interested in writing stories and that whole process. Also, I like the independence of being a full-time novelist.

Bjorn's writing journey began at a young age, drawn as he was to the creative process and the ability to craft entire worlds through words. But more than just a passion, writing became a means to live life on their own terms.

I have been a novelist for a long time. I started out when I was 19 and have been writing ever since. 

Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to pursue in life?

I was in a car accident and broke my neck. I was not paralyzed, but had to learn to live with pain. That made me realize that life is not to be taken for granted and that we should do what we want to do while we can.

This life-changing event solidified his commitment to writing. Faced with the reality of how fleeting time can be, he embraced the idea of fully dedicating himself to his craft. Writing became a way to process their experiences and reflect on a world they don’t always align with. 

I think that for me, writing is a way to process my experiences in life, and the fact that I don't really like modern society with its stress and its expectations might have contributed to me mostly writing either post-apocalyptic or Viking Age novels.

Do you have a day job aside from being a writer?

No, but I am very present on YouTube since my main channel has as per today 715,000 subscribers.

How has your journey with writing evolved over time?

I hope that I am constantly improving as an artist.

Writing books has been my job for more than three decades now, and I like the process. I like the independence. I like not being anyone’s employee and the freedom that comes with owning my own time.

Three decades into their career, Bjorn continues to refine their craft, pushing themselves to evolve and grow with each new story they tell. 

What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know?

I have been on the Norwegian national powerlifting team and won several national and international medals. I am still active competing, now as a 50+ years lifter.

Beyond the literary world, Bjorn's dedication to powerlifting showcases a discipline that undoubtedly carries over into their writing process. 

What are your future plans or goals related to your passion?

I hope to see my novels published in English. They are already available in, I think, ten languages, but not as per today in English. That needs to happen!

With their work already reaching international audiences, he has his sights set on expanding into English-language markets to share his stories with an even broader readership. We hope it does happen soon! 

What is your favorite Lochby product and why?

I carry the small notebook (Pocket Journal). I depend on that as a smartphone-free person to make notes. I make notes all the time, both for my novels and for my YouTube videos.

A notebook is definitely still an essential tool nowadays, even with technology so prevalent, and for Bjorn, we're glad the Pocket Journal is able to support his creative process in both writing and content creation! 

For those ideas and stories that come out of nowhere, it's always useful to have something so that we take note of that spark of inspiration. 

I would add that the story itself is a driving force in my writing. I feel that the main characters are the ones building the story, and at one point, it feels like the story gets a life of its own. That, I have learned, is a good thing.

What advice would you give to someone just starting to write?

Keep writing. Set time aside every day for writing.

Are there any common mistakes beginners should avoid?

Don’t try to copy your favorite writer. Be yourself.

No matter the passion or hobby, whether it's writing or something else, consistency is key! Though this may seem simple advice from Bjorn, it's one of the most important because it emphasizes how vital it is to make writing a daily habit to develop skill and stay connected to the creative process.

On top of this, finding one’s own voice is just as crucial! While learning from others is valuable, originality is what sets a writer apart. 

What role does creativity play in your life, and how do you nurture it?

It is everything. I find it in nature.

I am massively inspired by nature and spending time in nature, much more than reading. I read, of course, but nature itself is my main source of inspiration.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires your creative process?

Never give up.

A simple yet powerful mindset that has carried Bjorn through decades of storytelling! This highlights how his journey is one of perseverance, independence, and a deep connection to both storytelling and the natural world. 

Don't forget to follow Bjorn on his outdoor Youtube channel and make sure to visit his website for his works!