The Lonely Art of the Novel: Arno Jundze on the ‘Burning’ Cost of Creativity
For many, the image of a professional novelist is one of glamour, intellectual luxury, and an endlessly compelling lifestyle. Yet, for Arno Jundze—the Chairman of the Latvian Writers’ Union and host of the TV24 program “Grāmatu kods”—the reality is far more grueling. In a candid reflection on the creative process, the author of more than ten books describes writing not as a romantic pursuit, but as an act of personal attrition.
“Writing books, you burn yourself – the more you write, the less remains,” Jundze admits.
The prolific writer, who also serves as a cultural journalist and literary critic, warns that the public perception of the craft is often skewed. Whereas many aspiring authors in Latvia are drawn to the profession believing it to be an exciting vocation, Jundze characterizes the actual work as “horribly boring” and “very lonely.” According to the author, the process is an “abnormally difficult” struggle where one is left entirely alone with the text, often fighting against constant distractions.
This need for absolute isolation has driven Jundze to seek refuge far from the urban noise of Ogre, where he maintains an apartment. To escape the sounds of barking dogs and the cacophony of neighborhood construction, he invested in an authentic Latvian homestead—a secluded retreat surrounded by forest and local fauna.
However, the pursuit of peace has arrive with its own set of challenges. Jundze reveals that his time is currently split between literature and the endless cycle of home renovation. The aging property has proven temperamental, featuring drafts that blow through door gaps regardless of the heating and a recurring battle with flies and mice during the autumn months. In one particularly humorous detail, the author noted that the house originally had doors so low that he frequently hit his forehead, a problem he has only recently resolved by installing recent doors.
The property holds more than just architectural quirks; it is situated in a location known for local lore, specifically the spot where the famous Ramata bear was once arrested.
Jundze’s commitment to the literary arts extends beyond his own prose. A PhD in Philology and a former member of the council at the State Culture Capital Foundation, he has spent decades shaping Latvia’s cultural landscape through his work with LTV1 and various high-profile art and literature forums. His diverse bibliography ranges from children’s literature, nominated for the Jānis Baltvilks Award, to the novel Putekļi smilšu pulkstenī (Dust in an Hourglass).
By peeling back the curtain on the isolation and monotony of the writing life, Jundze provides a sobering counter-narrative to the idealized image of the author, highlighting the personal sacrifice required to produce lasting literature.
