Piret Jaaks wins Estonian Writer of the Year award

Writer Piret Jaaks received the Estonian Writer of the Year award for her novel “Päikeseuskujad” at the Eesti Kirjanik 2026 festival held at the Juhan Liiv Museum, ERR reported.

Speaking on the Vikerhommik radio programme, Jaaks said the award came as a complete surprise. She has attended the festival before and described its atmosphere as exceptionally warm.

“Using modern terms, it is a boutique festival attended by about a hundred people who all interact with one another. There is the beautiful Juhan Liiv Museum, with its large barn and fields, and food and drink are served there. For me, it is a very pleasant meeting place,” Jaaks said.

All the writers know that the award is presented at the festival, she said, but no one knows in advance who will receive it. Writers are invited to speak about their work and books, and the award is usually announced after the recipient’s appearance.

“This time they did not do that. I had finished my appearance and was completely convinced that it was not my turn,” Jaaks said. The winner was announced only at the end of the evening.

“The competition was very strong. Indrek Hargla, Reeli Reinaus and Triinu Laan were there, and I was rooting for everyone. But when they called out my name, my first reaction was perhaps not the most appropriate: ‘What do you mean?’” Jaaks said.

The award is a keepsake from Juhan Liiv or the Liiv household. Jaaks received a fire striker found at the Liiv household.

Jaaks said writers should focus on subjects that genuinely interest them rather than trying to create a work that will make a major impact on society.

“You have to write about something that truly burns inside you and interests you. If you start writing with the idea that you will create a work that will cause huge waves in society, then you have started writing for the wrong reason,” she said.

Jaaks said she particularly enjoys writing about women’s stories, which she believes have often remained in the shadows.

“The time has now come to tell these women’s stories,” she said, adding that women’s literature is currently experiencing its heyday.

She also said the Estonian Women’s Literature Society had become a strongly supportive community. About 45 women writers attended its third summer seminar, she said.