CREATIVITY TAKES HARD WORK TOO

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I live in Amsterdam with the best dog in the world, called Bacon. I love to doodle tattoos and swim in the sea, preferably a blue one.
So far, I have written one novel and six children's books. Four of them are about Donnie, a boy who likes wearing dresses and skateboarding.

What inspired you to start writing for children?

I started a foundation for kids when I realised that in a heteronormative, white world, we need broader stories. There is not just one way to be or to live. I think it's very important that kids feel seen and never alone, so there need to be stories for everyone.
With the foundation we host an inclusive storytime book club. We regularly throw a big event called Donnie's Magische Bal, where kids can experience all kinds of ways to be themselves. We celebrate each other's differences and colours.

Where do you find inspiration for your stories?

Mostly just life and what is going on in our world today.
My latest book, Toni en de geheime schutting, is inspired by the Zeedijk, a very colourful street in Amsterdam where all kinds of different people live together.

Donnie is a colourful children's book series that starts conversations about diversity, inclusion and other relevant contemporary topics. I think it's important to give children a broad view of the world, and in doing so, create a world where we embrace our differences.

What's the hardest part about writing?

Getting behind my laptop and not getting distracted.

How do you know when a story is ready?

I don't think it ever really is. You can keep polishing and improving endlessly. At some point, you just have to say: it's done.

What do you think makes a children's book memorable?

The feeling it gives you, as a child or as a grown-up. A world you can completely disappear into.

What's one thing writing has taught you about creativity?

That creativity goes hand in hand with hard, disciplined work if you ever really want to finish that book.

What children's book did you love growing up?

So, so many. But if I have to choose: Matilda by Roald Dahl and Pluk van de Petteflet by Annie M.G. Schmidt.