: About Me

My first brush with writing came in my last year at primary school when I was asked to become a "journalist" for the school's paper doing "interviews". I "interviewed" a former pupil who'd done a trip around the world. If you think that set me off becoming a journalist: no.
During secondary school I acquired pen-friends. Some despaired of my long letters and told me to take up writing. I didn't heed their advice. More advise and published articles in a school-paper followed during my studies to become a fully qualified teacher of English. I, however, was more interested in translating - especially Old and Middle English.
Jobs as a bi-lingual secretary, a teacher, and in ICT followed. It took a paralyzed right arm and partly paralyzed left hand, occupational hazards for people using pcs, that forced me to rethink my life.

So, whenever I've a chance, I now hone my writing skills and occasionally publish on Helium. Apart from writing and publishing, I also do freelance translations, (re)writing of texts, and some proof-reading or copy editing. I also work as a freelance life coach and ESL language coach using the internet to help people with their English.

I love reading and don't restrict myself to literature or English but dip into publications in other languages as well. Other interests include History of Art, History and Social History, travelling. At the moment, I live near the Hague, very close to woods, parks and the beach and regret not having pets.

If you'd like to contact me, please use the link on the right.

My passion is ...

reading and writing

I know too much about ...

forgetting to go to bed because this book is just so good - and the next morning having people comment on your "obviously wild nights".

My parents always told me ...

to be the traditionally nice girl - yuck!

My childhood ambition ...

not falling off my pony anymore and spend most of my time reading and drawing.

My favorite memory ...

Lucky me keeps adding to my list of good memories.

Why I write ...

I just have to. It's an uncontrolable daily urge - even if it's just one line.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I'm always into several books at the same time, love classical music and watch current affairs a lot.

My first job ...

Too humiliating to mention here.

My best moment ...

Several, like winning a prize illustrating a children's story at primary school and winning a national translation contest later on.

My inspiration ...

People who've experienced tough times, now helping others. "Fringe benefits of Failure" speech by JK Rowling.

Arts & Humanities > Horror, Mystery & Suspense Book reviews: Through a Glass Darkly, by Donna Leon

2 of 2

It's the first day of spring in Venice and Commissario Brunetti is contemplating its delights when his colleague and friend Commissario Vianello disturbs the peace. Vianello's friend Marco has been arrested during a greens protest outside a factory belonging to his father-in-law de Cal. When Brunetti and Vianello manage to get Marco released, they witness an angry confrontation between Marco and de Cal. In the meantime, Vice-Questore Patta contemplates applying for a job at Interpol. Brunetti and Vianello have no time to keep track of this career-move, for De Cal and the Murano glass-indus...

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Writing:

• Marketplace Approved Writer
• Helium Charter Member