Who are those people behind this site

I understand that the question “Who are the people behind this site?” occurs and I’m going to try to answer it.

My name is Dirk Bal and I am well over zeventy.

I’ve been writing for decades. My first computer was the MSX from Philips. In terms of writing, I couldn’t do anything with that at the time. Nice to do some programming, but otherwise it was that. It was only when the speed and storage of the newer computers developed that I could really indulge in writing my stories. In 2005 the website ‘Sprookjesverhalen.nl’ was launched.

Besides writing stories for young and old, I have another passion, namely painting.

Obviously, not everyone likes what you paint or write and sometimes people ask me ‘how do you deal with criticism?’ I always try to explain that there will always be people who may or may not like your stories and / or paintings. And that is allowed, I also don’t always like everything I make, while others say they love it.
Painting is the mirror of your mind. Your own memories and emotions often add something to a painting. This could be because of the scene you see or the use of colour that can cause you to lose yourself in a painting. This also applies to writing to a certain extent, often you have to crawl into your soul to understand the characters, but often storylines also emerge spontaneously. Over the years I have written a lot of manuscripts, too much to process for the website.

Unfortunately, some time ago I had to put down my painting stuff for health reasons, but I am still busy writing and I hope to continue for many more years.

In the meantime, the website was due for replacement again after a few years. This has now been given a new look and my wife Gerda is responsible for that so that I can devote myself entirely to my storylines. Hopefully, you will enjoy it as much as I do and if you want to comment on it. Just do it.

Enjoy reading.  Sincerely,

Dirk Bal