My name is Renate van Nijen. I am an internationally exhibited Artist turned published writer, born in the Netherlands but settled in Andalucía, Spain in 2003, where I continue to paint, teach art classes, and above all, to embrace my passion for writing. Not for its own sake, but because I am a woman with a message; a message of positivity and hope.

I write mainly in English and have to date, published two books;  Cheers and Secret Thoughts.

On this website you will also find stories about my adventures and sometimes slightly unusual thoughts. Some of my work has been published in magazines, both printed and online.

So where do I get my inspiration from? Well, I love to observe people and scenes and somehow I always seem to get myself into strange and awkward situations. I also regularly meet beautiful, wonderfully weird and interesting people.  All these moments inspire me to write short stories both in English and in Dutch.

In my latest work ‘Cheers – The Hidden Voices of Alcoholism‘  I explore the problem of alcoholism. This book has come about from my personal experience of living with an alcoholic partner.

I have interviewed people throughout Europe about their experiences with alcoholism or alcohol abuse. Parents, children, partners, health workers and alcoholics themselves have shared their incredible stories with me and given me permission to craft their information into short stories. I am extremely passionate to reveal the human face behind the problem of alcoholism. You can find extensive information about this subject on this website.

My book ‘Secret Thoughts’  is a compilation of sensual and quirky flash fiction tales with a twist which may well transport you into a dream like world.  However, I also draw inspiration from my personal life experience in general. Overall you could say that my writing is a testimony of my compassionate, unique and ultimately positive view of the world.

Art

My art is very colourful and expressionistic. Work of mine has been purchased by clients all over the world, from Amsterdam to New York to Moscow. My work has been exhibited in Rome, Paris, The Hague and Amsterdam to name but a few.  On this website you will find some examples of my art  but you can also visit my art website for more information.