Bio:

I think I have been practising to become a children’s book writer and illustrator all my life. As a child I used to make up stories about the fairies, gnomes and witches that I imagined lived in our garden and told these stories to my two younger sisters. Of course I also drew the pictures that accompanied these wild stories.

Once I started reading, I never stopped, and my school days were mostly spent with my nose in a storybook. I remember at one stage when I was about 8 or 9 years old fearing that I might run out of stories to read! I hope by getting my stories published that I will be able to contribute to the stories available in the world so that children may never run out!

After school I completed two years of Graphic Design at the Cape Technicon before starting my studies at the University of Stellenbosch where I completed my Masters degree in Philosophy.

I love animals and whilst I was busy with my Masters degree, I worked part-time at a veterinary practice in Stellenbosch. I’ve always been fascinated by the almost human personalities animals appear to have, and I enjoy depicting animals and their quirky personalities in my illustrations. My own two pets, Ophelia (our cat) and Charlie (our dog), are a constant source of inspiration and joy.

I have completed a course on children’s book writing as well as two courses on children’s book illustration. I did the writing course with established children’s book writer Marianna Brandt and the illustration courses with well-known children’s book illustrator Marjorie van Heerden.



Writer/Illustrator
Associate
Member since 2010
Region: South Africa

Contact Information

Email:  liesl.vanderhoven@gmail.com
Current Location:   Strand
Website:  http://liesl.me/

Published In Children's Market: No