I'm Liliana Erasmus:
writer, illustrator and reading promoter
living and working in Aruba.
Thanks for visiting my site,
an online portfolio of my published work and related activities.
I currently write for children in Papiamento, Dutch and English
and illustrate
children's books and
promotional material.
If you have
an interesting writing
and/or illustration project,
feel free to contact me,
I'd love to hear about it.
Sunny regards,
Liliana
Working on my first
Teen Novel
Read all about the process, from literary grants to coaches...
click HERE
NEW BOOK RELEASE
Look Inside
ARUBA BOOKS
Reading Promotion Campaign 2011
Read more...
NOW AVAILABLE!
My first iPad App:
HOPUS
By iStoryApps
Buy it today
on iTunes !
New Poetry Book & CD
Fundacion Papiamente
New contract with Dutch Publisher:
Read all about the new book and the publishing process... soon!
I've been Nominated!
Read all about this new award for Aruban artists and what you can do with a nomination... click HERE!
My Newest
NANO Picture Book
illustrations by
Danielle Schothorst
Click!
For more information:
Full name:
Liliana Lorraine Erasmus
Place of birth:
Aruba
Date of birth:
June 3rd of 1974
Biography:
Liliana Erasmus is the author of several children’s poetry and picture books, radio and short plays and stories in her native language Papiamento. She has written guided reading level books, short stories and columns for The Netherlands and Belgium and is currently writing her first middle grade novel in English, while working on other publishing projects in Papiamento, English and Dutch.
She spent the first years of her life helping her parents out in the family shoe business since she was ten by selling comfort and relief; auditing companies at Deloitte & Touche for a while; setting up a Sales Department, directing some commercial productions at Aruba's Broadcasting Company; working as a Marketing Account Manager/ concept developer/copywriter/voice and hand actress at a very dynamic advertising company in Aruba...
Conclusion: Liliana did everything in her power to convince herself (and others) that she could build on a secure career, only to discover that building security wasn't what she was looking for. She wanted adventure, creation, suffering, desperation She wanted to be a writer and knew it all along.
She now lives in Aruba together with her husband, son and daughter and is a full-time writer and reading promoter.
Q&A on writing
Why write?
From an early age, I had an ambition to be a writer. I wrote my first article for the school's newspaper when I was six, won my first prize when I was nine with a children's magazine's 'Letter of the Month' and had pen pals from all over the world (and not because my mom told me to - I wrote for fun). I became more serious about writing and publishing when I turned 18 - don't really know why it took me so long ;p
Why publish?
When my first book was published (in 2003), I discovered a way to encourage the children of Aruba to read by writing and publishing literature they could relate to, in their native language Papiamento. There was a great need for original writings and I didn't know where to start. I created picture books, radio plays (from which an audio-book is published), chapter books, concept books, poetry, rhymes, raps and songs, and hope to add a children's musical to the list, soon. I learned that I could make a difference (a significant one) by sharing what I love to best with as many as possible.
Why abroad?
Since 2007 I've been expanding my wings, I'm happy to be writing for the children of The Netherlands and Belgium. I believe that by giving children from all around the world new experiences, writers are not only breaking their own boundaries, but most importantly, they're broadening their horizons (and are you kidding? I would love to explore this wonderful planet :D)
Why me?
I feel blessed to have been brought up on an island where the people are able to communicate in four languages - Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish - and relate to different cultures by sharing as many stories as possible. Why not put this advantage to good use?
Q&A on illustrating
Did I like to draw as a child?
If I wasn't hanging in a tree outside, I would probably be sitting somewhere (underneath a tree? in my room? It didn't matter much) with my sketchbook and drawing tools. I'd let my younger brother pose for hours, only to draw him as an ape, so I could explore the many possibilities (and hidden pleasures) of art. Did I like to draw? I LOVED IT
At what age did I start drawing?
As soon as I could hold a pencil, I was making art - something I chose over dolls, games, toys in general, with 1 exception: books. I would fill a book with color if it only had black and white illustrations and I would draw colorful illustrations if the book hadn't any. I even decorated my parents wedding album (which they would never forget for as long as they live ;p)
What is my favorite color?
To paint (can you guess?): orange
To wear: depends on my mood
In general: bright and basic colors
What do I like to draw?
Animals (except for horses - too much going on) and people, especially kids and funny characters.
What are my illustration projects?
Children's books, book covers, greeting cards, promotional material (posters, brochures), school material (manuals) and (wall) art.
What do I like best: writing or illustrating?
I'm more of a writer who illustrates, but I enjoy doing both. The good thing: when I don't know what to write about, I illustrate for inspiration.
Any new illustration projets in 2010?
YES. I'm illustrating (and writing) a new poetry book for children that will be launched at the end of this year.
Q&A on reading promotion
Why would I promote reading?
Before I published my first book, it never occured to me what that meant; being a children's author. I never thought about school visits, speeches and presentations (alias 'the scary parts') and I didn't have a clue about the quantities of children not reading, let alone the reasons why. Since my first book publication, I've learned a great deal about my readers and I've discovered other motivations to write: to increase the pleasure of reading and transforming reluctant readers into avid ones.
What I do to promote reading?
In 2004, I've founded together with two friends, a foundation ( Fundacion Papiamente ) to promote the pleasure of reading in Aruba. We organize reading and book events, promotional and awarenes campaigns to help bring parents, teachers, children, the whole island closer to books.
As a writer I love to attend school and library visits, readings, booksigning sessions at libraries, workshops and to have contact with my readers via Internet. I want to write books that inspire, that will keep my readers reading and asking for more.
Q & A on my favorites
I don't like to choose, but if I have to...
My favorite children’s book?
Poetry & fairy tales.
My favorite children’s book author?
Roald Dahl
My favorite children’s book illustrator?
Marit Tornqvist
My favorite animator?
Hayao Miyazaki
My favorite children’s screenwriter?
Tim Burton
Favorite items on my desk?
A cup of coffee
My Mac
Paper (doesn’t matter what kind)
A pen (or anything to write with)
Dictionaries (many)
My favorite food?
Fresh from the sea
My favorite song?
Smile
More information?
Visit my blog: lilianaerasmus.blogspot.com
Follow my tweets: twitter.com/LiLiLandia
Connect with me on: linkedin.com/in/lilianaerasmus
Meet me on: facebook.com/people/Liliana-Erasmus
MY VERY FIRST BOOK
Children's Poetry
Rima rond di Aruba
Editorial Charuba, 2003 (sold out)
ISBN 99904-862-5-5
ARUBA'S FIRST ALPHABET BOOK
ABC Rhymes
Mi prome buki di ABC
Fundacion Papiamente, 2004 (sold out)
ISBN 99904-920-5-0
Fundacion Papiamente, 2009
ISBN 978-99904-920-5-0
CHILDREN'S POETRY COLLECTION II
Mas rima rond di Aruba
Fundacion Papiamente, 2005
ISBN 99904-932-0-0
ARUBA'S CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL GIFT 2005 (Picture Book)
Fundacion Papiamente, 2005 (sold out)
Papiamento
ISBN 99904-932-5-1
Dutch
ISBN 99904-932-3-5
Uitgeverij Zwijsen, 2006
The Netherlands & Belgium
ISBN 90-276-0183-6
Het was Big
Uitgeverij Zwijsen, 2007 & 2008
ISBN 978-90-276-7303-9
Het was Big Luisterboek (Audio Book)
Interval-Lale, 2008
ISBN 978-90-5529-356-8
BILINGUAL AUDIO BOOK GIFT FOR ARUBA'S
15TH CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL CELEBRATION
Nano e enano - Misterionan di e Mondi Perdi/
Nano de dwerg - Mysteries van de Verloren Mondi
Fundacion Papiamente, 2007 (sold out)
ISBN 99904-937-2-6
READING LEVEL BOOK
Mijn feest
Uitgeverij Zwijsen, 2008
ISBN 978-90-2767-164-6
CHILDREN'S POETRY COLLECTION I & CD
Rima rond di Aruba (incl. CD)
Dier in nood
ISBN 978-90-487-0090-5
Purchase (options) via Beslist.nl
Hopus iPad Book App
iStoryapps by Apps of All Nations , 2010
Available in English, Dutch and French
Read about Hopus App at iStoryapps
Watch (French) Hopus App via YouTube
Buy Hopus App via iTunes Store
CHILDREN'S POETRY COLLECTION III & CD
Sigui rima rond di Aruba
Fundacion Papiamente, 2010
ISBN 978-99904-1-333-5
PICTURE BOOK
Nano y Nena
Fundacion Papiamente, 2011
ISBN 99904-1-555-1
CHILDREN'S POETRY COLLECTION IV & CD
Rima rond di Aruba su Status Aparte (Silver Ed.)
Fundacion Papiamente & The Ministry of Culture of Aruba, 2011
ISBN 99904-1-421-9
CHILDREN'S THRILLER FOR RELUCTANT READERS (10YRS&UP)
De Knijpkat
Educatieve Uitgeverij Delubas, 2012
ISBN 978-90-5300-529-3
Purchase via Delubas.nl
To Share
Greeting Cards for ATHA
(Asociacion Trabou di Hubentud Aruba)
Autism Awareness Poster
FAA
(Fundacion Autismo Aruba)
Aventura di bestia
FPNM
(Fundacion Pa Nos Muchanan)
ALOE
Aruba Aloe
Pictograms
TPH
(Telefon Pa Hubentud Aruba)
Young Negotiatiors Manual
Cadushi
Samples, sketches...
Mixed materials
Pastels, charcoal, acryl
Watercolor, charcoal
Children's poetry book
Poem about "Barbulet" (Butterflies)
Paintings
New in 2010
New illustration projects
Picture Book (2011)
Collection Aruba Children's songs: Book&CD (2011)
Contests
"Rhyme around Aruba" School contest
2004, Aruba
Book Promotions
(illustrations by Danielle Schothorst)
2005, Aruba
Workshops/ Readings
Since 2003
Opening of Children's Book Festival
2007, Aruba
Book Presentations
Official presentation of Nano the dwarf
Children's Book Festival Gift 2007
Author Visits Abroad
Children's Book Week Bonaire
2007, Bonaire (Dutch Caribbean)
Dutch Children's Book Week
2008, The Netherlands
Children's Book Festival Aruba
Participating since 2003
2008, Oranjestad
Local School Visits
2008, Aruba
Book Signings
2009, Aruba
Official visits
The Governor of Aruba
His Excellency F. Refunjol
Reading Promotion
Foundation Papiamente since 2004
LATEST UPDATES
NOVEMBER 2010
When? November 7, 14, 21 & 28
What? Buki Bum 2010 workshops
Where? Community centres around Aruba
Why? To promote the pleasure of reading on Aruba starting from the earliest age possible
OCTOBER 2010
When? October 6 till 16
What? 56th (Dutch) Children's Book Week: "Images in Children's Books" (Picture books, illustrations & comics)
Where? All schools and libraries in The Netherlands
How? You can book my visits at SSS.nl
MARCH 2010
When? Tuesday, March 11
What? Lecture about Children's Literature
Where? IPA (Aruba's Teacher Education Institute)
FEBRUARY 2010
When? Saturday, February 27
What? Storytelling, booksigning, meet & greet at Samsom Bookstore's Children's Book Festival
Where? ANTRACO, L.G. Smith Boulevard
Time? Starting at 3:00 p.m.
Storytelling, booksigning, meet & greet...
LATEST PUBLICATIONS
TO BE RELEASED 2011
Rima rond di Aruba su Status Aparte (Special Silver Edition)
RELEASED 2010
Sigui Rima rond di Aruba, CD included(New Edition)
RELEASED 2009
Rima rond di Aruba, CD included (Second Edition)
Mi Prome buki di ABC (Second Edition)
HIGHLIGHTS
(to never forget how wonderful it's been)
2011 - working on it :D
2010 - Presentation of oficial reading promotion project in Aruba: Buki Bum 2010 plus new book & CD 'Sigui Rima rond di Aruba'
2009 - Introduction of a new reading project in Aruba to promote the pleasure of books: Buki Bum.
2008 - Invitation to participate with the Children's Book Week in The Netherlands and to attend the Children's Book Ball 2008 in Amsterdam.
2007 - My radio play series 'Nano the dwarf' becomes an audio book, and a special edition for Aruba's 15th Children's Book Festival celebration.
2006 - My debut in The Netherlands and Belgium with Hopus.
2005 - Aruba first Book Festival Gift Book: Hopus.
2004 - Founded Fundacion Papiamente and the publicaction of Aruba's very first ABC Book.
2003 - First Book Published: 'Rima rond di Aruba' and my first Children's Book Festival school and library visits and presentations as an author.
INTERVIEW WITH:
Publisher Zwijsen
for debut release of Hopus.
P: Where does the idea of this book come from?
L: In 2005, the theme of Aruba's Children's Book Festival was Magic. I was assigned by the National Library of Aruba to write the first festival gift, a great honor. That's how Hopus was born.
P: Do you already know, when you start writing, how the book will look like?
L: No. Mostly, I write on an impulse and find it very exciting to discover what's going to happen while I'm writing. Before I start, I do fantasize day and night about my main character and the story. When I'm about to explode and unable to wait any longer, I'll go and sit behind the computer.
P: What do you like the most about writing for children?
L: There's a lot I like. I can be who I am, but I can also be who/what I've never been: a scared magician's rabbit, a naughty pig, a miserly goat.... but also a kid with a whole lot of dreams. As long as the children for whom I write enjoy it as much as I do, it will all be okay.
P: Are there themes or elements that keep returning in your books?
Up till now, a lot of animals. In Aruba I'm surroundedby many iguanas, lizards, parakeets, but also snakes and scorpions (not to worry, no life-threathening kinds)
LATEST ADVENTURES
(what I'm working on)
2011
Picture Book (Papiamento) - 2011
Aruba Children Songs Book & CD (Papiamento) - 2011
Middle Grade thriller for reluctant readers (Dutch) - 2011
Young Adult Novel (Dutch) - 2011/2012
iLearn4Free Mobile App in Papiamento - 2011
2010
iPad Book App Hopus (English, Dutch, French) - DONE
Children's Poetry Book(Papiamento) - 2010 - DONE
Name:
Email:
Subject:
Message:
Dear Visitor,
Welcome to my website. Here you can find out more about me and my work as a writer, an illustrator and a reading promotor.
To make my home more comfortable and accessible, I will be updating my website regularly and would like to invite you to join me in the process.
If you have suggestions, questions, ideas, comments, anything you would like to share, feel free to contact me.
Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy the site.
Liliana Erasmus
Aruba, 2010
Beste Bezoeker,
Welkom op mijn website. Hier vind je meer over mijn werk als schrijver, illustrator en lees-bevorderaar.
Om mijn huis comfortabeler en toegankelijker te maken, zal ik mijn website regelmatig updaten en ik wil jou graag uitnodigen om deel te nemen gedurende dit proces.
Voor suggesties, vragen, ideetjes, commentaar, of wat je ook maar wilt delen, neem gerust contact op met mij.
Bedankt voor je bezoek en ik hoop dat je van de site geniet.
Zonnige groeten,
Querido Bishitante,
Bon bini na mi website. Aki bo por haya sa mas tocante mi trabou como escritor, ilustrador y promotor di lesamento.
Pa haci mi cas mas comfortabel y accesibel, mi lo update mi website regularmente y lo kier invita bo pa asisti mi den e proceso.
Si bo tin sugerencia, pregunta, idea, comentario, kico cu bo lo kier comparti, tuma contacto cu mi libremente.
Danki pa e bishita y mi ta spera cu bo disfruta di e site.
Un caluroso saludo,
