Interview: Annik Meulemans, Author of Finding Your Way in the EU: Education and Training

Please welcome Belgian nonfiction author Annik Meulemans. Annik divides her time between working full time for an European institution and writing her books. She's here today to talk about her latest title, Finding Your Way in the EU: Education and Training (Wegwijs in de EU: Onderwijs en Ppleiding).

Thanks for this interview, Annik!

Please tell us a little about yourself and how you started writing?

My Flemish parents are from Flemish Brabant (Vlaams-Brabant) and moved to Brussels where I was born and raised.

As a child I was fascinated with writing and reading and in primary school I was the best in the class in Dutch and other languages.

Wondering how writers got the words; the ideas to write such beautiful books, I wished I could do the same.

Time went by and in 2003 my first book came out. Now I’m writing my ninth book.

My childhood wish has been fulfilled. 

What types of books do you write? Do you write in Dutch or English?

The books are written in Dutch and are about subjects related to the European Union. We’ve received requests to translate the 8^th book into English, as it is related to education and is interesting for people living abroad who may want to gain experience in Europe.

Please tell us about your latest title, Finding Your Way in the EU: Education and Training. 

The publisher asked if it would be possible to write a book for the series "Focus on Europe." This series focuses on (current) issues now and later playing a role in Europe and are important for the Netherlands and the Dutch Belgian legal practice. Pretty soon the idea came to write a book on education and training, a very interesting topic as our society is more versatile than ever. In the field of education and training much has changed in recent years in Europe. Education plays an essential role in society and this 400-page book gives a very good overview.

Languages are no barrier anymore.  They promote intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding and direct communication between citizens. Many people know several languages now and more people are traveling, studying and working abroad. It gives the opportunity to learn other cultures and to respect people. 

Article Author: Mayra Calvani

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children, teens and adults. She also offers online workshops on the art of reviewing and picture book writing at SavvyAuthors.com.

Visit Mayra Calvani's author page — Mayra Calvani's Blog