This Week’s Featured Creator
This week, I’m delighted to introduce Simone Kornalijnslijper, the writer behind Diary of a Dreamer.
Quick Introduction
Stepping into Simone’s Substack feels like entering a peaceful realm surrounded by light, love, serenity, and hope.
Her poetry and stories gently fall onto the page and softly wrap themselves around your heart.
Simone has a beautiful gift for inviting you into her world and making you feel so at home that you’ll want to pull up a chair, settle in, and stay for a while.
I hope you enjoy getting to know Simone as much as I have.
Conversation with Simone Kornalijnslijper
What is the heart of your Substack, and what do you hope readers experience when they spend time there?
My Substack is called Diary of a Dreamer, and my paid membership on Substack is called The Holding Space. Within both spaces, I hope readers will find a moment of stillness, peace, joy and magic. A little bit of light and comfort, even on the darkest of days. Because hope brings light after dark.
What inspired you to begin writing or creating on Substack?
Once, a couple of years ago, during a meditation, I heard the words “Diary of a Dreamer.” I loved it, but had no idea why they had come to me. I wrote it down in my notebook, thinking that perhaps they might one day become the title of a book.
When I discovered Substack through Beth Kempton, it suddenly hit me… my Substack had to be called Diary of a Dreamer.
My diary and notebooks are filled with poems and stories about hope, peace, love, light, unity and connection. These are themes that mean so much to me.
I often find myself drifting away, daydreaming about a world that is in peace and unity. A world where people love unconditionally. It is my biggest dream and most heartfelt wish for the world.
I don’t have a magic wand to create that kind of world, but I do have my pen, my diary and my words to bring a little of that dream into the world. Even if it is just a small contribution, I deeply believe it matters.
I love the dandelion, with it bright yellow color it brings joy and with it soft appearance, it is a flower that brings hope that wishes can come true. It had to be this flower that is a part of the image of Diary of a Dreamer.
I wrote a story about this amazing flower, The Dandelion as a symbol of hope.
Click here to read: Bringing softness to a harsh world
Is there a topic, question, or idea that continually calls you back in your work? If so, what is it, and why does it matter to you?
Besides peace, unity, love, light, hope and connection, there are two other themes that are very close to my heart, attachment and early childhood trauma, and the impact they can have on a child’s life.
Children who have experienced early trauma are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, and that is absolutely heartbreaking.
I have seen it with our own son, we adopted him when he was 15 months old. He had already endured many traumatic experiences during that earliest part of his life.
I always knew that his behavior was connected to the way his life had started. When you open your heart fully and love unconditionally, you can recognize the needs behind the behavior. And that can be so healing and helpful.
I want to write and talk much more about these important subjects in the near future.
Two quotes that say it all are:
One generation of deeply loving parents would change the brain of the next generation, and with that, the world. ~ Charles Raison
Nine times out of 10, the story behind the misbehavior won’t make you angry. It will break your heart. ~ Annette Breaux
If your writing or creative work could make one meaningful difference in someone’s life, what would you hope that difference would be?
I hope that my work will inspire, bring comfort and offer hope in difficult times. I hope it will help people see themselves, their children and others through gentle eyes and with unconditional love. I hope it will encourage them to believe in their dreams, follow their hearts and listen to the nudges of their souls. And most of all, I hope to inspire them to never give up dreaming!
A Favorite Photograph
I love that place. It makes me feel at home and at peace, and inspiration flows freely when I’m by the lake. I feel that all of this is captured in these two photos.
I am a dreamer, and finally, at 56, I am a writer.
What is something that brings you joy or peace in your everyday life outside of writing?
Seeing and hearing my son Xuan play the piano. His music touches my heart and soul. Knowing all that he has been through, seeing him now doing what he loves and following his heart, makes me so proud of him.
I could listen to him and watch him play for hours.
Featured Article
A Fairy Tale
A story and poem, to keep up hope that even a fairy tale can come true.
Click the link below to read:
Anything else you’d like readers to know?
Reflection Questions
What has been the most unexpected gift of writing on Substack?
The most unexpected gift has been connecting with the most wonderful,
gentle people and being part of such a beautiful community all around the
world. The joy and inspiration it brings are absolutely amazing.
What do you hope people remember after reading your work?
That we must never lose hope for a better world. That even in difficult times,
we can always find kindness, comfort, softness and hope in the world.
Has a particular life experience shaped the way you write or create?
I think the most significant experience has been the adoption of our son. He
has enriched our lives in so many ways and, in many ways, brought me back
to myself.
What advice would you offer someone who is just beginning their creative journey?
Just start. Don’t wait until the time is right. You don’t have to know where your creative journey will take you. Just take the first step, follow your heart and keep on dreaming. Your words, your creativity, and your dreams matter!
What are you currently learning, wondering about, or exploring?
I’m exploring this new phase of my life, after stepping away from my coaching practice. I’m discovering how I can find make more time and space for the calling of my soul, writing. I’m excited about the journey ahead!
Connect With This Creator
Creator Name: Simone Kornalijnslijper
Publication Name: Diary of a Dreamer
If This Resonates With You
One of the most meaningful ways to support a creator is simply to read their work and stay connected to it.
If something here speaks to you, I encourage you to take a moment to explore Simone’s Substack.
You can also support their work in small but powerful ways:
Subscribe to their publication so you don’t miss new writing
Leave a comment to let them know what resonated
Restack or share a piece you loved
Pass their work along to someone who might need it
These small actions are what help independent writers continue creating and what make spaces like Substack feel alive.
Interested in Being Featured?
Creator Spotlight exists to celebrate writers, artists, and creators whose work brings meaning, reflection, creativity, and connection to the Substack community.
If you’d like to be considered for a future feature, feel free to reach out. I’m always open to discovering new voices and sharing work that deserves to be seen.
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Thank you for being part of a space where creators support creators and thoughtful work is shared and celebrated. Your presence here means the world to me.
With much love and gratitude,
Lis 💖
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Lis, you’ve found another interesting writer for your weekly Creator Spotlight & I really enjoyed the discussion. Thank you for introducing all of us to this inspiring woman!
What an amazing and inspiring post, Simone and way to get to get to know you more and your story. So beautiful to read even more about you Simone, and about your journey!! I love your work, your poetry, your newsletters, so wonderful to see you here. Well deserved. Amazing Lis! 😍❤️❤️❤️🤩🖋️📖✨️🫶🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻