I’ve always loved portal stories—tales where a doorway or gateway leads to another world. It started with Stargate SG-1, but you can see the same magic in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, or even Harry Potter’s Platform 9 ¾. The idea of stepping into another reality is irresistible.

Recently, I had the chance to chat with Dutch author Kelly van der Laan, whose books often play with this concept. Kelly is a master of genre-bending—mixing fantasy, science fiction, and even horror. One of her standout works, The Price of Water, is a thrilling mix of “Die Hard with monsters” set in a futuristic tower.

Here’s what stood out from my conversation with Kelly:

• Writing as a gift: For Kelly, stories are her way of leaving something meaningful behind. Her motto? “Create, affect, repeat.”


• Empathy through storytelling: Her books explore themes of kindness and understanding—important messages wrapped in entertaining adventures.


• A passion for readers: From meeting fans at festivals to connecting over her earliest works, Kelly thrives on the relationships her stories spark.

Whether you love portal fantasies or are inspired by creators who put their heart into their work, Kelly’s journey is worth exploring. For more on her writing and how portal stories continue to inspire me, listen to the full podcast!

You can buy Kelly's books here: https://www.artbooksshop.com/search/?search=kelly+van+der+laan