I recently published my first novel, “Catalyntje Trico: A Life in New Amsterdam.” It took me several years to research, write, and edit, and I enjoyed every step of this process. As I wrote this book, I used basic principles of writing stories, including plot diagrams, descriptive writing, and conflict between protagonists and antagonists. 

In my novel, Catalyntje, the protagonist, struggles against many challenges and problems; however, one person makes decisions that destroy parts of her life. This antagonist is Willem Kieft. 

Kieft was appointed as one of the colony’s director generals since the settlers in New Netherland couldn’t vote for their leaders. This was a poor choice since Kieft made decisions about New Netherland with only himself in mind. He wouldn’t listen to the people’s concerns, and his narcissistic choices negatively affected life in New Netherland in a detestable way.

Kieft was not a close acquaintance of Catalyntje, but his ignorant leadership choices directly affected her and those she loved, causing numerous trials in her life. He was responsible for countless deaths of both colonists and tribal members because of his fragile ego. He halted the progress of families because of the hate he spread throughout the colony. He could not tolerate minorities and did everything he could to make them feel uncomfortable and unwanted. His decisions upended ordinary families’ lives, so they were left with nothing and had to rely on the kindness of those willing to help. Kieft also led groups in acts of violence, increased fear and uncertainty among the people, and destroyed everything good that the colonists had worked for years to establish.

The people of New Netherland finally convinced the Dutch West India Company across the ocean to remove Kieft from office before he destroyed the entire colony. After his departure, it took many years for the area to get back on its feet; however, it never fully recovered from his self-serving and incompetent leadership. 

Today, those in the United States can share their voices by voting, and right now, we face a critical choice of who we want to be the next president of the United States. I have already voted, and as I did, I thought about Catalyntje. I wondered where she might stand in the fundamental issues we are facing in this country today. As I’ve studied her life for several years, I think I know what she would have voted for. I think she would have stood to protect minorities. She would have chosen unity over divisiveness. She would have wanted women to continue having a voice. She would have wanted families to have ready access to food and shelter. She would have liked everyone to have an opportunity to achieve their goals and dreams. And she would have chosen peace and productivity over Kieft’s destructive agenda.

Since those of us living in the United States have the privilege of choosing what we think is best for our country, please take advantage of this and let your voice be heard. Get out and vote this week, but be careful that you don’t vote for Kieft!

Use this link to order a copy of “Catalyntje Trico: A Life in New Amsterdam”