"I always wanted to be a real boy."
The Author
My name is Rik. "For reels" — as Chancho said in Nacho Libre — but the pen name Vernante took a little more work. It was hiding inside the first names of the people I love most. I just had to rearrange the letters until something clicked. I later discovered, though, that Vernante is an actual village in the Italian Alps, famous for the 150+ Pinocchio murals covering its walls. They call it the Town of Pinocchio's Uncle. Just like Pinocchio! I too want to be a real boy… a writer, I mean.
Anyway, while my published work to date has been for children, I've always kept a stable of novels-in-progress. Consider this space my dedicated workshop to bring them to life. I love all genres of storytelling, but my historical fiction will be the first cab off the rank.
When I'm not writing grown-up fiction, my lovely illustrator wife, Estella, and I create kids' stories together. You can find that world at hendrikandestella.com.
Join me for the ride. I think it will be fun.