What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I am lucky enough to have two jobs I enjoy doing. In my job as an IT consultant in software testing (which is the one that pays my mortgage), I love working with programmers and business stakeholders to create the best end product possible. As an author of historical fiction, I love sharing stories of strong women and inspiring young women to know they can do and be whatever they want.
What is my idea of happiness?
Travelling through Europe in a campervan, with my surf board and laptop, spending the morning surfing and the afternoon writing while listening to the sea.
What is my greatest fear?
Not having the time / opportunity to do everything I want to do in my life.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Procrastination, I hate knowing I am not using my time for the things that I want most from life.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
There are so many, but they would have to include Gabriel Garcia Marquez who wrote my favourite book Love in the time of cholera, and Philippa Gregory whose historical fiction novels I read over and over again.
What is my greatest extravagance?
Definitely travel. I travel cheap, but lots. My kids and I love nothing better than travelling to new places and enjoying quality time together exploring (and surfing whenever we can).
On what occasion would I lie?
If it was to keep my children safe.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
In my work in IT I dislike politics, I’m very driven to get the job done and politics often get in the way of that. In my writing, I like everything really, but if I had to pick one thing it would be the first draft. I love forming ideas and characters in my head, I love the editing process, but getting the first draft on paper is the part I struggle with most.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
When I quit my permanent job and started my own company as an IT consultant. As I am a single parent, this was a scary move, but the best professional decision I have ever made. And of course, when I published my debut novel Left Behind.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
My focus. Although I have moments of hyper focus, which are great, more often than not, I struggle to focus (on the right thing) for long periods of time. I’m distracted easily and often delay the task that needs my attention most.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Publishing my debut novel at a very difficult time in my life. I had just gone through a divorce, covid was only just behind us and the work that pays my mortgage took a more prominent place in my life as I was now the sole provider for my family.
Where would I most like to live?
On (or very near) a beach. Preferably somewhere where it’s warm and that has good waves.
What is my most treasured possession?
My health.
What is my most marked characteristic?
A lack of caring what other people think of me.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
The river. It’s a tidal river and there is a lovely walk alongside it where you walk underneath the bridge and along the river.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
I don’t eat out a lot, but when I do, I like to try new places.
What books influenced my life and how?
Aspergirls by Rudy Simone and Quiet by Susan Cain. These books opened my eyes to why am I am the way I am, why I struggle with things that others don’t and how I fit into the world.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Vivaldi, the four seasons.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Ben Hope.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
My late grandmother – she was the inspiration for my debut novel
My daughter – I’m in awe of both her physical and mental strength
My son – I’m so proud of how we navigates a life that has presented him with some difficult challenges
And Nelson Mandela.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Before Sunrise
What role play stories in my life and work?
Stories are my way of making sense of the world.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
To me it means that I don’t believe in doing things because of tradition or it’s how we’ve always done it, I live my life the way I think is best for me and everyone around me. This also helps in my work as I can often bring a different point of view as I prefer life and thinking outside the box.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My two wonderful friends Franzi and Erin who read my books (several times) and who I can always count on for brutally honest feedback. And my kids, who think (for now) that everything I do is amazing 😊.
Which people or companies would I like to work with?
I would love to work with author Kate Morton, her book The Secret Keeper was the inspiration to the plot twist in my debut novel. I’d also like to work in education as I think the technology that is used is not always the best and I think major improvements can be made to help teachers get back to teaching.
What project am I looking forward to work on?
A series of novels, completely different from the historical fiction I normally write, that have been brewing in my head for years.
Where can you see me or my work?
I have a website (elskehoweler.com), my book is on Amazon (https://amzn.to/4cTZKN9) it can also be ordered from all main bookstores. But my favourite place where it is the indie bookshop in my town, it’s where I buy all my books and I could spend whole days there just hanging out. You can also find me on linkedin
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Passion is not something that is linked to a job that you retire from, it’s what you feel inside, what drives you to do the things you do and create the things you create.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Amanda Marks, Eva Verde, Amanda Hodgkinson, Franziska Scheithauer
“Rewrite Your Legend: Heroine’s Journey Story Coaching with Peter de Kuster”
Introduction
Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey, is a master storyteller and guide for creative leaders ready to transform their narratives. With decades of experience helping entrepreneurs, executives, and artists harness the power of their stories, Peter’s coaching unlocks the archetypes within you – the Rebel, the Visionary, the Alchemist – to craft a life and career that aligns with your deepest purpose. Whether you’ve shared your story on our platform or are inspired by others’ journeys, this is your invitation to become the author of your legend.
Why Story Coaching?
Your story shapes your reality. Creative leaders face unique challenges: balancing innovation with practicality, leading with authenticity, and navigating self-doubt. Peter’s coaching helps you:
- Reframe limiting beliefs into empowering narratives using the 12 Heroine’s Journey archetypes.
- Align your professional path with your creative vision, turning obstacles into stepping stones.
- Lead with stories that attract clients, and build resilience in uncertain times
How It Works
Online coaching sessions blend deep narrative work with practical strategies:
- Archetype Discovery: Identify which of the 12 Heroine’s Journey archetypes dominate your story and which need activation.
- Story Rewriting: Replace disempowering narratives with ones that fuel growth, using Peter’s proven storytelling frameworks.
- Actionable Tools: Receive personalized exercises to embed new stories into daily decisions, from leadership to self-promotion.
Options for Your Journey
- The Quest Starter (1 session): Uncover your core archetype and a roadmap for change (€250).
- The Alchemist (3 sessions): Transform a specific challenge (e.g., creative block, more creative confidence) into a growth story (€675).
- The Legend Maker (6 sessions): Rewrite your entire professional narrative, with biweekly support and Peter’s Heroine’s Journey book included (€1,450).
Reward for Readers: Mention a story from the Heroine’s Journey platform to receive a free archetype assessment guide (worth €75) with any package.
Questions to Ignite Your Story
- Which archetype do I default to under stress, and which one could serve me better?
- What story am I telling myself about my “limitations,” and how is it holding me back?
- If my life were a legend, what would I want its climax to be?
Contact
Peter de Kuster
Email: peter@wearesomeone.nl
“Your story isn’t just what happens to you – it’s what you do with it.”
The Heroine's Journey 