Who am I
The power of stories
I strive for a world in which we are curious about each other, so that we can all make well-considered choices.
Hi, welcome! My name is Paulien Bakker, and I’m the founder of Schrijfkracht (Writing Power). With a background in Journalism and Psychology, I’ve specialized in storytelling, cultural differences and mental resilience.
I come from a Dutch reformed family with a lot of thinking in black and white. From an early age, I went looking for the emotional layer underneath so I could see the world in full color.
I have over 25 years of experience in Journalism, including 5 years as a staff writer for IntermediairPW. As a freelance journalist I also wrote for (among others) the Volkskrant, Vrij Nederland, NRC, Flow magazine and the American Narratively and Al Jazeera English. I also developed several commissioned magazines.
For the past 7 years, I have enjoyed coaching writers and photographers to find the emotional heart of their story. Before becoming a story coach, I was a founding member and was 5 years the director of the Stichting Verhalende Journalistiek (the Initiative for Narrative Journalism in the Netherlands).
I am also the author of two well-received literary nonfiction books. In total, I have worked in some 18 countries, either as a journalist or as a trainer. From articulating deeply personal stories to helping creators, my mission is to bring stories that make you curious and give you an experience.
Paulien Bakker
Founder of Writing Power
And then?
Storytelling is a way of structuring information. One that connects to how our brains work; our brain is always thinking “and then…”.
Tension arc
In storytelling, you consciously choose a perspective and a narrative voice; think about who your main character is, which scenes are crucial, and a tension curve.
Heart
The best storytelling connects head, heart and gut; thus adding an emotional layer to information.
Facts
Storytelling gives context to facts. The facts are the facts, but what do they mean?
My work
Here you'll find some examples of my work.
What my clients say about me
Over the years, I have worked with inspiring creators and for renowned publications and organizations. Read how they have experienced working with me.
“Paulien is the first person we think of when we have a photographer-in-residency who does not yet know HOW to tell their story and WHY they are making it. To find out, we send them to our Story Doctor Paulien. She always delivers. It is always an intense experience that opens new doors to whole new levels of storytelling.”
“Paulien helped me write an eight-page article with several story lines that I would never have thought of on my own. I was able to quickly dive into the deep with her. Paulien provides overview, structure, step-by-step guidance and feedback in a pleasant, light and clear way to achieve an attractive result.”
"Paulien is not only an experienced journalist and writer, but also an academically trained psychologist: a unique combination of qualifications, and it shows. She has an impeccable understanding of structure and tension, and always a creative and effective idea about how things can be done better. I have never had a better editor."
“Paulien helps you, through in-depth interviews, get to the heart of your story. Always with special attention to the construction of tension arcs and narrative style. For me as a filmmaker, the vision with which Paulien looks at my story as a writer and journalist is meaningful.”
"Paulien's workshop made me think about my subject choices. I learned what a good approach is for writing an artist statement. I now understand better how to combine my own background with my images."
"It took me the entire weekend to fully process the impact of the previous week. It was so much more valuable than I had imagined and I went in with high expectations."
English 
Dutch