Only the Mohican siblings Welanie and Kitpul are entirely fictitious. Every other character in the novel comes from the historical record although I know them only in my imagination.
Sandra Freels – 6 January 2026
The Back Flap
t’s 1630, and Anneke Jans has just arrived in the fledgling colony of New Netherland with her husband, Roelof, and their two young daughters to create a new life for herself and her family. One of very few women in the colony, Anneke quickly realizes that she will need to make her own rules if she is to survive.
When Roelof dies, Anneke marries Everardus Bogardus, the flamboyant minister of the Dutch Reformed Church. With this marriage, Anneke joins the elites of the colony—but when the colony’s new director provokes war with the region’s American Indians and her new husband emerges as the head of the anti-war opposition, she also finds herself in the midst of political turmoil. As difficulties mount, she must rely more than ever on her quick wits to protect herself and her growing family.
Based on real events, Anneke Jans in the New World tells the story of an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life.
About the book
What is the book about?
Anneke Jans in the New World tells the story of a young wife and mother who left her home in Amsterdam and traveled with her husband and their two young daughters to create a new life for themselves in the Dutch colony of New Netherland (today’s New York). Anneke Jans (pronounced “Yans”) was a real person who lived 1605–1663. She came to New Amsterdam in 1630 and for the next thirty years played her part in creating a new and vibrant society unlike anything the world had ever seen before.
When did you start writing the book?
I did most of the research in 2020 and began writing in 2021.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took five years to get from first draft to publication.
Where did you get the idea from?
An interest in genealogy led me to the Council Records of New Amsterdam, which the New Netherland Institute has made available online in English translation. When you read the records, you feel like you’re hearing the voices of living people. I found their stories so compelling that I finally decided to write some of them down.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I struggle with the physical description of a world I’ve never seen. I’ve spent a lot of time poring over art books trying to imagine what a Dutch settlement looked like four centuries ago.
What came easily?
Before I ever started writing, I had been “eavesdropping” on my characters, so dialogue came quickly.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Only the Mohican siblings Welanie and Kitpul are entirely fictitious. Every other character in the novel comes from the historical record although I know them only in my imagination. The real Anneke Jans may have been much nicer or much nastier than the one I’ve depicted.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I have read and thought about literature most of my life, but I hesitate to claim any one influence. I can tell you that my favorite book is Anna Karenina by Lev Tolstoy. I’ve read it many times and always discover new insights there.
Do you have a target reader?
Anyone who is curious about the past and tolerant of ambiguity.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I don’t have a process so much as I do a habit. I typically sit down mid-afternoon and write until I get stuck. Then I put it away and come back the next day with new ideas.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Since I’m writing fictional biographies, I already know the main events in my characters’ lives. Sometimes I outline individual sections to make sure I understand how all of the parts fit together.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit constantly.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I hired both a developmental editor and a copyeditor.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I can’t listen to words in my head and music at the same time.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, I spent about a year collecting rejections from Agents.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Laureen Nussbaum, the author of Shedding Our Stars, recommended She Writes Press. I submitted to them and received constructive feedback that I used in revising my manuscript. I applaud their dedication to fostering the work of unconventional writers.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
She Writes provided a professional book cover.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
BookSparks is coordinating publicity. I don’t have a marketing bone in my body.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Embrace revision and make it your friend.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I’m originally from Indiana, but I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky.
Where do you live now?
Portland, Oregon.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I began this book after retiring from an academic career. Retirement is just full of surprises.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a fictional biography of Anneke’s daughter, Sara Roelofs, which I hope in time will become the second of a trilogy of novels about New Netherland.
End of Interview:
For more from Sandra Freels visit her website.
Get your copy of Anneke Jans in the New World from Amazon US.
