Walter grew up in the Netherlands but has been a global citizen since his twenties, living and working with his family on several continents. He finally settled in Australia with his second wife and two daughters in 1982. His primary work experience lies in civil construction and occupational health. Life experience changed him from a conservative Roman Catholic to a more open-minded person who is still looking for answers. In his retirement, he began writing fictional stories that try to search for answers. His dyslexia makes the help of a good editor essential. He found one in Hanny Tunks. Monti Alto is his fifth book. Hanny Tunks' help in shaping Walter's book has been invaluable. She questioned parts of the story that were unclear, corrected grammar and spelling (a huge job, considering that Walter is dyslexic) and then offered her own artwork for the book cover. Hanny is a passionate defender of animal rights and a talented artist with the gift to bring out the character of the animals and persons she paints. Hanny and her husband are treasured friends.