Since then, Hoeke has established herself as a leading columnist for outlets like De Volkskrant. Her distinctive voice, characterized by a blend of humor, personal insight, and social critique, has earned her a loyal following. Beyond her solo achievements, Hoeke is part of a dynamic duo with husband Marcel van Roosmalen, a prominent journalist and satirist. Together, they also bring their unique perspectives and humor to the stage, sharing engaging anecdotes and reflections that offer audiences an intimate look at their lives and careers. We sat down with Hoeke to discuss her career and how creativity has helped her face challenges and professional setbacks.

“I learned that while creativity is essential, you also have to figure out how to make a living.”

Let’s go back to the source: your family. Did you grow up in a creative environment?

EH: “My father [Ed. Rob Hoeke] was a boogie-woogie and blues pianist who performed in bars across the country. He taught me that creativity could be a guiding force in life, but he didn’t emphasize material success. My father even had a disdain for money, often telling us that life was all about people, not profits. My mother, however, came from a family of gardeners who commercialized their skills. That mix of pure artistry and entrepreneurial mindset gave me a balanced perspective. I learned that while creativity is essential, you also have to figure out how to make a living.”

What were you like as a child? Did you have any creative outlets?

EH: “I was always creating, whether it was drawing, listening to music, or making magazines. One of my favorite memories is producing a satirical women’s magazine with my cousin. We mocked the extravagant makeovers and the caricature-like personas of editors. It was a way to express ourselves and critique societal norms in a playful manner.I also remember charging people 10 cents to visit the little ‘museum’ I had created in my bedroom. To me, creativity was play, but there was always a pragmatic side to it. It was a way to explore the world.”

"Writing can be a solitary, often contemplative process. It often brings out a certain melancholic tone."

What motivated your choice to study journalism?

EH: “I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. After finishing high school, I considered fields like history or social work. In the end, I followed my best friend, who had decided to study journalism. But I didn’t get in at first and spent a year working odd jobs. Looking back, I didn’t have a clear plan—it was more about exploring options and figuring out what felt right.

As a child I loved observing people and creating what in hindsight I’d call satirical content. Those elements definitely carried over into my journalism and columns. Humor and observation are still my primary tools. I enjoy digging into societal trends, finding the absurdities, and presenting them in a way that makes people think and laugh.”

What is your creative process like as a columnist?

EH: “Writing can be a solitary, often contemplative process. It often brings out a certain melancholic tone, even if that doesn’t fully reflect my personality. I have to be mindful not to overindulge in that mood because I’m not just about falling leaves, red wine and Nick Cave records. Life is dynamic — sometimes it’s Spring, and sometimes it’s Fall — and in my writing I need to capture that balance.”

Do you always have ideas for your columns?

EH: “Not always! Like any writer, there are days when I sit behind the computer and think, Now what? It’s natural to hit a creative wall. But I’ve learned to rely on experience to get me through those moments. Sometimes it’s about observing the world around you and finding inspiration in the smallest details.”

You’ve decided to pay it forward and teach others, at your kitchen table, to learn how to write. What do you aim to teach?

EH: “My workshops focus on the power of words — how small adjustments in tone or phrasing can completely shift the impact of a message. This applies to writing columns, but also to everyday communication. My goal is to help people articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively, whether they’re crafting an article or addressing a personal conflict.”

"When you're knocked down, you learn to get back up — stronger and with a better understanding of your own boundaries.”

Speaking of conflict: how did you handle pushback after being fired early in your career?

EH: “It was a tough experience and a major blow to my confidence. The public criticism was overwhelming, and I felt very isolated at the time. I went through a period of doubt and second-guessing myself. But I realized that setbacks like these can also be transformative. They force you to confront your vulnerabilities and find strength within yourself. Over time, I rebuilt my career, starting fresh as a freelance columnist, and I’m stronger for it.”

We spoke to other creatives, including Erik Kessels, who at some point in their career have met with public scrutiny of their work. How has that experience effect your create process? If at all?

EH: There was a time when public criticism, particularly on social media, was overwhelming. It made me cautious in my creative process, which I regret. But those experiences taught me resilience. When you're knocked down, you learn to get back up —stronger and with a better understanding of your own boundaries.”

Has becoming a parent also influenced your perspective?

EH: “Parenthood changes everything. It alters your perspective on problems, your sense of responsibility, and even your creative output. Raising children also emphasizes the importance of communication. I firmly believe that language is a tool not just for self-expression but for fostering understanding, whether with your family or the world.”

“My workshops focus on the power of words — how small adjustments in tone or phrasing can completely shift the impact of a message.”

"Don’t aim for perfection right away. Writing is a process, and mistakes are part of it."

Your husband, Marcel, is also a writer and columnists and you both write about your lives together: does that ever influence your relationship or the family dynamic?

EH: “It’s definitely a juggling act! We both draw from our lives for inspiration, so there’s sometimes a playful negotiation over who gets to write about a shared experience. But it’s also rewarding. We understand each other’s creative process and the ups and downs that come with it. There’s a shared empathy for deadlines, writer’s block, and the vulnerability of putting your thoughts out into the world.”

In recent years, your husband has become something of a media darling. How has that shaped your relationship?

EH: “It’s been a unique journey. Early on in our relationship, I was the one with a more public presence, while Marcel was quietly honing his craft, working tirelessly in his small attic office. Success came later for him, and I couldn’t be prouder. Watching his talent finally get the recognition it deserves has been wonderful. But fame doesn’t define our dynamic — it’s our mutual respect for each other’s work and the ability to celebrate each other’s wins that matter most.”

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?

EV: “Don’t aim for perfection right away. Writing is a process, and mistakes are part of it. Learn to find joy in experimenting and revising. Also, stay curious — about people, about the world, and about yourself. That curiosity will fuel your creativity and keep you inspired.”

“Stay curious — about people, about the world, and about yourself. That curiosity will fuel your creativity and keep you inspired.”

In yet another career-changing move, Eva Hoeke has started publishing her columns directly on her platform. This decision allows her to maintain creative independence while offering fresh content and insights outside of traditional media outlets. Explore her latest work here.