Leonieke Baerwaldt (1885) studied literature and philosophy. Her critically acclaimed writing can be described as a modern mosaic on focused socially vulnerable people, interwoven with traditional narratives such as mythology and fairy tales that reflect upon the human condition. Her novels and short stories discuss subjects including unsafe upbringing, gender roles, parenthood, informal care for a loved one, social inequality, and loneliness. Her writing is visual, atmospheric, and permeated with empathy.

Baerwaldt was longlisted for all the major literary prizes in the Netherlands and Belgium, and she won the BNG Literature Prize with her second novel Dagen als vreemde symptomen (Days Like Strange Symptoms), a prestigious award for emerging writers.

Baerwaldt is a mother of two, teaches masterclasses in writing, is an editor of a well-regarded Dutch literary magazine, and is currently working on her third novel which is scheduled for publication in 2027.