It is my pleasure to host author Ruth Drabkin on my blog today. Her latest book Max’s Diner is available for purchase now.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I had no idea! Living in Los Angeles inspired my creativity, which led to my first children’s book – “Freddy the Red Beddy.”
What made you pen down your first book?
Much like Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse, I had an idea for a magical red bed. A vivacious character full of fun with a big heart. I also wanted to write a sweet story about kindness with my young cousin and her special relationship with her stepbrother. That encouraged me to write “Freddy.”
What inspired you to create the character of Ruthie, and what do you think makes her relatable to young readers?
“Go Ruthie” was created in the midst of me being mission oriented. After you finish one task, something else comes up and before long you’ve completed 10 tasks all at once! I also thought it would be a lot easier if on roller skates, so I started writing rhyming stories about possible adventures with friends helping solve mysteries with the help of her friends. Each character had to have movement, which had “Rockin Roger” on a flying guitar, “Boomergang Benni” with a boomerang, “Dashing Dimitri” on a flying cap, “Super Sugar Stacy” with a lollipop umbrella, and “Aqua Andy” with flippers.
“Go Ruthie Goes to the Grocery Store” involves solving mysteries while running errands. How do you balance teaching lessons with entertainment in your stories for children?
That is one of the reasons why I wrote this story! Some may think shopping is fun and others as a chore. We all need to hold ourselves accountable with what we touch, who we interact with and how to purchase items. Children also need to learn to behave and since “Go Ruthie” went rogue in her pursuit to help others – I wanted to make sure my readers knew that her Mom wasn’t pleased and instead of getting rewarded she needed to be grateful for what was provided to her.
Could you share a bit about the process of developing Max’s Diner? How did you come up with the concept for this book?
My dog Maximus was my motivation. I am very lucky to have the cutest dog ever! He has taught me so much about being friendly and having no fear. Friends were also suggesting I write a children’s book about dogs. After contemplating a storyline, I got that “spark” about a story of apartment dogs sneaking out at night to eat food they shouldn’t eat. It was there “going out” moment. I incorporated the dogs of neighbors, friends, and family to create this cute story.
What do you enjoy the most about writing for children?
I’m a conceptual person and love illustrations! Matching illustrations and text were challenging at first, but I was fortunate to find some amazing illustrators.
How can parents get their children into the habit of reading from a young age?
Children love and appreciate the one-on-one attention. It is important that parents spend the time to read to them to pick up words and language. Also, they should read books about kindness as we all need it.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to travel, visit museums as I’m inspired by architecture and culture. I also love playing with my dog Maximus, volunteering and spending time with family and friends.
When should readers expect the next book to be out?
I have all this creativity and stories I started to write 10 years ago that need to be set free and I’m finishing my first adult fiction novel to be released early 2024 – “Revealations.” It’s about an undercover cop that gets assigned to a grocery store as a barista.
Ruth Drabkin is a Self-Published Author, Writer, licensed realtor, and sales and marketing specialist. She is a vibrant individual with a charming and enigmatic personality that helps her captivate, inspire, and uplift everyone around her.
Ruth’s credentials include a bachelor’s degree in political science from San Jose State University. She has experienced a multitude of perspectives in a variety of complementary career roles that give her a unique multi-disciplinary vision. Her professional endeavors have helped her accumulate comprehensive knowledge and expertise in marketing, sales, customer service, and customer relations, with an elevated level of technical and commercial awareness.
Ruth always had a knack for writing, and the desire to share her knowledge, experiences, and perspective inspired her to become an author. She aspires to use her books to assist readers in becoming a better version of themselves and leading successful and fulfilling lives. With her impactful stories and versatile writing style, Ruth encourages readers to appreciate the colors of life and gives them a chance to escape into a beautiful world of stories with fun and caring characters.
Arts and architecture have always been worlds of intrigue and a source of creativity for Ruth. She is a curious individual by nature and loves to travel and explore, meet new people, learn about exciting new concepts and cultures, and live life to its fullest. She is the happiest when eulogizing the beauty of the world around her, writing something captivating, or sharing ideas she has drawn from her insight and experience. She is a family-oriented, caring human being, and her family and friends are at the heart of everything she does.
Commitment to continuously bettering herself and everything around her, keeps driving Ruth forward. She is passionate about self-development and growth, constantly studying and investing in developing skills and knowledge at every stage of her journey. Ruth is a living example of what one can achieve when one puts their mind to it. She continues to work tirelessly on her writing and hopes to make this world better for all of us.
Connect with Ruth on:
hjbookblog.wordpress.com 