Sheryl Resnick lives in Columbus, Georgia, with her husband, Peter, and their five cats. Originally from Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, Sheryl enjoys spending time with her husband and her two grown children, Gabrielle and David. She also loves flowers, art, the beach, and a good book. Sheryl has a bachelor of science in nursing, a master of business administration, and a doctor of theology. Additionally, she is a veteran of the US Army Nurse Corps. This book was inspired by the real-life experiences of Sheryl and Peter’s cat, Ruby, a Norwegian forest cat they adopted from a rescue organization. They thought her adventures were so unique that they were worth putting in print. A Friend for Ruby teaches children that you can find a true friend with a little patience and persistence.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: A Friend for Ruby was inspired by our fluffy rescue Norwegian Forest cat named Ruby. She is quite a curious creature and gets herself into the funniest of predicaments. Every day with her is a delight, and we wanted to share our enjoyment with everyone.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: Write what you love! Passion fuels great writing. Choose topics and genres that excite you. Writing what you are passionate about will make your book great.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: My favorite children’s book is Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. This book is about finding purpose in life and making the world a better place. It is a beautiful story that encourages readers to find their own way to contribute to the world and leave the world a better place than they found it.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: The main character was modeled after our fluffy, tuxedo-colored cat named Ruby. The story is based on her true life events.
Q: What is your favorite part of writing?
A: My favorite part of writing is the creativity involved in gathering ideas, brainstorming, and deciding on the purpose and audience.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I think that being a good writer is a bit of both. Natural skills in creativity and language are an enormous asset, but writing is largely a learned skill that improves with practice, feedback, and study. Thus, while natural talent can give a writer a head start, the development of writing skills over time is what truly makes a good writer.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: One quote that beautifully captures inspiration and happiness later in life is by the poet Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This quote encourages us to reflect on how we choose to live our lives, no matter our age, and to find inspiration in each moment. It reminds us that every stage in life can be a fresh opportunity for discovery and fulfillment.
My favorite movie quote is from the movie Moonstruck, a 1987 romantic comedy. Olympia Dukakis’s character delivers the iconic line, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: I am pleased to say that I am already in the process of writing the next book in the Ruby series.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: Beatrix Potter is an author that I look up to because she has written timeless children’s books, particularly her Peter Rabbit series. I do really enjoy the blend of lovely storytelling and exquisite illustrations that bring her characters to life.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism by Howard Schwartz If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura A River Flows from Eden by Melila Hellner-Eshed Seekers of the Face by Melila Hellner-Eshed Mystic Tales from the Zohar by Aryeh Wineman
Learn more about Sheryl Resnick’s new children’s book, A Friend for Ruby, here: https://blueballoonbooks.com/bookstore/a-friend-for-ruby/. Coming soon on May 27, 2025!
