In addition, readers will walk away
having read a well-researched book, the
culmination of my 35 years as an
award-winning journalist who has been
published by some highly respected
media. I bring the best of my writing
skills to bear in this novel. It has gone
through multiple edits, book group
critiques, two publishers and proofing.
CL: How does inspiration strike you?
RR: Inspiration comes from employing
my five senses. When my kids were little,
I thought they smelled like baked goods.
When I sit at the ocean and close my
eyes, I listen to the breathing of the
waves. Sometimes enough moves me
about an experience to write about it.
Typically, that writing has taken the form
of a poem, as it’s more immediate and
shorter.
In my longer-form writing, it is the
same. The mood strikes, and I write it
down. I hear or read something that
inspires me and I play around with words
strung together to form phrases until
they flow the way I believe they should.
When I listened to my grandfather’s
words on tape, they touched me, and I
just let them lead me. I did a lot of
research and drew connections in the
text, finding signs and symbols that
guided me too.
CL: Do you have any rituals/best
practices for writing?
RR: I don’t have rituals exactly, but I’m
not a procrastinator, and I don’t have
writer’s block. For me the latter doesn’t
even exist. A writer writes. In my opinion,
blocks are for those who don’t write for a
living as I do.
If I get stuck, I write around the
problem area, but keep going. I try to get
it all out of my head or if it’s an interview,
out of my notebook and onto the
computer, and then revise, revise, revise.
But the main task is to write it down as
soon as it comes to me, even if it has to
be on small pieces of paper or a notepad
until I can put it in the proper form in the
story. I find it’s best for me to carve out
time to write, usually after lunch when
I’m not hungry or distracted.
CL: What advice can you share with
other local aspiring authors?
RR: Just write. Don’t be afraid of what
others will say about your writing, don’t
let anyone tell you it can’t be done or
there’s too much competition. In my
opinion, you don’t have to be a celebrity,
have a book already published or have a
huge social media following. Certainly
work on the latter as you write your
book. But don’t give up.
It took me 20 years. I received some
50 rejections and that’s just those who
responded. I’m on my second publisher.
All you need is one “yes.” I got two. It
requires tremendous determination, but
if you want it, it’s like any other goal: Set
your heart on it and make it happen for
yourself. And although I write for a living,
and get paid for it, I don’t think my path
was any easier, though I knew I had a
well-tested skill that propelled me to stay
on track.
CL: How has your environment
influenced your work?
RR: “Hands of Gold” is based on the
Jewish family life experience, which has
always been a part of my life. I was a
reporter for the Atlanta Jewish Times for
four years in the 90s and then associate
editor for three years from mid-2018 until
August, when I took a similar position
with Medscape/WebMD, the latter with
offices in Midtown. I’m also active in my
synagogue, Congregation Etz Chaim in
Marietta. I am the main usher and I’m
serving my second non-consecutive term
on its Board of Trustees. In my youth, I
also was a leader in Jewish
organizations. So Judaism is an
important part of my life and definitely
influenced my Jewish journalism and the
creation of this novel.
I also grew up in New York not terribly
far from our extended family, including
my grandparents and others mentioned
in the book who influenced so much of
my early childhood and Jewish life.
CL: What’s your favorite part of
writing? Your least favorite?
RR: My favorite part of writing is when
the words string together to form a sort
of poetry or all the pieces of an article
unite like a puzzle. It always amazes me
when the finished product mirrors the
harmony of an orchestra, all the sections
working in unison to create a polished
THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT OF RONI ROBBINS’ LATEST BOOK
“HANDS OF GOLD.”
She was a real hotsy-totsy. Absolutely a doll, in my opinion. I could have sworn I was having
trouble breathing or at least I was breathing faster while admiring her, I’m not sure which.
She was busy making the rounds, greeting relatives with kisses. When she glanced over at
me, she smiled, and then a guest pulled her back into conversation and she continued her
rounds. Had she returned my glare I would have surely been caught gawking.
As she moved closer, I could tell she didn’t wear much makeup, except a pale pink gloss on
full lips, but her cheeks were extenuated as if with a dash of color. Her skin was so smooth
and unblemished. Thick auburn curls were pulled back from her face and secured with a clip
of tiny silk flowers at the back of her head. I scanned her figure once more down her curves
to her hemline, revealing hearty calves, her ankles springing from double-strapped black,
leather heels that did not look the least bit comfortable. Then again, I didn’t see how women
wore those kinds of shoes anyway
Apparently, Leah Stein noticed my attentions and
grabbed her sister by the arm, excusing her from
her rounds. Arm in arm, the two sisters approached.
“This is Hannah,” Leah said, smiling mischievously,
nudging Hannah towards me. “She’s visiting from
New York. She’s a seamstress there in the garment
district.” Our eyes met and she could hardly look at
me without blushing – as I was – and smiling coyly.
All throughout dinner we glanced at each other
between mouthfuls of brisket and lokshen kugel.
When we weren’t talking to others at the table, we
exchanged brief smiles. We were obviously flirting,
and it made me feel warm and a bit flushed. I had to
loosen the top button of my shirt. She watched me
as I did it, and then looked away before I could catch
her eyes.
In the evening, after we finished supper, as I
prepared to leave, Leah suggested to Hannah, “Why
don’t you see Sam out?” Hannah nodded, trying to
conceal her fascination with the stranger.
APRIL 2022 | COBB LIFE 45