How did you become a writer? A bit over three years ago, I was writing nothing but heart-wrenching IT compliance documents. Then, because of the pandemic, I had more time to watch TV, and I became obsessed with watching historical fiction mini-series. Ideas started coming to my head, especially at night. One morning, in February of 2021, I had this overwhelming urge to write. I went to the computer, and the story poured so fast, my fingers could barely keep up. An hour later, tears of joy ran down my face. I knew at that moment that I would become an author.

Name your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, etc.). In my childhood, I loved Jules Verne and Alexander Dumas. In school, I had wonderful English teachers, and I thank them in all my books. The best craft books I read were Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody, Dynamic Story Creation by Maxwell Alexander Drake, Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury, and On Writing by Stephen King. 

When and where do you write? I write in my office and try to be at my desk at 5:30 a.m. with my coffee. I write till 7, which is the time I get my daughter to school. Hopefully I carve out more time for writing later in the day, but that morning session is very important to me.

What are you working on now? I’m plotting Book 4 of the Hearts and Sails series.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? No. I hope it’s not a real thing.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? Turn off your inner critic.

What’s your advice to new writers? You can’t do everything yourself. Find your tribe. Show your work to people you trust. 

Alina Rubin is an award-winning author who celebrates heroines with strong voices and able hands. Amidst the pandemic, she authored her debut novel while working in IT. Her characters took her on a journey beyond her wildest dreams. She’s an accomplished speaker and the owner of Hearts and Sails Author Services. Her novel, A Girl with a Knife, won the Illinois Soon to be Famous Author Competition. Her book series is set in Regency England, but her characters are more likely to suture wounds than dance at a ball. Alina obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in Business and Information Technology from DePaul University. She lives near Chicago with her husband and daughter. She enjoys yoga, hiking, and traveling.