Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My favorite foods would include poppy seed bagels with cream cheese, heirloom tomatoes, and capers and air-popped popcorn with olive oil, tamari, and nutritional yeast. I’m coming to terms with how these foods affect my body, mind, and spirit.
I’m a writer and I work in a mental health clinic most days, one on one with kids. I have about 390 hours to go toward my Marriage Family Therapist license.
I’ve written three books so far, as well as one screenplay. Only one book has been authored by Ru Kunkel, though.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the second edition of “An Alien Robot’s Cookbook.” The book was inspired by my eldest son, Gabe because he kept rejecting different foods that I’d offer to him. Once in awhile, he would agree to eat something and when that happened, I added the dish to a special list on the refrigerator. The list grew and I decided to create a cookbook from it.
Gabe liked to draw space aliens and robots. I liked his sketches and so I asked if I could use them to illustrate the book. In this second edition, his younger brother Joe got in on the act. Joe’s drawings add so much to the new version. I also added recipes, a lot more cooking tips, and more facts about astronomy and robotics.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Our house is very small, and last summer, I built a cedar shed in our backyard. I enjoy going out there to write. I usually write my blog posts from the shed.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by so many writers, many of them children’s book authors like William Steig, Margaret Mahy, and Maurice Sendak. I’ve also been influenced by poets like Gary Snyder, Theodore Roethke, Nanao Sakaki, Adrienne Rich, Rita Dove, and Audre Lorde. There are too many authors to name. One big influence has been Stephen Mitchell’s translation of “The Tao Te Ching.”
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a few ideas. One of them has to do with food and cohousing. In our community, each household is ideally supposed to cook once a month.
I’m also working on a therapy-type book for children. This is the type of book I always wanted to have as a child. The idea is to help kids identify resources within themselves and in their world. I want to help children be happy and to feel safe.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning this and Awesomegang is part of my plan. This is the first book I’ve promoted.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Enjoy what you write and try not to stress out regarding formatting your book for ebook distribution.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let your mud settle until the water is clear.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I am reading Beautiful Ruins.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to keep writing and letting my inspiration lead me.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Tao Te Ching
A Pattern Language
Man and His Symbols
Women Who Run with the Wolves
Author Websites and Profiles
Ru Kunkel Website
Ru Kunkel Amazon Profile
Ru Kunkel’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account