R.K. Barrett wears a lot of hats—mom, paralegal, clothing designer and owner of a clothing boutique. She recently added children's book author to the list with her new picture book "
Ruby Joins the Choir."I checked in with Barrett, who lives in Raleigh with her two daughters, to learn more about her book, which is featured in
this month's Moore Square StoryWalk, and her busy life. Here's a Q&A.
Go Ask Mom: What sparked the idea behind Ruby Joins the Choir?
R.K. Barrett: As for Ruby, she sort of came to me. The story resonates with myself and a lot of young ladies who sang in their church or school choirs and the passion of wanting to use their voices to make such wonderful music. Ruby was me, and I was Ruby. When I look at my daughters, I see their eyes looking at the world with wonder and I wanted to create a series of stories that inspire and encourage all little ones to simply GO FOR IT!! No matter what that is.
GAM: Why did you want to write it?
RKB: Although I have had an interest in writing children’s books for quite some time, my daughter Maddisan actually pushed me to get it done sooner. The cutest thing happened. One day she randomly said, "Mom, one day I am going to write books by Dr. Maddisan Barrett.” As usual I wanted to spring into action. I thought, I had to find out everything she needs to do and know.
From that push, honestly the story came to me effortlessly and all I wanted to do was create the path and show my daughter that her dream is already a reality and that she can achieve anything she puts her mind to. This way I know how to best guide her is by having done it myself. We parents often go through the learning process, the ups and downs so that our children would have a smoother ride through.
GAM: What’s the book all about, and what message do you hope kids take away from it?
RKB: The synopsis of this book centers on a young girl named Ruby who is determined to follow her dreams of joining the church choir. “With the support of her Grammy, Ruby overcomes her fears by building confidence within herself and taking a leap of faith.”
GAM: Children’s literacy has become a passion for you, and you hope to develop reading programs that will help build kids and their confidence in reading. What led to that interest and how do you hope to make a difference?
RKB: Yes, I do. I have spent a lot of time volunteering at my kids’ schools and even substituting for elementary classes. While doing so and while witnessing my girls journey in literacy, I noticed that the ability was definitely there but also noticed that the confidence just needed a boost.
Therefore, I aim to encourage and inspire the youth to want to read more and have been working on a planned program that would provide a platform for them to exercise and enhance that confidence through relationships, speaking and reading. I cannot speak on the development process of the program at this time, but I have gotten positive feedback from educational professionals and prospective volunteers.
GAM: You wear a lot of hats - author, paralegal, clothing store owner and mom. How do you make it all happen?
RKB: Being a mom is my number one priority and the easiest responsibility that I have. My children motivate me to do everything that I do, from making their clothes to striving to work hard in my professional career. With lots of planning and organization I handle multitasking very well. I often refer to us moms as octopuses because we juggle so many different things and might I say, we do it well!
GAM: What are you working on next?
RKB: Right now, I am currently preparing to release my song from Ruby Joins the Choir. It's written by myself and featuring my beautiful daughters Maddisan and Amira. Also, I am currently working to get my next book in the Ruby series to editing so please STAY TUNED!
Go Ask Mom features local moms every Monday.
