The Perfect Name

Her name is Ruchama. Ruchama King Feuerman.

Ruchama is the Hebrew word for mercy/compassion. She was named well.

Ruchama is a published book author and regular contributor to the World Jewish Digest. She has written about stories and children, death and the chevra kadisha (Jewish burial society), childbirth and parenting. Her book Seven Blessings, put out by St. Martin's Press, was well received.

A couple years ago, someone asked me if I'd like to contribute a short story to an anthology. To say that I was flattered is an understatement. To learn that a story of mine -- if accepted, of course! -- would be published alongside one of Ruchama's, floored me! I started writing, but had great difficulty writing in that genre...and perhaps lucky for me, the literary project folded before it had ever truly begun. But still, I walked away smiling, just thinking about authors such as Ruchama, in whose company my story would have appeared in this book.

Well, I'm not writing short stories these days, but I'm sure Ruchama still is... And long stories... And everything in between!

Ruchama is a ghostwriter, and a writing coach. And she just recently started a blog. You can reach it, and her, at http://www.writetogether.typepad.com/.

I like the Jewish proverb that Ruchama cites on the blog: "There are three things a person should do in one’s lifetime: Have a child, plant a tree, and write a book.”

Hmm...at this point in my life, I guess I have to say, "Two out of three ain't bad"!

Do check out Ruchama's writing, and if you're a writer with a story to tell, why not contact her for some friendly pointers in the WRITE direction!? You might just end up writing a book...