Emma Robuck

When I was in high school, SouthEast Polk High School in Altoona, Iowa, I wanted to be a writer. In my English class, we could write stories for extra credit and I raised my grades with my stories.

Then I met the long-haired, motorcycle riding, mickey-mouse denim jacket wearing man who became my husband and I didn't write for a while.

I was in my 30's and it was during the floods of 1993. I had a very vivid dream, came downstairs and started writing. Three hours later read what I had written. I didn't remember writing most of that story. But I thought it was good so I finished it over the next few days.

It was exhilarating to have a finished story in my hands and I knew it was so much better than when I was a teen. But what to do with it?

I called Iowa State University and talked with the English department who put me in touch with a graduate student. I met with him and hired him to critique my story, keeping in mind whether I should continue writing or go back to knitting and crocheting.

His decision was that it had a lot of promise and I should definitely not quit writing.

So I asked around and searched the infant internet (at that time) and found a local writer's group. I joined and started the wild ride of writing romance. Now 20 years of writing and learning and lots of meetings and conferences later, I am happy to announce the publishing of my book, "Recipe for a Happy Kitchen" published under the name Emma Robuck.

My husband is tickled that the first book is published and is proudly sharing that fact with anyone who will listen. He has been my rock, supported me, reluctantly at times, all the way through this journey.

My cats could care less, but that is the way of cats. My family is proud and excited for me and somewhere, up there, my parents are proud too.

Thanks for listening and go read the book. I love a good romance.