Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning international author. Diann writes children’s books and young adult books. In addition, Diann writes books to inspire kids to be kind, like themselves, and to “Embrace Imagination”. You can find all her books on Amazon.
Q: When did you first begin writing stories?
I have always been a storyteller, but it was around 1998 that I started putting my stories to print and began the author journey.
Q: Where did you find the inspiration for your book, Ruby Takes Chicago?
Ruby Takes Chicago is the sequel to the book Rise: A Girl’s Struggle for More. Both books are based on the early life of my grandmother. She inspired me, and I wanted to share her journey to encourage readers never to give up and pursue their dreams.
Q: Can you tell us readers what your novel, Ruby Takes Chicago is about?
Ruby Take Chicago takes place in the 1920s and is about a recent college graduate who, after returning home from school “up north”, leaves her hometown in Oklahoma to pursue her dreams in Chicago. Once in Chicago, Ruby is surprised that society is still reluctant to accept women working outside the home, even in the big city. Determined to stay true to herself, she takes on life’s challenges in tumultuous times of Prohibition, protests, and women’s rights marches. Ruby meets like-minded women, and together, they break through the barriers until Ruby lands the perfect job, all amidst discovering the joys of life and love, heartbreak, and love again.
Q: What themes are inside this book?
The central theme is a young girl, Ruby, working to find her dream job in a man’s world.
The sub-theme is Ruby and her friends working through the maze of life; wanting to work and to be recognized as an equal in the workforce, but also enjoying life and seeking love.
Q: Why pick the 1920s?
I selected the 1920’s because that is when my grandmother experienced her young life.
Q: Who are the main characters in Ruby Takes Chicago?
The main characters:
•Ruby Dinsmore
•Mr. and Mrs. Clark, friends of Ruby’s parents, who let Ruby live in their home to help her get settled in Chicago.
•Liz, Ruby’s trusted friend and coworker
•John Wiess, Ruby’s first boss and later, after she moves to a new job, someone she dates.
•Zoe, a new trusted friend
•Ralph a new beau in Ruby’s life
•Edward the next beau in Ruby’s life
Q: What do you do as a cohost on USA Global TV?
I cohost with Dr. Jacalyn for three shows:
The Corner Bookstore
Books, Blogs, and Poetry, where we interview authors, publishers, and anyone connected with the author world.
On the show, The United Kingdom News and Culture, I cohost with Dr. Jacalyn and the United Kingdom Correspondents Helena Chard and Simon Mac Donald.
Q: What are some of the humanitarian projects that you do?
When I was living in Dubai, I was able to work with a team of women, and we assisted various organizations located in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
Today, back in Texas, I volunteer for our church and other community organizations.
Q: What other organizations do you work with?
I belong to the Austin Women’s Club, and we work to preserve an historical home built in 1874 by the North family. The North home became known as the Chateau Bellevue. We also give historical tours of the home.
Q: What other books are you working on at the moment?
I am working on several children’s books; Boomer the Curious Bunny will become a series, so several stories are in the making. I am working on a new short story series about a young girl and her various adventures in life. The book title is still to be determined.
Q: Where can readers find you and your books online?
You may find my books online at:
•Barnes and Noble
•Norns Triad Publications
•Ebook- Boomer the Curious Bunny
About the Author
