Hello everyone! Today I have author Carrie Rubin of the “Eating Bull” fame. She is a box full of surprises for you. Not only does she write medical thrillers (yes, Robin Cook fans, I am looking at you!), she is a physician herself! I admire her for her courage to do what her heart says. If you are already not inspired, this interview will provide the required ammunition. And oh! Don’t forget to buy her book, “Eating Bull”! Without futher ado, let’s welcome author Carrie Rubin!
Welcome Dr. Carrie! Should I call you doctor or author? 🙂
Thank you so much for having me on your site! It’s a pleasure to be here. And you can call me whatever you like. My teen sons jokingly call me “old and clueless,” so anything’s a step up from that.
What inspired you to shift your career from a physician to an author?
It was actually a gradual process. I’ve always wanted to be a writer—cliché, I know—but the demands of work and family made the process a snail’s journey. It wasn’t until a few years ago when my first novel was published and I transitioned from clinical to non-clinical medicine that I decided to take the plunge and write full-time instead.
Still, I keep up with my professional requirements and remain board-certified. We never know what life’s next chapter holds, so it’s best to stay prepared.
Publishing is a tough business. How easy or difficult was it for you to adapt to this new way of thinking and might I add, your new job?
I’ll admit, at first it was scary. Kind of like jumping off a cliff. Succeeding as an author is difficult, and making a living from it is even more unlikely. But no dollar amount could top the peace the move brought me, and thanks to a very supportive husband, I’ve been able to continue the journey. In fact, I’m putting the finishing touches on my third novel now.
Of course, my writing has made my husband’s life easier too. Having a partner with flexible work hours makes the days smoother for the whole family. But I never take for granted how fortunate I am to be in this position. It really is a dream come true.
Can you tell us about your novel “Eating Bull – A Thriller” that was featured in the New Title’s showcase in Book Expo Chicago in May? That’s very exciting!
Thank you! It was nice to have it displayed there. Book Expo is an exciting event to attend.
At heart, Eating Bull is about a public health nurse and an overweight teenager who attract a killer’s attention after they sue the food industry and land in the public spotlight. On a bigger scale, it’s about body-shaming, bullying, food addiction, and the food industry’s role in obesity. As a physician and public health advocate, these areas are a particular professional interest of mine.
What’s the response you have received for the book so far?
Very positive, from readers and reviewers alike. Many people have commented it’s made them think about their own eating habits and the power food has in their lives. Readers also seem to enjoy the three point-of-view character lines I developed. For some, however, the short scenes of violence made them blink twice. But it is a thriller, after all. A thriller with a killerand a message.
A recent review from Midwest Book Review says this about Eating Bull: “A deftly crafted novel of suspense and a compelling read from beginning to end…Very highly recommended.”
I heard you have more author appearances scheduled in the coming months. Can you tell our readers where they can see you and get a signed copy?
I’ll be speaking on a panel and signing books at ThrillerFest in New York City in July for anyone attending the conference. On a more general-public level, I’ll be at the Ohio Readers & Writers Expo in Fairlawn, OH on July 23rd and at Mike & Pat’s Craft Fair in Mansfield, MA on December 4th. I’m excited to attend these events and be in the company of some wonderful authors.
Lastly, what’s coming next?
My third novel is a medical thriller with a dash of the paranormal. Given the number of medical thrillers out there, I like to give mine an extra twist. I envision this book as the first of a three-book series that takes my protagonist from med school to residency to medical practice. It’s in my editor’s hands now and should be ready for me to query by next month.
Before I go, I’d like to once again extend a big thank you to Coffee Time Romance for having me here today. Your questions were fun to answer, and I thoroughly enjoyed our exchange!
Thank you Carrie for your time. It was time well spent with you!
