What makes you happiest?
My family. It may sound like a cliche’ but things don’t become cliches because they aren’t true. See what I mean? I love spending time with my husband – whether it’s going to the gym together, relaxing in the jacuzzi or cuddling in front of the TV, I truly cherish these moments of closeness. And I love watching my baby daughter grow, I enjoy playing with her, laughing with her and chasing her around. Sometimes I am in the middle of writing something and she comes over and wants my attention. I always try to accommodate her because she won’t be a toddler for long and I want her and myself to know that I have always been there for her.
What’s your greatest character strength?
Optimism. I have a friend who seeks out gurus in the major areas of his life. He has a business guru, a health guru, a beauty guru and I’m his spiritual guru. I don’t claim to be one but he labeled me as such. You know why? It’s because I always seek pleasing thoughts. You can call it positive outlook, looking at the world through rosy glasses, seeing the glass half-full or plain optimism. Whatever you choose to call it – this thing that makes my friend call me his guru is my greatest character strength.
What’s your weakest character trait?
Impatience. When I get excited about a project I want it NOW! When I have a new children’s book idea – I write the draft immediately. Nobody suffers from my impatience just yet. But then I need the book edited, illustrated, colored and put together and I may sometimes put too much pressure on my team to get everything done. I think that I have improved recently though. Now that the series is gaining momentum I no longer have to push for things to get done. It became more of a pulling thing – the illustrator is asking if I have a new book for him 
I also have to solicit fewer publicity by myself and I frequently get contacted directly from newspapers instead.
I also have to solicit fewer publicity by myself and I frequently get contacted directly from newspapers instead.
Why do you write?
Because I can’t not write. Even when I’m not writing picture books, I am writing my diary every single day. I just have to. I feel an inner drive to write. Now, why I write in this particular genre of children’s books is a different question entirely. I do that because I want to covey my philosophy of a positive attitude and my love for travel to my daughter and to all the other future world travelers.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes. When I was a kid I founded the school newspaper. I loved to see my thoughts printed on paper. I also enjoyed the other parts of the publishing process – soliciting articles from my class mates, putting the newspaper together, printing, binding it (I did all at home) and then distributing and selling it at school. I also used to write poems as a kid. I’m sure they’re pretty lousy but they rhymed and I had plenty of fun writing them.
What motivates you to write?
Well, I don’t really need motivation. Sometimes people contact me and want to sell me their services of motivating me to write. I always think that they’re crazy. Why would I pay for something that I don’t need and do better than them? I can tell you one of the things that thrills me about the writing and publishing process – your books make you immortal. Yes. Even after you’re long gone, readers can still access your thoughts through your writing, as long as paper and electronic readers exist.
What writing are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my Maya & Filippo Series. And the keyword here is series. Each book takes place in a different port and each time the characters learn a valuable life lesson. I love it that the possibilities of my creative expression are limited only to the number of harbors a ship could dock at. I’m also very proud that these books convey a message of a positive attitude to the little ones in a subtle way. And last but not least, I am proud that the titles that have already been published, Maya & Filippo Make Friends in Auckland and Maya & Filippo Play Chef at Sea, received a five star review distinction from Readers’ Favorite and I can now print the books with their seal of approval on the cover.
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
Pushing a child out of my hoo-ha. Yes. Nothing even comes close to THAT. No university title, no award, no fat perks and bonuses. I made a person! What can compare?
What books did you love growing up?
I loved Ann of Green Gables and I read ALL the titles of the series.
Who is your favorite author?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I loved the Sherlock Holmes stories as a teenager and I still read one every now and then. It just never gets old!
What book genre of books do you adore?
Of course I love children’s books. I read them together with my daughter. For my own pleasure I read a lot of non-fiction: spiritual, parenting, biographies and “stuff on writing”.
Alinka Rutkowska has created a tale that will appeal to children, which teaches about choices, and encourages communication and sharing. Rating: 5.0 stars from Readers’ Favorite Reviews.
Embark on a one-of-a-kind, unprecedented, breathtaking adventure with Maya and Filippo as they travel around the globe on board the “Fun Princess” — a cruise ship full of surprises. Discover their fascinating ports of call, find out what the local customs and traditions are, join the kids in activities at sea, and explore the remarkable world they create through the power of their positive outlook.
This time the kids spend a day on board the Fun Princess. They become junior chefs at sea and learn how to bake a cake. Maya and Filippo discover how trying out different recipes gets them closer to creating the perfect dessert. They also discover the power of sharing.
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Genre - Children’s Picture Book
Rating – G
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