Coronation
I got my hands on Ruby’s new book, Coronation, during a recent time in my life when I needed some uplifting— to help lighten the load when my heart was too heavy. Ruby’s words provided me with a deeper appreciation for the tremendous support of the women within my circle.
I have been following Ruby’s career for about a decade now, and admired her from afar—even more so now, as she currently leads the chic Parisian Pinay life that has served a great deal of inspiration for me. And if there is one thing I appreciate most about this woman— it is in the fearlessness and commitment to her dreams that I’ve found the same drive to pursue mine.
It is truly my pleasure and honor to share Ruby’s story with you! In a Q&A below, Ruby provides insight into her creative process, the importance of and the deeper calling of sharing one another’s stories, and what they can reveal in all of us.
And my heartfelt thanks to Ruby for taking the time to reflect and share her life with us—
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This is Ruby Veridiano, in her own words…
Image courtesy of Jenny Harp
Why is it important to share your story?
I feel it's important to share my story because I want to offer up my truths and vulnerabilities as a mirror for someone else to find strength and courage from. I want my voice to represent possibility in someone else. I want them to know that if someone who looks like them, who has the same background and upbringing, can have these experiences and these lessons, then maybe, they too, can have the audacity to also pursue the things that seem impossible. I also hope that this book can inspire readers to find faith in their own journey through all the trials and heartbreaks, and to know that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and be polished to be the best versions of themselves. I didn't grow up with a lot of books written by someone who I can see myself in- and when you're looking for wisdom to help make sense of your life, hearing that wisdom come from someone who shares your story makes all the difference in the world. I hope that this book gives women, especially Filipina/Asian women, a place to belong, a 'big sister' to turn to, and some reassurance/proof that all their challenges aren't happening to them, but for them- and most importantly, that there is victory on the other side.
What is the creative process like for you?
I have to be honest. I hate writing! The process of writing is slow and excruciating. I don't know if I've ever met a writer who loved sitting on their desk to write! To me, it is a very solitary activity that often feels unsatisfying because I could sit at my desk for hours not being able to produce anything I can feel proud of. But when the flow hits, it feels like my mind and body has been taken over by a force bigger than myself. It feels like I'm a vessel for a bigger message, and when I do put something on the page that I feel good about, it makes me feel so privileged to have been chosen to deliver that message.
My creative process is a long process that doesn't always involve being on my desk writing. I often read a lot of material to stir the still waters in my mind. When writing Coronation, I read writers like Jhumpa Lahiri, Aja Monet, and Warsan Shire- my favorite writers are the kind who are so good they make me want to throw up (in a good way!). When a piece of writing hits me, it is a visceral reaction that leaves me breathless. Reading good writing inspires me to challenge myself to reach higher and write from the highest artistic standard I can summon. But it's also about actively seeking inspiration- living in Paris, I am privileged to visit so many artistic and cultural places that give me bright ideas. Places like Shakespeare & Company book store, the many fashion exhibits at Palais Galliera, and concerts at the Philharmonie de Paris.
Good music helps a lot too. When writing Coronation, I listened to artists like Rhye, Yuna, The Temper Trap, Christine & the Queens, Florence & the Machine, Solange, and Disclosure.
How can you encourage others to speak their truths?
One thing I can advise people to think about when speaking their truths is to take the focus away from them, and instead think about how someone else can be served by their message. I was terrified (still am!) to release this book because it made me feel naked and vulnerable. But when I think about how I want other people to feel when reading my work, I recognize that is what matters the most. As a writer, my job is to give words to the human experience, to document humanity in its truest, realest, rawest form. And if someone can see their own hearts and souls in my work and inspires them to believe in themselves a little more, then who cares if my knees are shaking? I try to think about how my gifts can be of service instead of focusing on my personal fears- that's what gives me courage.
Image courtesy of Ruby Veridiano
