Olga Ruchina

What was your favorite book as a child?

My favorite book as a kid was The Adventures of Dennis by the Soviet author Victor Dragunsky. This collection of short stories basically programmed my moral compass. For example, it taught me that the truth will always find a way, so lying is a terrible idea. Though now I see the world as a bit more complicated, I still try to stick to my rule of being as honest (but not rude!) as possible, especially with myself.

What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

The reasons why I started writing are a bit unclear, even to me and probably my therapist as well. I suppose my strength lies in the natural ability to turn thoughts into words and life into stories, which is a trait I share with many writers. For me, writing provides a sense of immortality, which is a comforting perk when battling a fear of death.

However, the shift from “wanting to write” to actually writing only happened after the death of my uncle. It is a common but tragic story: he was full of talent and hope, yet he never truly realized his potential. At his funeral, I faced the fact that I could no longer wait for the perfect idea, inspiration, or better circumstances. That moment of clarity is what pushed me to act, and I am currently finishing my first novel, Hearts Without Borders.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

Probably the most adventurous thing in my life was my Master’s degree. I won an Erasmus Mundus scholarship and joined a program in migration studies. The thrill? Every semester we had to live in a different country: France, Romania, and Spain. Packing up your life every four to five months felt like choosing which toys could sleep with you at night as a kid: your tiny bed can only fit a few teddy bears, and you feel guilty for leaving some behind. It was heartbreaking, exhausting, but completely worth it.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

I am extremely sensitive to noise. Whistling around me is basically my kryptonite. Because of this, I prefer quiet places with no distractions.