A talented Jewish writer from Long Island and Queens, recounts her inspiring journey to author her debut book "Hands of Gold", Roni Robbins.

Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein

Roni Robbins is a Jewish writer originally from Long Island and Queens, whose journey led her to author her debut book, Hands of Gold. Growing up in a creatively gifted family—her father a blacksmith and her mother a silversmith—Roni initially pursued a career in music before discovering her passion for writing. She earned a scholarship to the University of South Carolina, later working for various newspapers in the South, including the Atlanta Jewish Times, and freelancing for major publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, New York Daily News, Forbes, and Huffington Post. ⁣ After dedicating over 20 years to balancing her writing career with motherhood, Roni completed Hands of Gold, inspired by her grandparents’ lives and the themes of survival, illness, and family struggles during significant historical events like the Great Depression and the Holocaust. Her persistence culminated in securing a professional publishing deal with Amsterdam Publishers after overcoming initial setbacks. ⁣ Currently, Roni is focused on sharing her family's stories, which resonate with contemporary audiences. She plans to write a second book titled A Mighty Arm, inspired by her father's life as a blacksmith.