The Signal

Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: News

Author of the new book, Ruby Rest, is a former CSU Stanislaus student

Ruby Rest, the debut novel of CSU Stan grad

It is always inspiring for California State University, Stanislaus students to hear about the success of one of our alumni. CSU Stanislaus graduate, Tyler Oaks, is one of the schools current success stories with the release of her first book, "Ruby Rest" that became available on October 31.

Oaks graduated from CSU Stanislaus in the year 2000 with a B.A. in Spanish and was Spanish student of the year. Later on she received her M.A. in Spanish at CSU Sacramento and currently lives in Napa with her husband and twin daughters.

As strange as it sounds for a Spanish major to become an author of a mystery novel based in both Austria and America, Oaks still owes much of her success to the choices she made at CSU Stanislaus.

"I wanted a challenge and I loved language, so I chose a Spanish major instead of English. I got my wish for a challenge and through studying Spanish at CSU Stanislaus, I learned to accomplish something that was very difficult for me," said Oaks. "The challenge of my major couldn't have prepared me better for the challenges of publishing."

It wasn't just the challenge of her major in college that helped shape Oaks' career as an author. It also had a lot to do with the material she read throughout college.

"During most of the time I spent in college and graduate school, I read almost exclusively in Spanish. This not only allowed me to see the world from different perspectives than if I read only in English, it also helped develop the way I express myself through language," said Oaks.

Oaks has always loved to read books in Spanish because of "their play between the complexity and simplicity of language and their sometimes brutal honesty."

Her writing has been greatly influenced by reading so many of these books.

When in the process of trying to get her novel published, Oaks was filled with many mixed emotions.

"Before getting published there was that never ending cycle of belief, hope, doubt, and then restored determination," said Oaks.

"To actually come to the end of that cycle I experienced a tremendous high at the realization of a dream, and then a sense of excitement for the continued adventure that was ahead of me," she added.

Until the recent success as an author, Oaks was teaching Spanish at Modesto Junior College. She is currently taking time off from MJC to promote "Ruby Rest" and write full-time.

Oaks is currently working on the final edit for her next mystery novel based in Sonoma Valley. She has also started working on a new novel which will take place in Barcelona.

"Of all my work, this new project is most inspired by my Spanish education. The rawness of thought and emotion in the novels written by women in Spain during the Franco dictatorship have really taken my mind in a lot of different directions and urged me to open up my heart to exploring some very difficult questions," said Oaks of her future novel.

The story of Oaks' success is an inspiration for all students at CSU Stanislaus. It proves that hard work and determination are all any student needs to eventually make their dreams come true.

Oaks is currently starting a book tour to promote the novel "Ruby Rest." She will be at the Borders in Turlock on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. as well as several other local locations. To find out more about Oaks and her book tour, visit her website at www.tyleroaks.com.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools