Stereotypes and generalizations have long limited women. While we have come a long way from more conservative views of misogyny, there’s still a battle for a place for women in this modern world. Ileana Drobkin’s latest book, “The Pirate Queen: In Search of the Orbs” hopes to strengthen the fight for women empowerment.
The latest teens and young adults book from the famed author, Ileana Drobkin, follows the story of Captain Sofia Bonny Rose, a pirate. She doesn’t necessarily “fit the mold” of the typical storybook pirate. Captain Rose carries a strong character in a category ruled mainly through male protagonists without losing her femininity to male stereotypes. “She maintains her femininity in what is normally seen as masculine,” shares Ileana about her character. “The few female pirates typically adopted the dress and appearance. This character is six feet tall with bright, long, flowing hair.”
In the story, Captain Sofia goes against the maniacal Captain known as Black Heart, who taunts the female captain and tests her limits. Still, Rose leads her band of loyal pirates and allies to voyage through the globe to search for powerful orbs that can unlock mysteries of Captain Rose’s past while also saving civilization from destruction.
When creating the storyline and character, Ileana thought it was crucial that she would have someone who could represent women. When women are forced to fit into certain traits to find a place in the world, Drobkin believes new categories should be created across the board. For example, women don’t have to be aggressive to thrive in sales. Likewise, they don’t have to be “boyish” to join sports.
Moreover, Ileana Drobkin wants to teach morals around individuality and self-acceptance through her stories. “I want my readers, especially young girls, to be able to see themselves in the characters and relate to the character’s circumstances,” adds Drobkin. “I hope they see the individuality of the characters and the confidence they have in that individuality. My wish is that they replicate that confidence in their individuality.”
Ileana Drobkin has had many careers, including being a professional mediator, chairing the board responsible for all taxicabs in Clark County, including Las Vegas, Nevada, to owning a digital news site. She is set to release another story entitled “Solomon’s Journey.” A Pirate Queen Sequel is also now in the works. Ileana started writing to leave a legacy for her family and other families. She has always loved stories and the art of storytelling. Her characters are a personification of her children, their dreams, and aspirations. The author has also created heroes that thousands of children can now look to for inspiration in the process.
Ileana sees herself in the writing and storytelling industry for the long term. In addition, she sees the characters of her stories developing and having their own stories within their own individual series of books. She’s also looking forward to developing characters that would inspire young men in the future.
Ileana Drobkin is an author who is committed to her work. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and her two beautiful children. To get a copy of “The Pirate Queen,” visit its Amazon page.
