To my surprise, chiseling my stories also made my prose pop.  Last May 2023, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer Lang for my website. Now, she's back with the next phase of her memoir writing to share with us. It seems like a lifetime ago, given all that has transpired since then, and I still haven't resumed my regular author interview...

My summer blog post series continues. Summer is often seen as a time of relaxation and renewal and I've been writing a lot about that in my summer writing series. But this summer, I'm adding a post to my summer series that is not an intuitive part of my subject. When the world around us is in turmoil, it can be challenging to find solace, let alone...

Welcome to my ongoing author interview series! Today, I'm excited to feature Ann Koffsky, a talented children's author and illustrator whose work has captured the imaginations of young readers. Ann creates books that not only entertain but also inspire and educate. In this interview, we'll explore Ann's creative process, le...

By Elaine Franklin Whenever I pick up a book, I feel a sense of happy anticipation. It's the same sense of excitement I feel when the lights go down at a play, or the movie is just about to start. I know I'm in for an adventure of some kind, and no matter what genre it is, I know I'll be going on an emotional journey. I'll meet new people, find out...

My summer blog post series continues. I reference Israel because that's the location I know best, but you can apply this post to summer almost anywhere. I include my own Israel sky and event photos.  1. Longer, Hotter Days Mean More Time: In Israel, the summer days are not only longer but also particularly hot, giving you more daylight ho...

 Today's post is the 4th in my summer writing series. I expand on a point in yesterday's post about creative exploration in Jewish texts.  Summer's break from routine is a great time to experiment with your writing. With longer days and a more relaxed schedule, it's the perfect opportunity to delve into creative exploration. One unique so...

 This is the third post in my summer writing series. In this post, I will write from a specifically Jewish angle.  I include my own images of Jewish writing prompts: Omer Adam concert Tel Aviv June 2024, Jerusalem Jazz Festival June 2024 and Ashdod beach July 2024. Consider the photograph itself, the venue, the atmosphere, whatever c...

 I decided to write a whole series on summer writing. This post is the second summer writing post. I have always written much more in the summer than at other times of year.  How is the photo of Eilat from this week? The food truck festival in Jerusalem photo?  Feel free to use these photos as writing prompts. Glaze them with yo...

Embracing the Season: Summer Writing Tips for First-Time Novelists Summer is a time of warmth, relaxation, and inspiration. For first-time writers, it's the perfect season to dive into creative projects. Whether you're lounging on the beach, enjoying a quiet moment in the park, or savoring long evenings, summer offers a unique backdrop for writing....

 Writing a novel is akin to weaving a complex tapestry, where each thread contributes to a rich and cohesive whole. Whether you're a seasoned writer or embarking on your first literary journey, understanding how to interlace the various elements of your narrative can transform your novel from a series of events into a compelling story. Here's ...

Who are your favorite secondary characters in literature? How have they impacted your reading experience?  When crafting a compelling narrative, primary focus often falls on the protagonist and antagonist. However, secondary characters play a crucial role in enriching the story, adding depth, and providing unique perspectives. In this article,...

 I was delighted to be interviewed by Lahav Harkov about a recent writing workshop I attended on Zoom. The writing prompt was to seek out something humorous post October 7 to help us cope with the chaos. Naturally, I chose a tower of tuna fish.  "Writing on the Wall" is a new creative writing community founded to 'make something of o...

"With A Good Eye" delves into the journey of 19-year-old Luna Levi as she navigates the challenges of maintaining her household while her mother pursues her acting career and her father is mostly absent. Luna shoulders the responsibilities of managing finances, cooking, and cleaning for herself and her brother Ronen, all while grappling with the co...

Discussion guides at the back of novels didn't always enjoy the prominence they do today. Their rise to popularity can be traced back to a growing desire for deeper engagement with literature, particularly in the context of book clubs and reading groups. Behind the immersive worlds and captivating characters of novels lies a hidden gem often overlo...

A long time ago it seems now (yes, in the world before October 7), I answered a call for submissions at the German Embassy in Tel Aviv. I thought it sounded like an amazing project I'd like to take part in. The submission call was for essays from women all over Israel in a variety of languages. After all of the delays between Corona and t...

 A photo gallery from the 49th Literary Modiin event! Thanks so much to Julie Zuckerman for creating this space for creativity and storytelling. I had the opportunity to read from my new novel With A Good Eye and connect with readers (one participant told me she came because her aunt in New York was reading my novel White Zion in her book...

 Thank you to journalist, Atara Beck, for this interview. The magazine (print) version is longer and includes a photo spread. I'll post the PDF. For now, here is the online version of the interview with a link to the full profile. With a Good Eye, the title of Canadian-Israeli author Gila Green's novel, alludes to a good luck charm the protago...

Writing a memoir is a deeply personal and often therapeutic journey. However, it also comes with unique challenges that can hinder your narrative's impact if not addressed. Here are the top 10 common mistakes memoir writers make and tips on how to avoid them: 1. Lack of Focus Memoirs should have a clear theme or central message. Avoid trying to cov...

Many writers don't know what to ask themselves or their editors once they have completed a first draft. Here are some common questions all writers should ask themselves and others about their work: Is my writing clear and coherent? Authors frequently seek clarity on whether their writing effectively communicates their ideas and engages readers.Does...

Sally Wiener Grotta (she/her) is an award-winning writer, photographer and speaker whose numerous books include: Of Being Women, a collection of feminist science fiction stories (NobleFusion Press, 2023) and Daughters of Eve, a collection of essays that mines the tales of biblical Matriarchs to explore modern lives and concerns (Bayit Publishing, 2...

 Want to win a shelf full of Jewish kidlit books? Check out this contest! There are tons of books being given out, with 9 lucky winners. You can enter here: https://tinyurl.com/JAHMgiveaway  With A Good Eye is older YA, for ages 16 and up. My heroine, Luna Levy, is 19 turning 20 in the novel.  My book latest With A Good Eye, is part ...

 AJL Canada Roundtable: Canadian Authors' Showcase Sunday, May 5, 202410:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET / 8:00 pm Israel Time In this showcase, thirteen Canadian authors of children's, YA, and adult books—Rona Arato, Brayden Bernstein, Nancy Cohen, Zehava Cohn, Anne Dublin, Gila Green, Kathy Kacer, Etta Kaner, Joanne Levy, Carol Matas, Ira Robinson, Al...

When we clear out the physical and mental clutter in our lives, we create the room needed to bring in new and more desired things, people, and experiences. Gayle is the Chief Executive Organizer of Let's Get Organized, LLC, in Northern New Jersey. She is a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization, Certified Virtual Organizing Pro...

Middle-grade fiction often features a clear and accessible writing style that draws readers in from the first page.  As an editor, delving into the world of fiction requires not only a keen eye for detail but also an understanding of the unique nuances that come with different genres and age groups. Whether you're editing middle-grade or adult...

 I was absolutely delighted when Sally Wiener Grotta offered to chat with me about my latest novel With A Good Eye. With A Good Eye is available for pre order on Amazon/Amazon Kindle, as well as directly from the Montreal publisher. In addition, With A Good Eye is my first audio book and hopefully, I'll be able to post that link in a...

In 2019, I had the pleasure of joining a Literary Modiin Event to discuss my books, White Zion and No Entry. Now, I'm excited to announce my return for the release of With A Good Eye. Huge thanks to Julie Zuckerman for extending the invitation—I'm truly honored to be alongside talented authors Sheryl Abbey and Sarah Ansbacher. Whethe...

 Editing a memoir versus editing fiction involves unique considerations due to the distinct nature of the genres. Though I agree that the best memoirs read like fiction, in practice, that advice can only take you so far.  Here's a list outlining some key differences: Factual Accuracy: Memoirs are based on real events and experiences from ...

When the hero or heroine faces no repercussions for their actions, the narrative lacks moral complexity. My posts are often questions I receive from actual clients. Recently, I had a client take the view that the hero can get away with a wrongdoing because "that's what happens in real life, so why not in my book?" I decided to write a post in ...

A well-qualified academic editor brings not only expertise in academia but also a breadth of experience, including meticulous research and fact-checking skills honed through creative endeavors.  As scholars pursuing advanced degrees, the quality and precision of our academic writing are paramount. Whether crafting a dissertation, thesis, resea...

There has only ever been one act that makes me feel as potent as Elijah: writing. With a pen in my hand I could raise the dead, ascend skyward and bring fire down from the heavens....In Israel I was both haunted by and trying to tear myself away from memory when it came to this Nation, and all of that energy had to land somewhere: it became a&...