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Editing Case Study: How One Jewish-Themed Novel Went from Raw Draft to Ready for Publication

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Jewish-themed fiction lives in the details. Bringing Jewish Fiction to Life Jewish-themed fiction offers rich, layered storytelling, but capturing that depth on the page can be challenging. Many writers struggle to balance cultural authenticity with narrative flow, or to communicate Jewish rituals without slowing the pace. In this editing case...

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What’s the Difference Between Jewish Fiction and Jewish-Themed Fiction?

Passport-Control

What's the Difference Between Jewish Fiction and Jewish-Themed Fiction? (And Why It Matters for Writers and Readers) If you're writing a book that includes Jewish characters, history, or themes, you may have asked yourself a surprisingly tricky question: Is my work Jewish fiction—or just Jewish-themed fiction? It might seem like splitting hairs, bu...

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Shavuot Writing Ideas: 5 Prompts for Fiction, Memoir, and More

Shavuot Writing Ideas: 5 Prompts for Fiction, Memoir, and More "Open book and wheat stalks on rustic table – symbolizing creativity, Jewish tradition, and the harvest themes of Shavuot."

creative writing for Jewish holidays writing inspiration for Shavuot Jewish storytelling ideas writing prompts for Jewish fiction biblical writing prompts spiritual writing prompts harvest-themed writing ideas personal Torah writing exercise Tikkun Leil Shavuot ideas Shavuot writing prompts Jewish writing prompts Shavuot creative writing ideas Jewi...

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Ikea Hacks for Creating Your Perfect Writing Nook: Affordable Writing Space Ideas for Writers

ikea-hacks

"Affordable Ikea hacks to upgrade your writing nook and boost your creativity!"  Are you looking for affordable ways to create a writing nook or design a productive writing space at home? Whether you're a novelist, blogger, or journaler, having a dedicated writing nook can boost your creativity and writing productivity. But not everyone has ex...

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Recommendation for my Editing Services

Recommendation

 Hi Gila, I just wanted to add something that I somehow forget to mention, your editing is fantastic! Absolutely beautiful!Thanks very much! I very much appreciate it!Love Frank Frank Genao San Francisco, CA Author of dozens of books, including Misha: Book 1: A Post-Apocalyptic Novel About A Father and Son's Fight to Survive (Misha: A Post-Apo...

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How Do I Find My Voice If I'm Writing in More Than One?

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  Struggling to find your writing voice when juggling multiple characters or genres? Learn how to stay authentic while writing in more than one voice—and why your unique voice still matters. Why Writing in Multiple Voices Is a Modern Writer's Dilemma If you've ever asked yourself, "How do I find my writing voice?" you're not alone. But what ha...

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What Do Years of Random Code Reds Do to Your Writing?

Yom-Haatzmaut

It's hard to concentrate on a plot twist or character arc when you know a siren is about to go off. Living and writing in Israel during a time of war presents a very specific set of challenges. One of the most disorienting is the randomness of Code Red alerts. These sirens are not only sudden and alarming, but lately, they're preceded by texts that...

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Finding Your Perfect Space to Write: From Libraries to Cafés to IKEA (and Even on Vacation!)

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Looking for the best spaces to write? Discover inspiring places for writers, from libraries and parks to cafés, IKEA cafeterias, and even vacation spots. For many writers, finding the right space to write can be almost as important as the writing itself. A good environment sets the mood, helps you focus, and often sparks the kind of inspiration tha...

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What's in a Name? Navigating Affectionate Naming in Memoir Writing

Names-on-Mugs

Memoir writers do not need to choose just one name for each character—as long as the variation serves the emotional logic of the text. Memoir writing is a delicate blend of truth-telling and storytelling. It demands both the precision of memory and the fluidity of emotion. And one surprisingly complex decision memoirists often face is: what do...

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Writing That Lasts: Guided Memoir Writing, Legacy Letters, and Expressive Journaling

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 Writing Prompt: Think back to the way people used to communicate when you were younger. Was it by letter, landline, or something else entirely? Describe the feel of it: the waiting, the handwriting, the voice on the other end. What memory rises up? As we move through May—a month that always seems to invite reflection—I find myself t...

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Stories We Tell Ourselves: How Writers Use Storytelling to Explore Memory and Identity

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As both a writer and editor, I've learned that the most powerful stories about identity and memory are often hidden in the second or third draft.  by Gila Green As a writer, I've long been drawn to characters who carry fragmented memories and fractured identities—those who question where they come from and what parts of their past they're will...

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7 Punctuation Fixes to Spring-Clean Your Writing

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"Tidying up punctuation is a simple, powerful way to make your prose shine." Spring is the season of clarity—fresh air, open windows, and the urge to declutter. But what about your writing? If you're polishing a short story, revising your novel, or getting ready to submit your manuscript, don't overlook one of the easiest ways to level up your pros...

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4 Ways to Spring Clean Your Writing and Refresh Your Creativity

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Spring cleaning isn't just for your home—refresh your writing, declutter your drafts, and bring new energy to your creativity! spring clean your writing editing tips for writers how to improve writing clarity how to remove filler words how to organize writing projects best writing tools for organization time management for writers self-editing tips...

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4 Storytelling Lessons Every Writer Can Learn from the Passover Haggadah

Great-Writing

The Passover Haggadah is a masterclass in storytelling—repetition, engagement, and character development at its finest. Passover Haggadah storytelling lessons storytelling techniques writing tips fiction writing nonfiction writing memoir writing character development engaging readers how to keep readers hooked writing strategies storytelling strate...

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REPOST: Authors Equity: A New Profit-Sharing Publishing Model

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 Industry & Advocacy News from the Author's Guild  Occasionally, I repost valuable information for authors and editors. You'll have to click on the link for the full story. From the Author's Guild website:  March 6, 2024 A new publishing company, launched by industry veterans, seeks to reshape the publishing model and put authors...

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5 Common Writing Mistakes Jewish Authors Make and How to Avoid Them

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Never assume that cultural boundaries are strict or unbreakable—they're often much more porous than we think. Jewish book editor Jewish sensitivity reader Writing about Jewish culture Jewish religious practices in books Writing Jewish characters Hebrew-speaking editor Ladino editor Arabic-speaking editor Avoiding cultural mistakes in writing Jewish...

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How to Choose the Right Editor for Your Book: A Guide for Jewish and Non-Jewish Writers

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As a sensitivity reader for HarperCollins Middle Grade, for example, I identified issues with an Israeli character whose syntax was incorrectly identical to that of an English speaker. I revised the dialogue to reflect authentic Israeli speech patterns, ensuring a more realistic portrayal. Another client had inaccurate religious references for Amer...

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How to Write a Heartfelt Love Story (That Will Keep Readers Coming Back)

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It's about exploring the deep emotional connections that define us. Valentine's Day may have passed, but love stories are timeless and they're more than just romance. Whether you're writing your first novel, crafting a short story, or delving into memoir or autofiction, creating a compelling, heartfelt narrative is key to capturing readers' he...

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​5 Tips for Writing Romance That Will Tug at Your Readers' Heartstrings This Valentine's Day

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While grand gestures can be memorable, it's often the small, everyday moments that define a romance. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to celebrate love—and for writers, it's a chance to explore the complexities of romance in your stories. Whether you're working on a romantic short story, writing a love novel, or just brainstorming new romance st...

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​10 Ways a Writing Coach Can Save You Time and Money During Your Writing Journey

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A full manuscript critique or developmental edit can be expensive, especially if your book still needs major structural work. A writing coach helps you fix big-picture issues—plot holes, pacing problems, weak character arcs—before you hire an editor. Writing a book is no small feat, and many writers underestimate just how long the process can take....

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Why I Am Uniquely Qualified to Edit Jewish Manuscripts

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Through years of class projects on family customs, recipes, and histories, I have gained a deep appreciation for the richness of the Jewish world. Recently, I was interviewed by an American Jewish author writing a book about sensitivity readers. She focused on the feedback they receive and why they believe they offer valuable insight to writers. It...

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7 Signs Your Manuscript Needs a Developmental Editor (Before You Query or Self-Publish)

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If your theme feels buried or unclear, a developmental editor can help you bring it to the surface in a way that enhances the story without feeling heavy-handed. So you've written a manuscript—congratulations! Whether you're planning to query agents or self-publish, you want your book to be as strong as possible. But how do you know if it's ready? ...

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Five Things Everyone Says to Writers That Aren't True

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Plenty of brilliant books get rejected, and plenty of mediocre ones make it through. After publishing six novels, I've learned a lot. And some of those things I've had to unlearn. If you've been writing for any length of time, you've probably heard plenty of advice, too—some of it helpful, some of it frustratingly misleading. While well-meanin...

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The Power of Writing from Personal Experience: Balancing Authenticity with Fiction

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As writers, we often turn to our own lives for inspiration. Whether it's a particularly challenging relationship, a memory that has stayed with us, or even the quiet moments of daily life, our personal experiences shape the foundation of much of what we write. The beauty of writing from life lies in its authenticity—there's an emotional truth that ...

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Guest Blog: The Jewish Woman Who Informed My Entire Career (and Life)

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That's the beauty of historical fiction. You can do that. You can take a real person you admire, and have them cross paths with your imaginary people. My family immigrated to America from the Soviet Union in 1977. I was seven years old. I spoke no English. (OK, that's not true. I knew the words "apple" and "the." How do you translate the word "the?...

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Balancing Acts: How to Transition Seamlessly Between Editing and Writing

Tel-Aviv-today

Writing is about creation—pouring out ideas and crafting stories or arguments from scratch. It's an exercise in exploration, where imperfection is part of the process. Editing, on the other hand, is about refinement. As both an editor and a writer, I often find myself navigating two very different worlds. Editing requires precision, objectivity, an...

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Should Chapters Have Names?

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 Naming chapters is not a must for every manuscript, but it can enhance your storytelling if done thoughtfully.  When it comes to naming chapters in your manuscript, the choice is ultimately yours. However, different genres often have different expectations when it comes to chapter titles. Here's a breakdown of whether or not chapters sho...

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How to Use Headings and Subheadings to Organize and Enhance Your Writing

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Too many headings can distract from your writing. Use them where they add value and structure. Headings and subheadings are essential tools in any writer's toolkit. Whether you are writing for print, the web, or a manuscript, these simple tools can improve readability, structure, and engagement with your audience. Here's how to effectively use head...

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Author Guest Post: From Middle School to the Balkans: The Journey Behind Dark Shadows Hover

Jordan-Sher

Writing is an adventure. It takes numerous twists and turns and alternate routes. It has its frustrations, but ultimately can lead to triumph no matter how long it takes to finish. --Jordan Steven Sher Bio Jordan Steven Sher is the author of four books, three of which focus on Bosnia. His previous two books are a non-fiction and an historical ficti...

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From Seed to Story: What Tu B'Shvat Teaches Us About the Writing Process

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Whether you're just starting out or ready to refine your latest draft, let's work together to make your story flourish. Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish New Year of Trees, is a celebration of growth, renewal, and the cycles of nature. This year the holiday falls on February 12 to 13. The Jewish New Year is a reminder that every tree begins with a single seed...

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Latest Books

The Inheritance

The Inheritance

This suspense/thriller asks, if you were to walk away from your family, would you ever go back, even if you received a desperate text message?

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Pre-Order from Amazon/Kindle for release: March 11, 2025

With a Good Eye

With a Good Eye

This family drama is part crime fiction and part domestic noir. With A Good Eye will make you question: can you ever save anyone but yourself and do any of us ever really leave home?

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No Entry

No Entry

In No Entry, Canadian teenager, Yael Amar, signs on to an elephant conservation program and ends up coming face to face with violence, greed, and murder and the taste of a very real danger for all of us: elephant extinction.

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White Zion

White Zion

White Zion is a novel in stories forthcoming from Cervena Barva Press (April 2019). The novel takes readers into the worlds of 19th century Yemen, pre-State Israel, modern Israel and modern Canada...

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Passport Control

Passport Control

Miriam Gil knows little about Israel. Her father won’t talk about his life there or the brother he left behind when he came to Canada. Hurt and angry when he tells her to move out to make room for his new girlfriend, she enrolls in an Israeli university. She falls in love with Guy... 

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King of the Class

King of the Class

Eve and Manny are engaged in post-civil war Israel, but Manny has a secret: he’s falling in love with his religious roots and turning his back on moral relativism. As their wedding date approaches...

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