Interview with Deborah Kalb

Thanks so much, author Deborah Kalb for interviewing me on your site about With A Good Eye. Gila Green is the author of the forthcoming novel With a Good Eye. Her other books include Passport Control. She is based in Israel. Q: What inspired you to write With a Good Eye, and how did you create your character Luna Levi? A: I've been wanting to write...

I'm grateful and honored to once again find a novel of mine featured in Sephardic Horizons. Thank you to editor Judith Roumani for taking the time to meet with me at a cafe across from the college where I teach in Jerusalem. Over a coffee and pastry we had a discussion that turned into this interview. This was in August before the war, though I did...

In a world often fraught with challenges and uncertainties, the literary landscape is witnessing a notable shift towards a genre that seeks to provide solace and inspiration. The rise of up-lit, short for uplifting literature, has become a breath of fresh air for readers seeking narratives that offer hope and humor in the face of life's complexitie...

 As we step into a new calendar year, let's weave the rich tapestry of Israel and Jewish culture into our creative expressions. Whether you're a writer deeply connected to these themes or looking to explore them for the first time, these New Year writing prompts are crafted to spark your imagination with elements of Israel and Jewish iden...

When an agent or editor says: "Does this really need to rhyme?" it doesn't mean "I hate rhyme and will never represent it or buy anything that rhymes." In most cases, what they're really saying is: "Your rhyming skills still need some work." Debunking the Myth That "Editors and Agents Don't Like Rhyme" By Rebecca Gardyn Levington There's a misconce...

This Hanukkah, I was excited to be featured in Be'chol Lashon. I have been going back and forth with their creative director for a while until we decided that this Holiday of Light would be the ideal time to devote a page on their site to With A Good Eye and how food features in the novel because this holiday, as well as Passover, are seasons ...

I was delighted to spend an hour chatting with podcaster Tamar Ben Zvi recently. Tamar titled the podcast: One Family's Century-Long Israeli Journey. So that should give you an idea that we talked about Israeli history from the Ottoman Empire through today after starting off with a little bit about Canada. Of course, we delved into book-talk, my no...

Susan Weintrob did me the honor of reviewing White Zion when it came out in 2018. Today she honored me again with her review of my latest novel With A Good Eye, available for pre-order here. It goes without saying that we both love the combination of good food and good books.  Welcome, Susan Weintrob! Foodie LitGila Green's With...

Since October 7, 2023, I've been living through a war along with the entire Israeli population of every background. Well-meaning podcasters from abroad interviewing me about my new novel, With A Good Eye, have asked me if I'm in any way affected by the current war in Israel. I've responded that you'd have to be in a coma to be unaffected by th...

 I want to wish everyone a Happy Hanukah as difficult as it is right now, we are in much need of light. Hanukah is a time to take advantage of, not to waste, so whatever brings light into your life, grab an extra dose on Hanukah.  Here's an update on what's coming up for me: 1. Four podcasts that I detail here. I'll post the links wh...

I'm delighted to share with you my podcasts coming soon. I'm privilleged to have this opportunity to engage in lively discussions with hosts in Canada, the USA and Israel. Thanks for inviting me and looking forward to challenging and enlightening conversations! Ingenium Books I'm super excited for my upcoming discussion with Bon...

In the beginning of October 2023, I had the privillege of chatting with podcaster Joshua Pantalleresco on his podcast Just Joshing. We chatted about Canada, what it's like to live in various Canadian cities, postCorona societies, travel, this and that and of course, about my new novel With A Good Eye. Thanks for hosting me, Josh. This podcast ...

Which values stand out to you in your own writing that will preserve your legacy?   Every year at our Passover Seders, we tell the story of our people, over and over each year, with the intention to pass along our values to the next generations. I do wonder, though, how many authors and illustrators who create today's children's stories r...

I am honored to host this month's Jewish Book Carnival. The Jewish Book Carnival is a monthly roundup of Jewish literary links from across the blogosphere. Sponsored by the Association of Jewish Libraries, it is hosted by a different blog each month and shares book reviews, author interviews, essays, and other blog posts about Jewish books. For mor...

 Once the war broke out here in Israel, my August essay seemed to have descended from another planet and I wrote an addendum to reflect the current horrible times we are all living through. "The school was closed and no one went to work. Everyone was conscripted into the military or to help in the hospitals or to bury the dead. Across from the...

Aliyah: A Love StoryThe romance with her fiancé spurred her initial move to Israel, never imagining the love affair she eventually would have with the country. I'm thrilled to share my essay published in the lastest issue of Distinctions. The essay was written in August before this horrific war. An additional shorter essay was written aft...

Through a careful recounting of emotional development, Green leaves us convinced that life, and love, will win out.  By Thaddeus Rutkowski The novel With a Good Eye (AOS Publishing, Montreal) follows the fortunes—and misfortunes—of Luna Levi, a young Jewish woman living in Ottawa in the mid-1980s. In prose that is tight, spare, and fast paced,...

 My fifth novel "With A Good Eye" has arrived from Montreal. First batch! I'm not there to open the box. This story takes place in Ottawa but there is an Israeli thread as well as a thread of antisemitism. Thank you, Meryl Ain for the review.  "Gila Green's compelling new novel, With A Good Eye, is a unique Coming of Age story about the i...

 I am honored to have a poem included in this collection. Please order and help raise emergency funds for so many in need.  Announcing the Publication of Am Yisrael Chai: Poems, Prayers, and Essays 94 Authors, One Heart - United in Solidarity with Israel for Kedoshei Yisrael, our fallen ones, whose blessed memories will never fade. f...

Before this War broke out, I was very excited about my new novel With A Good Eye.  Blurb    Luna Levi is an ordinary 19 year old with extraordinary problems. Her mother's acting career is more important to her than the stage of real life. Her father struggles with PTSD as an ex-combat soldier and is equally MIA when it comes to ...

This short video was filmed on Day Two of the October 2023 War when I was asked if I felt I wanted to share anything about someone who had fallen/was murdered.  The names of the victims: Shlomi and Ayellet Molcho zichronam l'vrachah.  Day Five My sense of time is completely off. Four hours passes like ten minutes. Six hours like five...

Several people have contacted me from outside of Israel to ask how they can help. Thank you JIMENA staff for compiling and sharing this list. I repost it here:   For those wishing to provide direct financial support to Israel: Magen David Adom – Supporting 33,000 paramedics, EMTs, first responders, and first-aid providers in Israel. NATAL...

Like the fragile sukkah, our stories may be temorary, but their impact can endure for generations. Embrace the impermanence of your words and let your writing be a shelter of inspiration for all who enter.  Wishing everyone who celebrates a meaningful and magical Sukkot!   

Today on gilagreenwrites, I'm deilghted to host author Deborah Kalb. I'm excited to share Deborah's new novel with you as she plunges forward into the world of adult books. I hope you enjoy this thoughtful conversation that explores Deborah's  writing process and some behind-the-scenes thoughts regarding her new novel Off to Joi...

Coming soon to gilagreenwrites: November Jewish Book Carnival  

Whenever I write, I choose subjects that I hope will make an impact. If any of my books mean something to even one young reader I feel like I'll have done my job!  Bio Erin Silver's children's books include: Just Watch Me (Krystal Kite Award nominee), What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19 (Hackmatack Awa...

For my new novel "With A Good Eye" storyboards were particularly helpful in creating my character Luna Levi and her best friend Aiden Betel. by Gila Green Characters are the heart and soul of any compelling story. They drive the narrative, engage readers, and make the fictional world come alive. To create well-rounded, relatable characters, writers...

 "With a Good Eye is a powerful story about family, loss, and hope seen through the eyes of one young, resourceful woman, Luna Levi, who is trying to find her way. Gila Green paints a vivid portrait of a raw, urban Canadian landscape, as she delves into the Underworld as well as the inner world of her characters. Lyrical, wise and moving." Dia...

In my new novel With A Good Eye, there's a lot of homecooking, which I loved including in the book.  But why stop at one novel? Come visit me on Instagram at "Cooking with Gila." I'd love to hear feedback from anyone who tries one of my family's favorite recipes.  Follow me. Photos: Moroccan Fish, Holiday Meal Rice