July in the Golan

A good edit doesn't cool the emotion; it channels it.  Every July, my inbox fills up just as the weather hits its peak. Clients from Jerusalem, New York, Melbourne, and Montreal all send me drafts they've finally had time to face. Whether they're sweating it out in a Tel Aviv apartment or working under a ceiling fan in Brooklyn, something...

Jewish identity often is ambivalent and that's the truth of it. A few years ago, a fellow writer sent me a short story for feedback. It featured a Jewish character who, strangely, had no cultural or emotional ties to anything remotely Jewish. This included no references to Jewish family rituals or appellations , food,  holidays, not ...

"A beta reader for With A Good Eye once told me she didn't know not all Jews were rich. That sentence stayed with me."  Writing Jewish Characters: Identity, Authenticity, and Avoiding Stereotypes by Gila Green After I posted about the difference between Jewish fiction and Jewish-themed fiction, and later shared the journey of taking a Jew...

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...

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...

"Open book and wheat stalks on rustic table – symbolizing creativity, Jewish tradition, and the harvest themes of Shavuot."

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"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...

 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...

  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...

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...

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...

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...

 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...

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...

"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...

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...

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...

 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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? ...

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...

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 ...

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?...

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...

 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...