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

flower

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

rose-cupcakes

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

TelAviv-from-the-sea

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

Taleh

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)

Sunset-Jerusalem-

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

Audio-book

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

Puppy-love

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?

breakfast

 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

ice-coffee

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

Lemon-tree

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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What's in and What's out for 2025

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AI-generated novels are expected to continue growing in popularity in 2025  In 2025, the literary world is set to embrace several notable trends, while moving away from others. Here's a breakdown of what's "in" and what's "out" in the book industry for the upcoming year: What's In: Diverse and Inclusive Narratives: There's a growing emphasis o...

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How to Use Zoom to Get the Most Out of Your Meeting with Your Editor

Gila-and-Sally

I want to review some key takeaways to help you get the most out of your meetings with your editor in 2025. In 2024, I had numerous Zoom meetings with writers across various genres—fiction, nonfiction, and academic writing. During these sessions, I've seen a lot of different approaches, and I want to review some key takeaways to help you get the mo...

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Starting the New Year Right: Is Zoom Still Relevant for Writers in 2025?

zoom-meeting

But as we step into 2025, does Zoom still meet the evolving needs of today's writers?  The new year often brings a sense of renewal, a time to set fresh goals and embrace new habits. For writers, editors, and academics, this might include reevaluating the tools that help us collaborate and create. One question many of us are asking as 2025 beg...

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How to Get Published in an Academic Journal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Arts-L

IntroductionPublishing in academic journals is a key milestone for faculty seeking to advance their careers and share their research. Yet, the process can be daunting. This guide simplifies the journey, offering actionable steps to help you navigate the academic publishing world. Step 1: Identify the Right Journal Scope and Audience: Choose journal...

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The Faculty Guide to Getting Your Book Edited: Tips and Insights

Editing-books

Introduction As a faculty member, your book represents years of research, thought, and dedication. Ensuring it is polished, professional, and ready for publication is crucial. But how do you choose the right editor? And what steps can you take to streamline the process? This guide offers practical advice for faculty authors seeking professional edi...

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Top Ten Reasons to Start (or Finish) Your Book Before the New Year

gila-green-0001

The end of the year is the perfect time to focus on your writing goals. Whether you're dreaming of starting your first book, struggling with a messy middle, or trying to get across the finish line, there's no better time to take action. Here's why—and how working with a professional book coach can make all the difference. Fresh Start EnergyA new ye...

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Mark Your Calendar for December 18

Hanukkah-Giveaway-JLTR-2024

 What's almost as delightful as latkes and sufganiyot on Hanukkah?  New books, of course! Join me on December 18 for a Hanukkah Giveaway that's as warm and bright as the holiday itself. This special online event is hosted by the incredible Jews Love To Read! Facebook group—a vibrant community for book lovers and Jewish authors. I'll be gi...

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Finding the Light: Writing, Editing, and the Lessons of Chanukah

Chanukiah

The word "Chanukah" comes from the Hebrew word for dedication.  As the candles of Chanukah illuminate the dark nights of winter, they remind us of resilience, renewal, and the pursuit of clarity. These themes resonate deeply not only in life but also in the creative process of writing and editing. The Miracle of Beginnings Chanukah celebrates ...

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What Are Your Writer \ Life Goals for 2025?

swag

Must They Be Two Separate Things? Here's Why They're Not Maybe you're even on a "goal diet," scaling back on ambitions to focus on fewer but more meaningful objectives. As 2024 comes to an end, many of us are looking ahead to what we hope to accomplish in the coming year. For writers, it's tempting to think of our writing goals as distinct from our...

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Celebrating Mizrahi Heritage Month: Unity Through Diversity

Drora-Arussy

"Just as the tribes had their own "gates in the heavens," each diaspora contributes its unique heritage to the mosaic of Judaism, enriching our shared tradition."  In the wake of recent events, the need for unity among the Jewish people has never been more pressing. In Genesis, we read, "Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness."...

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Guest Post: Sarah Sassoon Reading Mizrahi Books for Mizrahi Heritage Month

cholnt

"Today if you ask me what kind of Jew I am, I say Iraqi Jewish, because I want the world to know that there are Middle Eastern Jews." BIO Sarah is an Australian born, Iraqi Jewish writer, poet, and educator. She is the author of the award winning picture book, Shoham's Bangle and This is Not a Cholent. Her poetry micro chapbook, This is Why We Don'...

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Visual Diaries to help overcome War Numbness

Puppy-love

 Lately, I've started using photos from my week as a kind of visual diary. Here are some from last week. In the past, I've always written from a place of strong emotion, but something about this war has changed that. A kind of numbness has overtaken me. When I compare how I reacted to rockets before to how I react now, the difference is startl...

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Part 2: Five Surprising Grammatical Errors Even Experienced Editors Miss

DREAM

Even the most experienced editors, with years of meticulous proofreading under their belts, occasionally let surprising grammatical errors slip through the cracks. These aren't the glaring mistakes that leap off the page, like a misplaced apostrophe or a misspelled word. Instead, they're the subtle, nuanced errors that blend seamlessly into the tex...

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Passport Control Available Again

Passport-Control

My 2018 novel Passport Control was unavailable for a while. My publisher retired a while back and the rights reverted to me. But I was busy writing two more novels (With A Good Eye and The Inheritance). Meanwhile, a couple of book clubs requested Passport Control and I couldn't even get them back copies. In short, the link has been restored for pri...

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Guest Post: Author Esther Amini

esther

We are not a monolithic group, and our experiences have varied depending on time and place.   Welcome to My Third Post in the Mizrachi Heritage Month Series Today, we have the privilege of hearing from the talented author Esther Amini. This marks our third post in the series, but it's our second visit to Iran, a country rich in history, c...

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Guest post: The bitter aftertaste of liquorice in Iran

LynpicS

Today, I'm excited to bring you the second installment in my Mizrachi Heritage Month series, where we delve into the rich and diverse stories of Mizrachi Jewish communities. In this installment, we're shifting our focus to Iran, a country with a deeply intertwined and complex Jewish history. I'm thrilled to welcome Lyn Julius, a passionate advocate...

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November Jewish Book Carnival

NOVEMBER-JEWISH-CARNIVAL

Welcome to November Jewish Book Carnival! I am honored to host the November Jewish Book Carnival, "a monthly event where bloggers who blog about Jewish books can meet, read and comment on each others' posts." Let's begin: On her blog, Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb, Deborah interviewed Marilyn Simon Rothstein about her new novel, Who Loves Yo...

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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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