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&...

Thank you Liza Wiemer! Hi Gila, how are you? I want you to know I finished your book! Wow! It's unlike anything I have read. What a unique family and such a strong, resilient young woman. You really captured the essence of neglectful parents and the burden their offspring need to endure for the poor choices of adults, its impact on self-worth,...

Recently, I've encountered manuscripts where the tone lacks consistency throughout. One moment, it adopts a conversational style, only to switch abruptly to a formal, research-oriented tone. This inconsistency is a crucial aspect writers should address. Notice how these two photos have the same tone. It's a sunny day in both photos, both are colorf...

I specialize in editing a diverse range of documents across various genres and subjects. These include novels, memoirs, middle grade and young adult fiction, academic MA and PhD theses, and nonfiction books such as memoirs, how-to guides, and self-help titles.    Is your manuscript ready for submission? Whether you're a seasoned auth...

 It's crucial to recognize that while the journey of writing is deeply personal, the goal of publication often requires a collaborative effort  What, precisely, do book editors do? Here's an overview:  Understanding the Editor's Multifaceted Role: At its essence, the role of a book editor is akin to that of a sculptor, chis...

"Spring is not just a time for new beginnings—it's also an opportune moment to get a head start on your writing projects." As the gentle warmth of spring unfurls and whispers of summer vacations drift on the breeze, it's a pivotal moment to reassess your writing goals and dive into new projects. Contrary to popular belief, waiting until the peak of...

It seems to me to be the primary business of living: learning, growing, gaining in understanding, broadening the scope of our minds till we can recognize how intrinsically connected we all really are.  Like a lot of people, I grew up in a religious home. By that I don't mean in a family that simply went to church on a regular basis. Being rais...

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Welcome to the March Jewish Book Carnival, a monthly event where those who cover Jewish books online "can meet, read, and comment on each others' posts." Organized by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL), the Carnival travels around and is hosted on a different participant...

All of my posts are derived from real questions from actual clients. So here's one I had recently: should I write from first or third person? This book is a nonfiction Holocaust memoir. Should this client write as the grandchild or try to write in the voice of the grandparent who had actually experienced the Holocaust? Point of view (POV) is a fund...

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning," Psalms/Tehillim 30:5 As we delve into the month of Adar, traditionally associated with joy in the Jewish calendar, let's reflect on the profound connection between the joy in writing and the essence of this spirited month. The Joy in the Process: In the realm of writing, joy often...

In this post, we'll explore the importance of tailoring your editing approach to fit the specific demands of your chosen genre. When it comes to editing, one size does not fit all. Each genre comes with its own set of conventions, expectations, and unique challenges. Understanding how the nuances of different genres affect the editing process is cr...

Gold has given us a profound type of inter-generational, transnational hand-holding. Exploring Jewish Identity and Resilience in 18 Jewish Stories Translated from 18 Languages (Edited by Nora Gold with a Foreword by Josh Lambert) In a conversation with Nora Gold that I found online, she eloquently points out that due to the dispersion of Jews among...