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...
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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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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? ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Writing a memoir involves digging deep into your life experiences, revealing vulnerabilities, and sharing personal truths. While the journey of writing can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with the potential for criticism. Whether it's feedback from beta readers, editors, or even friends and family, how you respond to criticism can significan...
As the Jewish New Year approaches, I have begun to put together a new short story collection. My goal is to get to 10-12 brand new stories. I have about 3 so far, so my goal is to be halfway by Rosh Hashana. As I reflect on the powerful symbols of the Jewish New Year: the shofar, apples and honey, pomegranates, Tashlich, and the head of t...
"First thought best thought." by Lesléa Newman Welcome to the second installment of MY gilagreenwrites 5th anniversary celebration series! For this special occasion, I've invited some of the remarkable authors I've had the pleasure of interviewing and hosting as guest contributors on the site. These talented writers have generously...
My new blog series is all about celebrating the 5th anniversary of gilagreenwrites. To start us off, 8 authors share their best writing advice. I asked dozens of authors two questions: 1. What is the best writing advice you received that you return to again and again? 2. A do or a don't for writers Here are the first 8 answers. ...
Transitioning from writing novels to short stories has been a refreshing and invigorating experience for me. After years of immersing myself in the expansive worlds of novels (this process began in 2011 and culminated in the publication of my first novel in 2013, King of the Class), returning to the concise and focused format of short stories has r...
