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...

My summer blog post series continues. I reference Israel because that's the location I know best, but you can apply this post to summer almost anywhere. I include my own Israel sky and event photos.  1. Longer, Hotter Days Mean More Time: In Israel, the summer days are not only longer but also particularly hot, giving you more daylight ho...

 Today's post is the 4th in my summer writing series. I expand on a point in yesterday's post about creative exploration in Jewish texts.  Summer's break from routine is a great time to experiment with your writing. With longer days and a more relaxed schedule, it's the perfect opportunity to delve into creative exploration. One unique so...

 This is the third post in my summer writing series. In this post, I will write from a specifically Jewish angle.  I include my own images of Jewish writing prompts: Omer Adam concert Tel Aviv June 2024, Jerusalem Jazz Festival June 2024 and Ashdod beach July 2024. Consider the photograph itself, the venue, the atmosphere, whatever c...

 I decided to write a whole series on summer writing. This post is the second summer writing post. I have always written much more in the summer than at other times of year.  How is the photo of Eilat from this week? The food truck festival in Jerusalem photo?  Feel free to use these photos as writing prompts. Glaze them with yo...

Embracing the Season: Summer Writing Tips for First-Time Novelists Summer is a time of warmth, relaxation, and inspiration. For first-time writers, it's the perfect season to dive into creative projects. Whether you're lounging on the beach, enjoying a quiet moment in the park, or savoring long evenings, summer offers a unique backdrop for writing....

 Writing a novel is akin to weaving a complex tapestry, where each thread contributes to a rich and cohesive whole. Whether you're a seasoned writer or embarking on your first literary journey, understanding how to interlace the various elements of your narrative can transform your novel from a series of events into a compelling story. Here's ...

Who are your favorite secondary characters in literature? How have they impacted your reading experience?  When crafting a compelling narrative, primary focus often falls on the protagonist and antagonist. However, secondary characters play a crucial role in enriching the story, adding depth, and providing unique perspectives. In this article,...

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...

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...

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...

 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...

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...