Category Archives: Writing

Leah Scheier, Author of the First Modern Orthodox Jewish YA Novel, The Last Words We Said

I had the opportunity to talk to Leah Scheier, a novelist AND pediatrician AND mother of five children. Her fourth young-adult novel, The Last Words We Said, was published recently by Simon & Schuster. It’s a moving story about love and … Continue reading

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First Place Winner in Moment Magazine’s Fiction Contest (Me!)

I’m honored to announce that my story, “What If I’ve Changed My Mind?” won First Place in Moment Magazine’s Fiction Contest, judged by Max Brooks, author of World War Z and many  other  books  and  articles. This reminds me, once … Continue reading

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In Israel: Signs of Hope, Signs of War

At the same time that I was writing about Christian, Druze, Jewish, and Muslim women getting together in the mixed city of Akko, Israel on November 15, 2019 for a “Fridays with Women” event,  I was also writing about the … Continue reading

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Leah Kaminsky, Author of The Waiting Room, on the Past and Future

I’m delighted to welcome Leah Kaminsky, author of the debut novel THE WAITING ROOM (Harper Perennial 2016). Although this story is set in Haifa, Israel, during 2001, the story straddles three continents and a time span of seventy years. It … Continue reading

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Five Things to Do While Waiting to Hear from a Literary Agent about Your Book

So, the new novel is done! I sent it to my literary agent, Steven Chudney, who has sent it on to different editors at various publishing houses. Now comes the waiting, waiting, waiting time. From the high excitement (and a … Continue reading

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Frances Dinkelspiel: Do A Lot of Writing. Practice, Practice, Practice.

In my series of interviews with writers, I have been fortunate to talk to a wide variety of writers, including Molly Antopol, Anita Diamant, Dara Horn, Tatiana de Rosnay and many others. Today’s interview is with Frances Dinkelspiel, author of Towers … Continue reading

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Rachel Levy Lesser: Writing a Good Personal Essay Should Make You Feel Uncomfortable

I’m happy to welcome Rachel Levy Lesser to The Best Chapter. Rachel is the author of several books, including a memoir, Shopping for Love.  Diana Bletter: Your memoir, Shopping for Love, manages to combine the deep sorrow dealing with your … Continue reading

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The Cutest Dogs Love The Mom Who Took Off On Her Motorcycle

My friend, Barley, (also known as Bara Hotchkiss) sent me this photo of her dog reading The Mom Who Took Off On Her Motorcycle along with her. Which made my day, because I was having a tough time writing my … Continue reading

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Pope Francis in the Great Synagogue and Guess Who at the Open Door Bookshop in Rome on the Same Day.

Just an hour before I spoke at the Open Door Bookshop in Rome, Pope Francis was speaking at the Grand Synagogue just a few minutes away. It was the third time in modern history that a pope visited the synagogue. … Continue reading

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Women’s Fiction Writer Amy Sue Nathan: “Don’t Let Anyone Tell You that You Can’t.”

I’m delighted to welcome back Amy Sue Nathan, author of the novel, The Glass Wives, and her newest novel, The Good Neighbor. Amy has honored me by being my cover girl! Huh? Her spectacular blurb is on the cover of … Continue reading

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