How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.
For twenty-one years, I told my original story in my classroom while illustrating it on the chalkboard, every year, before the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana. It was such a favorite that my students would ask me to "tell it again" as soon as I finished telling it the first time. I dreamed of someday publishing my story for the enjoyment of children everywhere. I searched for the right publisher that was not too expensive and would accept my work without becoming a member of the writer's guild and all that other stuff they ask you to pay for.
When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?
Think about it, dream about it, imagine the characters and if the story still sticks in your head and heart, then start writing about it.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
Faye Kellerman, Rochelle Krisch, and Naomi Raegen.
Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
A Jewish Children's book for the Jewish New Year. ages 3-8
Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?
Just enjoying the book.
As an author, what critique has been the most challenging for you to receive? On the other hand, what compliment has been the most rewarding?
Challenging---Some parents are not comfortable with the part of the story with the fire but as a kindergarten teacher I know that fire safety is part of the Kindergarten curriculum teaching them Stop, Drop and Roll. Very good time to introduce it to the students or children. Every moment is a teachable moment.
Rewarding---Hearing that a kid wants to listen to my story over and over makes me happy that I published it.
Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?
If you have a story floating in your head that you know you made up, tell it to someone and see if they enjoy it. Don't publish until it is tried and heard by many readers close to you.
Favorite line----The Ram had a whole new look for the Jewish New Year.
Was there anything you had to research for the book?
No only because I know Jewish Culture well.
Did you have any say in the cover design?
Yes the artist from Page Publishing showed it to me for me to approve.
Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher since I was 5 years old. My teacher asked me to wash out all the brushes from the paint easel and when I saw all the pretty colors going down the drain of the sink I said this is what I want to be when I grow up. I always saw ads to be a writer of children's books and eventually wrote one myself.
How long did it take you to write this book?
I first told it every year in my classroom and then wrote it on my old computer and drew pictures on the computer. Then it took years for me to find a publisher and got rejected 13 times. Everyone told me that Dr Suess got rejected much more than 13 times so I kept trying. Once I found Page Publishing it was a given that I would do it. I was afraid to trust them at the beginning with all the scams that go on but I got courage and tried it and glad I did.
Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?
I created the story in my classroom while I was teaching because after searching I realized there was no book about where a Shofar comes from to make it fun and engaging.
What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?
Travel, Tutoring, Needlepoint, Making Snapfish books with pictures of nature or trips and being a matchmaker for all ages to find their sole mate.
Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?
Yes just a way of engaging children to better understand where a shofar comes from.
How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.
For twenty-one years, I told my original story in my classroom while illustrating it on the chalkboard, every year, before the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana. It was such a favorite that my students would ask me to "tell it again" as soon as I finished telling it the first time. I dreamed of someday publishing my story for the enjoyment of children everywhere. I searched for the right publisher that was not too expensive and would accept my work without becoming a member of the writer's guild and all that other stuff they ask you to pay for.
When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?
Think about it, dream about it, imagine the characters and if the story still sticks in your head and heart, then start writing about it.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
Faye Kellerman, Rochelle Krisch, and Naomi Raegen.
Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
A Jewish Children's book for the Jewish New Year. ages 3-8
Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?
Just enjoying the book.
As an author, what critique has been the most challenging for you to receive? On the other hand, what compliment has been the most rewarding?
Challenging---Some parents are not comfortable with the part of the story with the fire but as a kindergarten teacher I know that fire safety is part of the Kindergarten curriculum teaching them Stop, Drop and Roll. Very good time to introduce it to the students or children. Every moment is a teachable moment.
Rewarding---Hearing that a kid wants to listen to my story over and over makes me happy that I published it.
Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?
If you have a story floating in your head that you know you made up, tell it to someone and see if they enjoy it. Don't publish until it is tried and heard by many readers close to you.
Favorite line----The Ram had a whole new look for the Jewish New Year.
Was there anything you had to research for the book?
No only because I know Jewish Culture well.
Did you have any say in the cover design?
Yes the artist from Page Publishing showed it to me for me to approve.
Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher since I was 5 years old. My teacher asked me to wash out all the brushes from the paint easel and when I saw all the pretty colors going down the drain of the sink I said this is what I want to be when I grow up. I always saw ads to be a writer of children's books and eventually wrote one myself.
How long did it take you to write this book?
I first told it every year in my classroom and then wrote it on my old computer and drew pictures on the computer. Then it took years for me to find a publisher and got rejected 13 times. Everyone told me that Dr Suess got rejected much more than 13 times so I kept trying. Once I found Page Publishing it was a given that I would do it. I was afraid to trust them at the beginning with all the scams that go on but I got courage and tried it and glad I did.
Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?
I created the story in my classroom while I was teaching because after searching I realized there was no book about where a Shofar comes from to make it fun and engaging.
What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?
Travel, Tutoring, Needlepoint, Making Snapfish books with pictures of nature or trips and being a matchmaker for all ages to find their sole mate.
Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?
Yes just a way of engaging children to better understand where a shofar comes from.