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The Writers’ Journal On-Line

For Woman by Women

Issue Four: July 2009

Letter from the Editor

This summer edition of The Writers’ Journal On-line is a bumper issue to inspire you with respect to your interest and love of reading and writing. In due time let me know at lifework@012.net.il what would be helpful as well enjoyable for you to read in Issue Five due out this coming winter.

The Writers’ Journal On-Line Issue Four is dedicated to all the wonderful women I met this past May during my first three week meet-the-author and workshop tour in the US, Canada and England; thank you for joining me, thank you for your inspiration and enthusiasm, thank you for welcoming me into your community. With much joy, I now welcome you into The Writers’ Journal global on-line women’s community.

Each of us was given gifts from Hashem; each of us is able to give something of value to another woman with her abilities and potential. I ask myself daily; am I giving the most I can to others with what Hashem gave me? And then I dream, and pray and then move into action because I know this is my life and I have to live it le shem shamayim.

I am fond of saying in my workshops there is only one you and there is only one me in the world; each of us has a job to do in this lifetime and only we can do that job. Therefore there is no place for jealously just room for admiration of the uniqueness of each woman’s tafkid and opportunity to give support and blessings to help a woman on her way in life.

Let’s believe in ourselves because Hashem believes in us; let’s make a commitment to say to ourselves every day ‘The World was created for Me.’ Let’s embrace these words, live these words, create the world we want to live in and enjoy it and serve it because it is ours for the taking. Let’s reach out and inspire another woman on her journey in life; let’s take time and effort to give something of ourselves to others in the spirit of goodwill and loving kindness.

I wish you much hatzlachah in all your endeavors for Hashem, yourself, your family, your community and for the family of Klal Yisrael because at the end of the day we are family and we should be there for each other – in the happy and sad times. I am there for you, if I can be a mentor or companion, and I hope you are there for me.

With my good wishes for a good summer.

Leah Kotkes
Jerusalem, Israel
www.lifework.co.il

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Issue Four:

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The Writers’ Journal On-Line:
Collection of Writings for Women by Women

Spiritual Uplift from Leah Lewin

Hashem, please give me the strength
To inhale
To exhale
To look deep within

To see what must change
To change what I feel
To feel that I can
Finally break the barrier
And change

Hashem, please show me the tools
You have given to me
To bring light
To bring joy
To bring warmth
To feel closer to You

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Looking Forward by Rhona Lewis

Bruce and Liz were the perfect couple—until he died. Childhood sweethearts from the age of sixteen, they married at eighteen, but never had children. When I was ten years old, they became our neighbors in the housing project that my father managed on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Sometimes, my father would send me knocking at their door on an errand. Proud to be entrusted with a mission of importance, I would race across the alleyway that separated our houses, push open the creaky green metal gate, walk past the bird table scattered with seeds and papaya peels, and knock at their back door. Usually their ancient house-boy would be slowly ironing a pile of clothes and bed sheets. His name was Mzee, meaning “Elder” in Swahili. Presumably, since he had survived the passage of what seemed to me at least a century, he imagined that he had earned the right to this title of respect. I would greet him, and ask how he was feeling. Once that was done, he would call out “Bwana” or “Memsab” in a leisurely rasp, smile languidly and then allow me to enter.

The kitchen, a preview of the house, was always neat; a range of round boxes being the only items that cluttered the counter near the fridge. I knew the boxes were full of different cookies, because I often saw Liz baking, but I was never offered one.

Liz was a secretary in a pharmaceutical company. She was petite, pale and perfect. A blonde halo of soft curls framed her round face. Two blue eyes, always shadowed in hues that were color-coordinated to her outfit, whether it was a suit or sweat pants, peeped out from behind the enormous glasses frames that were the fashion at the time. She always wore high heels, even though I heard her tell my mother that they had wrecked the arches of her feet. Whenever I knocked, I hoped that she would be busy upstairs with her keep-fit routine or paperwork from the office. Would I too have to be perfect like her when I grew up?

Bruce was tall, dark, and relaxed. A manager in a fiber glass factory, he was excellent at all odd jobs. He had a collection of tools and often helped my father with the upkeep and fixing of the homes in the project. Bruce talked to me as he sifted through his toolboxes to find the Allen key that no-one else would possibly own, the monkey wrench, the right-size dowel. He spoke about the diminishing trout population in Lake Naivasha, he told me how to make smoked cheese, and he asked me about my plans for the holidays. Once, when I had been sent over to borrow an extension-lead, I told him that my family was planning a camping trip near Lake Naivasha, he taught me something I have never forgotten.

“A person must always have something to look forward to. It can be something small, like ice-cream for dessert, or it can be something bigger, like a trip overseas. As long as you have something to look forward to, you’ll be happy,” he said, straightening up and handing me the extension-lead that had been on the lowest shelf of his tool cupboard.

I nodded and ran home, the extension-lead in one hand, a dose of self-confidence in the other. I remembered his words because they held the ring of truth.

Then it happened. Sitting at the dining room table and sipping the hot chocolate that my father prepared for me every morning before my mother drove me to school, I watched Mzee stumble into our garden. He spoke to Pascali, our house boy, who was polishing my school shoes. I watched Mzee’s face crumple; one wrinkle fell into the next. I watched him cry and I was afraid.

Pascali rushed in: “Bwana Bruce is dead.” I left the hot chocolate on the table.

* * * 

Many years later, I thought of Bruce and Liz erev Shabbos when I was itching my way into the third day of an attack of hives. Now everything in my life was the opposite of what theirs had been: Mzee was not keeping my house neat or doing my ironing; there were no cookies in the boxes on the counter; the only color-coordination I could claim was the red blotches above my eyes that matched the red blotches on my arms. To top it all, I had no energy to make Shabbos.

Instead of cooking cholent I lay in bed and read a parshah sheet. “Im mitzvosai tishmoru…” The Tiferes Shlomo of Radomsk explains that this does not refer to the performance of the mitzvos; rather it means the anticipation of doing the mitzvos. He says that if a person eagerly anticipates performing a mitzvah, he will be rewarded for this anticipation alone. As a child, Bruce had taught me the advantage of looking forward to something—anticipation ensures happiness. Here, the Tiferes Shlomo was teaching me that not only does anticipation ensure happiness; anticipation of a mitzvah will actually be rewarded. These words hold more than a ring of truth; they are the truth.

I was happy to stay in bed on erev Shabbos, anticipating if not preparing.

Rhona Lewis
Freelance writer and writing mentor
Phone 02-990494
writenowlewis@gmail.com

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The Joy of Cancellation by Susan Rosenberg

Sometimes I think
I have to do
more than I can
or more than I wish
and I’m hurrying and
worrying
about how I’m gonna…..
and everything seems
impossible
and all of a sudden
I find out,
that it’s not today
or not yet
or not at all
the relief
of things cancelled
or postponed
makes me so
deliriously happy
I can almost
write a poem.

The Rosenberg’s live in Haifa where Susan enjoys her writer’s life and the view of the ocean from her living room window.

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The Write Test by Leah Wachsler

Why do you write? To fill your time?
And if your time would be full, would you write?
If you wouldn’t be thinking of writing, what would you be thinking about? 

Why do your write? Cause you’ve got things to say?
Could you say it using a different medium?
Would you lecture before a thousand people? Hundred people? Ten? On CD?
Tell a tale at the local library? Announce on billboards? 

Why do you write? To inspire? Entertain? Inform?
Are you entertained with your writing?
Do you change your thoughts and actions in tandem with your aspirations?
Are your close ones seeing the changes in you after you’ve written?
Do you write to inspire yourself?

Why do you write? Because you’ve learned the craft?
Was it compulsory in school?
Is there zeal to power your pen?
Do you continue sharpening your wit? Reading more tips? Trying more tricks? 

Why do you write? People should know your name?
Do you need to prove a phantom “see, I can”?
And so they know, what does it give you in return?

Why do you write? To satiate your empty bucket of recognition?
Are you still waiting for that ‘someone’ to applaud?
Do you use writing success to approve of you?
Feel that bucket getting stuffed with your own admiring smiles, winning looks? 

Why do you write? Otherwise you’d have to think about things you’d rather not?
Is your mirror-image fogged, scratched, dusty?
Was there trauma in your life you hide behind when you write?
Do you write everything but what niggles in your mind? 

Why do you write? All of the above, some, most

 B’Hatzlachah

Test notes: All answers need to reflect your own thoughts. Only pencils and erasers allowed. No giving in test paper before three hours. Memory aids and calculators optional.

Leah Wachsler is a freelance writer living in Montreal with published works in Horizons, Mishpacha Junior, Shoshanim, Hamodia Magazine, Olomeinu.

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Writing Lesson

Real Characters Have Contradictions
by Esther Heller of Targum Press

Making a character seem real and authentic involves more than figuring out her likes, dislikes, hobbies, favorite foods etc. Real people are not always consistent, predictable, logical or fair. And they generally don’t realize this about themselves.

When writing fiction or interviewing someone, make sure you don’t present your characters as you would a paper doll. To make our characters come alive and seem real, we must tap into their illogical and contradictory parts.

How to do this?

Make a list of all your character’s traits. Strengths, weaknesses, interests, goals, and personality facets. Look for the gray areas and choose to explore them more deeply.

Esther Heller is the author of the e-book course “Six Ways to Turn Your Good Writing into Great Writing.” Find out more at www.greatcreativewriting.com

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Magazine Profile

Binah Magazine: Mrs. Pam Sherr, Executive Editor,
shares her vision of the magazine

Binah Mag

Binah, the magazine by and for today’s Jewish woman, has opened up a new world for readers across the globe since its inception three years ago. Countless skilled and creative women writers – and tens of thousands of readers – have experienced an expansion of their horizons and imagination, an uncanny understanding of their emotions, as well as a subtle surge in spirituality. Binah provides invaluable educational information as graciously as it supplies entertainment and enlightening essays.

Many of Binah’s columnists are renowned experts at what they do. Community leaders and professionals guide and give confidence to women navigating the passages of life. Staff writers offer a consistent flow of insight, intelligence, creativity and candor.  The reservoir of talent is full and Binah helps channel this precious asset, enriching Jewish women everywhere.

Submissions should be sent to Pessy Levanoni at submissions@binahmagazine.com

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The Writers’ Journal On-Line Double-Interview Feature

Miriam Aker talks to Mishpacha’s Editor,
Mrs. Rechy Frankfurter

On Erev Pesach 5769/2009 Mishpacha celebrated its fifth anniversary. That means five years of: compelling, news breaking articles; features and stories penned by talented writers to suit everyone in the family; weekly deadlines; global editorial decisions; a mammoth editing responsibility; thousands of illustrations and graphics sourced to enhance each article; fresh and exciting page layouts to inform and excite the reader and much more, .culminating in an engaging, entertaining and inspiring magazine, of an internationally acclaimed caliber.

Meet Mrs. Rechy Frankfurter, the recently appointed Editor of Mishpacha Magazine and Family First, who joined Mishpacha as features editor in October of 2007. Mrs. Frankfurter, a native New Yorker, works in Mishpacha’s North American office in Brooklyn, New York. Her goal is to sustain Mishpacha’s editorial excellence by striving to give the very best to the Jewish Family with each issue of Mishpacha – and that usually includes 3-4 extra supplements twice a year at Pesach and Sukkos.

***

Hello Mrs. Frankfurter, tell me is the editorship of Mishpacha magazine your first job in the publishing world?

No, before joining Mishpacha, I was editor of Hamodia’s weekly magazine.

What does your editorial position entail?

Defining the vision of the magazine. Working with the editorial staff to plan ahead for each issue and cover. Working with the writers to develop the content, and our graphics team to visualize images for the articles.

Can you explain the difference between the main magazine and Family First; which articles go into each?

Family First focuses on topics related to women and the home. The main magazine’s emphasis is issues of interest to Jewish families worldwide ranging from news, business, personalities, social issues, politics, economics, history plus hashkafa, halacha and much more.

Mishpacha has a diverse readership; how do you balance the articles to be of interest to all?

As diverse as our readers are there is one common denominator: All of our readers are interested in articles of Jewish interest, articles that are about us and about events and phenomenons that affect us.

Mishpacha produces inspiring articles, week after week. It must be quite a challenge to constantly have to come up with new ideas?

It is indeed a challenge! But, we have merited exceptional siyatta deshmaya, bli ayin hara. We also have an exceptional group of the most talented and devoted editors, writers and staff. We also benefit from a loyal and inspired readership that provides us with ideas, tips and leads for stories.

How do you find out what your readers want to see in the magazine?

By keeping receptive to what our readers tell us. And - by having our “finger on the pulse”.

Which topics do people like to read the most?

It’s hard to define that but I would venture to say that human interest stories hold the interest of every type of reader.

And which subjects do women enjoy the most in Family First?

I don’t think there is one particular subject. In fact I feel the spectrum of diversity in Family First is what makes it so appealing and refreshing to read.

What do you feel comprises a worthy article?

Every article and subject has different criteria. But first and foremost it should be creatively written. A satisfying article is one that keeps the reader’s interest and leaves the reader with something to remember, ponder and feel inspired about.

How do you ensure your writers and rest of the staff keep to their deadlines; that the magazine runs without a hitch and reaches the printers on time?

I don’t. For that we need to thank our production staff, especially Faigy Karnovsky and Hila Paley. She has a remarkable manner. She has the ability to successfully work with everyone in a calm, pleasant and effective way.

Managing a magazine of manifold staff around the world means manifold differences of opinions. How do you honor and respect each person’s opinion and create harmony while at the same time adhering to the universal philosophy of Mishpacha?

Where there is goodwill, there is a way. Mishpacha’s staff is a mature bunch. Our vision is to provide inspiring and entertaining reading material for everyone in the Jewish family; this is what motivates all of us. Every organization has what I call a trickle down atmosphere. That is, the spirit and atmosphere is dictated by whoever is at the helm. Mr. Eli Paley, our publisher and Rabbi Grylak, our Editor-in-Chief, have unique management skills. They both have an innate understanding of human interest and empathy for everyone. This is what creates a very warm and co-operative environment. Mishpacha really is a mishpacha – a family.

What is your goal for the readers? Do you aim for educational, inspiring, humor, Mussar or... a jolly good read?

A combination of everything you mention.

What sort of articles and serials is Mishpacha and Family First looking for?

We are open to just about anything. We have received some really fabulous articles from people who have never written for our magazine before. Every submission is reviewed and receives a reply from us.

What is your criterion for accepting a submission?

My first criterion: Is the piece interesting? Sometimes an article is not necessarily well-written, but the subject matter is compelling so I may ask the writer if he or she is okay with us rewriting it or we will ask them to have another try at writing the piece. If we decline on an article it is generally because it is not interesting enough or original or does not meet our editorial requirements.

Mishpacha appears to feature the same group of regular writers. Are you on the lookout for new authors?

Absolutely, we welcome all writers, new, aspiring and experienced. Our editorial window is open to every Jewish person around the world who has something important and interesting to say.

How do you build your network of writers?

Sometimes by submissions. Sometimes I will reach out and contact a writer myself. For example; regarding one of our beloved writers – Mrs. Barbara Bensousan - I contacted her after I saw a small article she had written for her daughter’s school’s newsletter. It was clear to me she had an exceptional talent for writing.

How often do you refresh the look of the magazine? How do you decide what needs to be changed to improve the appearance and quality of Mishpacha?

We are always looking for ways to invigorate the magazine, be it with a new column, a new graphic look or by adding new, fresh voices to the magazine.

Family First is aimed mainly for women, but it’s known, once it enters peoples’ homes there’s a possibility that other members of the family may read it too. Do you keep that in mind when choosing subjects for articles and often have to refrain from accepting an article because it’s suitable reading for all?

“Approved reading for all” is a subjective statement. Every person will have their own boundary lines. I’ve had some women tell me that they don’t like their daughters reading our serial story - Green Fences, because they don’t want them to be exposed to marriage relationship issues. On the other hand, a very chosheve Rebbetzin told me that it’s important for her daughters to know that not all marriages are perfect, but that there is a way to work them out and that they can be worked out. When deciding amongst the many options for a subject or an article, we consider our editorial policy and seek rabbinical counsel.

Your magazines’ covers are glossy and attractive. Mishpacha captivates readers with great content; it’s a well-known marketing fact that what ‘catches the eye’ on the cover of a magazine, is what inspires the reader to purchase the magazine. How do you plan the cover and new style for each Yom Tov without repetition?

We brainstorm for every issue. Lots of energy and creativity goes into them. I am happy you like them; we take pride in our covers.

Do you receive a lot of positive feedback from your readers?

Yes.

Even a highly-regarded magazine as Mishpacha, I assume, is prone to constructive criticism, it’s the way of the world to give opinionated feedback faster than praise. How do you manage reader feedback?

We welcome it. In fact I always tell readers after they finish complimenting how great Mishpacha is, to please give us their critique. It’s important for us to get objective opinions. We have benefited greatly from some of the critique we have gotten. And we critique ourselves too.

Do you have free rein to do as you wish at Mishpacha or do you have to follow absolutely directives from the publisher?

Every editor adheres to their publisher’s objectives and standards however Mr. Eli Paley, Mishpacha’s publisher, is the consummate delegateor. He encourages carte blanche opportunity within the boundaries of each person’s responsibility yet is available to each of us when we need him and is very much part of the editorial planning and scheduling.

What do you do if deadline is inching up, the pressure is rising, and oops! A writer calls – “Sorry, an emergency...I can’t do that article.”... And that article is due out the next week?

You pray — then turn to your back-up pieces reminding yourself not to rely on last minute articles but also making sure always to have some great options in your bottom draw.

And now for a personal peek: Do people automatically express their views to you about Mishpacha, whether at a casual run-in, in the supermarket aisle, parents-teacher meeting or. while waiting in the queue at the bank, e.t.c?

Yes. It’s an important part of my job, because it gives me a “lay of the land” – a sort of an unofficial polling of what our readers feel about Mishpacha and I welcome it. All feedback is beneficial; it helps us give our readers what they want and hope for.

What are your plans for the future at Mishpacha be’H?

Keep reading — you’ll always find something new and captivating in Mishpacha.

Thank you Mrs. Frankfurter for sharing with us the ins and outs of Mishpacha. May Mishpacha continue being the great magazine that it is!

* * *

Mrs. Rechy Frankfurter is a Mommy of seven wonderful kids, and grandmother to three adorable grandkids, ke’h. She and her husband live in Brooklyn.

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Miriam Aker talks to Mishpacha’s Junior’s Editor,
Tzirel Strassman

Mishpacha Junior

I leaf through the glossy pages of Mishpacha Junior magazine and marvel at how Tzirel’s cheerful touch springs out of each article, story and column, from the first page until the last. Her literary expertise, love of children and extensive knowledge, coupled by her appreciation of the written word, weaves Mishpacha Junior into a delightful read for kids...and adults.

Did you always enjoy writing?

Tzirel: I remember when my English teacher used to announce that we had to write an essay (U.S.A - composition); there would be this collective groan from my classmates, while I would think – Hey, what’s so bad? This is fun!

So yes, I always enjoyed writing, though of course, nothing was quite as thrilling as reading a good book.

How did you land the editorial job at Mishpacha Junior?

Pure Siyatta Dishmaya! An acquaintance of mine knew that the administrators of the Hebrew Mishpacha wanted to translate their magazine into English, and also knew that I would be interested in this kind of project. I called up Mishpacha and was invited in for an interview. Before I knew it, I had the job.

Mishpacha Junior has been successfully producing an entertaining and captivating magazine, week after week, for five years already. From where do you ‘dig up’ ideas for topics and columns without repetition and how are you so well-tuned into children’s likes, dislikes, thoughts and actions?

Once again, Siyatta Dishmaya. I talk to children a lot (mostly my own) and teenagers - for our ‘teens’ magazine. I ask them what they’d like to read. A child’s imagination is absolutely limitless and an excellent resource. I also draw upon the kind of stuff I liked, or would have liked to read, as a kid. We live in a fascinating world – wherever you turn, you can always find wonderful things you want to learn more about.

What is your goal for your young readers?

My main goal is to make kids want to read. So our stories and articles have to first of all be interesting, engaging and entertaining, written in good concise English. And then, while we’re at it, we try to sneak in some learning too – middas and mitzvahs, as well as subjects of general interest like nature and science.

Deadlines strike panic in many a writer’s heart. How do you, as editor, who has to ensure the smooth running of the magazine, make sure that all articles arrive on time?

Most writers are very good about keeping to deadlines. For those who aren’t, I have a simple solution - Mishpacha’s wonderful production team takes care of that.

Wonderful editor that you are, what is your secret on staying on friendly terms with all your staff and writers, while, at the same time keeping to the rules of the magazine?

Apart from the work they produce, I very much like my writers for the people they are. I have become friendly with many of them and respect and admire their work and the responsible and devoted way in which they do it. The privilege of having gotten to know them is all mine.

Mazel Tov on launching your ‘teens’ quarterly magazine. Are you planning on eventually turning ‘teens’ into a weekly?

Not at the moment, but having worked for Mishpacha all these years, I’ve come to learn that anything can happen...

What is your criterion for accepting and rejecting a story?

Mishpacha’s publisher, Mr. Paley, once told me a key rule: A good children’s story will be enjoyed by adults too. Numerous times while deliberating a submission, I think: Did I enjoy this story? Did it hold my attention from the first sentence, on?

I’ll let you into a little secret: Personally, I like surprise endings, so if you want to win me over, that’s the best way to do it.

What do you feel should be the components of a wholesome children’s story?

  • A story that entertains.
  • A well-developed plot: Know your plot at the outset and then make sure that each thought, action and speech advances you toward the conclusion of that plot.
  • Avoid flashbacks.
  • Short stories should mostly happen within a few hours or days.
  • Tie in a surprise ending.
  • Engaging characters: Know your character inside out. Give them names that don’t sound similar, e.g. Chani and Ruchi, not Rechi and Ruchi. Ask yourself: How old is my character? What do they look like? Where do they live? Decide what they like to eat, how they dress, whether they walk slowly or fast, does their speech match their personality? Your familiarity with your characters will come across in the story and endear your reader to them too.
  • Don’t switch. Be consistent on all points throughout the story.
  • Lively dialogue. Kind humor.
  • Care about your story. If you don’t, why should your reader?

Do you edit all the stories and articles that appear each week in MJ?

Yes.

Wow!

What’s the process from when the writer submits her story/article, until it appears on the pages of MJ?

After I’ve accepted an article, I read it through again to ensure that the plot is straightforward, clear, and not too convoluted. (A good plot can be summarized in a single sentence or two.) I also check for grammar, consistency of tenses e.t.c. Sometimes the story just needs a little tweaking, in which case I’ll do it, but other times it needs some more work. I may opt to do it myself and send it to the writer for approval, or I’ll send it to the writer with instructions on what I would like her to revise. That done, the production team takes over – they send it for proofreading, to the illustrator, and then on to our talented graphic designers for layout.

How many hours a week do you spend at your job? How do you juggle that with child-raising and housework?

I gave up trying to tally the hours spent at the job – since I work all hours – in between throwing in loads of laundry and preparing supper. I also work a lot late into the night...

The hours when my kids are asleep are my prime working hours.

How do you assign columns and articles to your writers?

With the time I have come to learn which writer prefers writing which assignment. Some prefer fiction, others- factual articles, some opt for religious significance, while there are those who prefer topics of secular interest.

Do you print every picture that you receive, in Reader’s gallery?

If we did, we’d have no problem filling the 32 pages of the magazine each week. We select pictures by judging the age appropriateness of the drawing with the age of the child who drew it. Many of the pictures come with a personal letter, saying how many times that kid has tried to get his picture in and can we please, please make him happy this time – these are usually placed. We try to accommodate as many as we can. You may have noticed that we’ve even redesigned the readers’ gallery pages so that we can fit in more pictures.

Does MJ get a lot of fan mail?

Yes, tons! Especially when kids (or their parents) want to get their pictures or poems in...

Although it’s hard to believe that a top-notch magazine such as Mishpacha Junior ever receives criticism; it’s a well known fact that unfortunately, people are faster to criticize than to praise. How do you handle criticism?

I love the criticism. Sometimes, even more than the praise! Yes, really! If criticism isn’t conveyed in a biting, caustic manner – and baruch Hashem it very rarely is – it is appreciated. I am grateful to every reader who has taken time and effort to write to us, helping us improve the quality of our magazine. In fact, we once hired a copyeditor on the basis of a letter she’d sent us, in which she pointed out failings in grammar.

Do your own children in any way, have a part in the makings of the magazine?

My children are my greatest inspiration and... my best critics, for a number of reasons: They’re always available – sometimes peering over my shoulder while I type. They share my love for reading, and best of all, they’re very tactless, and so I get to hear the real truth.

And now for a personal peek. Do you ever write for the magazine besides your excellent — Dear Readers — letter?

My production manager has a hard enough time waiting for my letter to arrive at the very last minute – I wouldn’t put her through that with other columns too. She’s too nice to deserve that.

Thank you Tzirel, for granting us a glimpse into your job as editor. May Mishpacha Junior continue being a delightful read for all ages!

Tzirel Strassman grew up in London, England. Today she lives with her family in Jerusalem, Israel. She has had many stories and articles published (under a pseudonym) in Hamodia, Horizons and other publications both for kids and adults, before she went on to become Editor.

For submissions to Mishpacha Junior – junior@mishpacha.com

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Book News

On Sale Now
The Map Seeker: One Woman’s Quest
by Leah Kotkes

The Map Seeker: One Woman’s Quest, an extraordinary memoir for women, by Leah Kotkes’s is now on sale at Judaica bookstores in your community and on-line at www.israelbookshoppublicatoins.com and www.Amazon.com. For press reviews and information about The Map Seeker go to www.leahkotkes.com or contact the author at lifework@012.net.il. The author has books on sale from her home which she is happy to sign for you.

After Sukkos, with Hashem’s help, the author returns to New York for workshops in Lakewood, Boro Park and Monsey and is taking bookings for meet-the-author talks and a varitety of different types of workshops in New York and other States.

For more information on the content of these workshops interested parties should contact the author at lifework@012.net.il for details and references from her May 2009 three week meet-the-author and workshop tour to the US, Canada and England.

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Writing Inspiration

An Excerpt from: Inside Secrets to the Craft of Writing

by Shifrah Devorah Witt MA,MFA
Writer, Editor, Teacher, Creative Writing Coach, Mentor
Visit her blog at: http://www.sdwitt.blogspot.com

Chapter 3

Learning to Listen
Intuition in Your Writing

“Chance is powerful. Let your hook be always cast in the pool where you least expect it; there will be fish.” Ovid

There are different ways of coming to the page. I come to it full of hope and faith even when I have nothing specific to write about. I believe that what I need for a successful writing session will be waiting there for me. Trust is a big part of the writer’s process; trusting that you’re good enough, trusting that you have something to say, trusting that when you sit down to write there will be words that flow out of you and onto the page.

This isn’t to say that it isn’t wonderful to know what your topic is before you sit down to write about it. I just want to remind you that a brilliant idea isn’t always necessary before you start to write. Often I find that free writing eventually gets me to the topic waiting for me. Have you ever had this happen in life? Sometimes I get upset and couldn’t even explain why if someone asked me to. If I talk randomly for long enough to whoever is kind enough to let me work it out (normally my wonderful mother), eventually I come to the real issue that is bothering me. Sometimes writing is like this too. Sometimes you just have to write to know what it is you really want to write about.

I find one of the beauties in letting your intuition guide you in your writing is you end up places you never would have had you mapped out your work before you started the writing project at hand. Once you get to the idea you have been waiting for, or after you have decided on your topic, try not to focus too much on the outcome. I see, too often, when students have something specific to say, their work becomes preachy and didactic. I often find myself reminding my students, “You don’t have to beat your reader over the head with your message.” Allow your writing to do the work for you and trust that your reader is intelligent enough to understand what you are trying to do in your work without spelling it out for her.

Another important idea to keep in mind when it comes to intuition and writing is topic. You know which topics call to you. Allow yourself the space to listen to what your pen wants to write about. I have seen a student decide to be “finished” with a topic because she is sure she has written too much on the subject and she is sure the reader will be bored with it. I would like to offer the idea that, in fact, the opposite is often true. A writer must focus on topics that speak to her. If there is a desire to write about a certain topic, even if you fear you’ve already written too much, pay attention to your own inner voice.

I went through a time when I wrote about a specific topic in poetry for about a hundred poems. I made a decision to “get over” the pressing topic and write about something else. Then I found myself back on the same topic in a different form with a different focus. I realized the work simply wasn’t done, and I had to commit to seeing it through. Though the topic was challenging, the end result was incredibly powerful. The entire work found itself between the pages of both my M.A. thesis and my M.F.A. thesis, two collections essentially completing each other. What would have happened if I had willed myself to stop writing because I thought I should? My exploration of the topic would have been incomplete, and I would have had to contend with the lingering doubts of not knowing how my piece really ended.

In life and in writing we must all learn to listen to the inner voices guiding us. It isn’t easy but it’s necessary. Your writing will tell you where it wants to go if you’re quiet and give it the space to express an opinion. Listen to the topics that call to you or call you back over and over. Think about the subject matters that delight you, and give yourself the space to write about them. Realize you are a part of the process, not its director, and a significant part of your job as writer is to allow the writing to unfold in its time, not yours. Intuition can’t be forced just like subject matter can’t be stifled. Your job is to quiet the voices that surround you and allow yourself the space and piece of mind to hear where you’re writing wants to take you.

Exercises

       Try This …

Sit down to your computer, or pad and paper, and close your eyes. Allow your surroundings to melt away. Listen and see if there is any topic that is speaking to you.

       First …

Start writing. If a topic has come to you, go with it. If not, just start writing about anything. Now write even if you have no idea what you want to say. Just keep your hands moving for fifteen or twenty minutes. Allow your intuition to guide you, not your common sense. I find that even if I start out with, “Nothing is new. I have nothing to say,” eventually something wonderful comes out. Essentially, this is free association on the page or listening to the voices inside your head, depending on how the process manifests itself.

       Now …

Read over what you have written. Can you underline the moments in the piece where you see your intuition guiding you? Can you find topics within the piece you’d like to write into more? In other words: Expand.

       Finally …

Take the topics you have underlined and write a new piece focusing on these topics as your inspiration.

Note: Learning to listen to your intuition is a process. It will take much longer than one writing exercise. This is an exercise to start you on your way; it isn’t the end of the process.

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Creative Writing Workshop - Manuscript Development - Memoir Workshops
with Shifra Devorah Witt

In each of these 8-week classes you will have the freedom to explore the art of creative writing in a warm and supportive environment. Become the best writer you can be. Give yourself the gift of time, focused intention, and supportive instruction. Assignments can be fulfilled through fiction, memoir, poetry or personal essay.

Exact dates and times depend on participants so let me know what works for your schedule. Morning, early afternoon and evening classes available upon request. Classes meet once a week from 10:30-12:15p.m. or from 11:00-12:45p.m on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

 For more information call: 054-801-8483 or e-mail at consciousliving@hotmail.com

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Writing Course News

Gila Green’s Creative Writing Workshop

Work with a published writer. Gila Green, M.A. Creative Writing, has opened registration for her fall creative writing workshops.

Clear Writing Starts with Clear Thinking
Why am I communicating?
Who is my audience?
What do I expect to accomplish?

  • This workshop is for women writers at all levels who wish to write fiction or non-fiction pieces of any length.
  • When? Twice a month for an eight session commitment beginning after the chagim.
  • Where? Ramat Beit Shemesh (morning/evening depending on demand) and Har Nof (mornings).
  • Using in-class exercises, selected reading and peer critiques we will explore writing with a view to publication.

Please see Gila Green’s blog for more information and testimonials: http://www.gilatal.blogspot.com. Telephone Gila for more details: 02-999-9717
Gila is also available for private consultations, manuscript evaluations and editing.

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Writer's Resource

Directory of Orthodox Jewish Publications
and Publishing Companies

Prepared for The Writers’ Journal On-Line Readers by Tamar Ansh of www.TasteofChallah.com Tamar Ansh is the author of five books: Splitting the Sea (Targum Press); A Taste of Tradition- Pesach & Beyond (Feldheim); Let’s Say Amen! (Feldheim); A Taste of Challah (Feldheim); and Pesach – Anything's Possible! (Targum).

Please note all information listed below is direct quotes from each publication. This is a partial list, not all inclusive; there are many more worthy publications and publishers to be researched and contacted.
Hatzlachah with your writing and publishing endeavors.

Aish.com at www.aish.com; Editor-in-Chief, Rabbi Nechemia Coopersmith ncoopersmith@aish.com

ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications at www.artscroll.com; Acquisitions Editor at acquisitions@artscroll.com
Our major Torah projects are done in-house. We accept proposals and manuscripts for novels and non-fiction, for adults and children; unusual memoirs; self-help authors with credentials, experience, and a following; children’s picture books only with illustrations (a sample is fine). Submissions should include information on your publishing history and your promotional strengths.

Binah Magazine submissions to Pessy Levanoni at submissions@binahmagazine.com

Binah Bunch Children's Magazine Editor, Chavi Ernster at bbunch@binahmagazine.com

Devora Publishing at www.DevoraPublishing.com. Director, Yaacov Peterseil at publisher@devorapublishing.com
Devora Publishing has fulfillment and distribution centers in Israel, the US, and England; we read and critique every manuscript that could be sold by our company before a contract is signed; we visit all the major Jewish book stores we deal with at least twice a year; we participate in major Jewish book fairs. We are looking for unique Jewish topics that are timely and entertaining; specifically for the year 2010 we’re looking for humor and cookbooks.

Horizons, The Jewish Family Monthly; Editor, Suri Brand at horizons@targum.com  
Horizons publish original, high-quality writing for both men and women across the spectrum of Orthodox Jewry. We will consider personal essays, full-length features, fiction, opinion pieces, humor, profiles, and true-life drama (1,000 to 3,000 words). No reprints.

Feldheim Publishers at www.feldheim.com. Submissions Coordinator, Sherie Gross at sherie@feldheim.com. Feldheim is unique in that we (1) assure the consumer of Torah-true and high quality content; (2) have a vast distribution network all over the world; (3) allow the author more credit and freedom in expressing views; (4) publish a tremendous range of books. We accept books that we feel (1) Klal Yisrael needs; (2) are written or presented well; (3) have a potential market.

Hachai Publishing at www.hachai.com. Acquisitions Editor, DL Rosenfeld at dlr@hachai.com.
Hachai produces quality children's books with traditional Jewish content.  Our stories and illustrations impart a love of Hashem and Torah to very young children. Each book has a mitzvah, middah tovah, or Torah lesson at its core. What makes Hachai unique is a joyous, approach, the care we take to blend text and art, and the age-appropriate length of text. 

Hamodia Newspaper and Magazine Submissions to Magazine@Hamodia.com

Israel Bookshop Publications at www.israelbookshoppublications.com; Publisher, Moshe Kaufman at info@israelbookshoppublications.com
Israel Bookshop Publications does both distribution as well as publishing. Distribution is worldwide. We offer flexibility to authors via several types of available deals. We look for novels, inspirational titles, self help, or anything that is practical and will be appreciated by the readership. Authors and bookstores recommend us regularly.

Jerusalem Publications Mrs. Aviva Rappaport at rapaport@netvision.net.il is a small, exclusive publishing house specializing in quality books for the chareidi community. Each manuscript receives personal, professional attention and worldwide distribution through Feldheim or Israel Bookshop. We welcome submissions and work closely with authors.

Judaica Press at www.judaicapress.com Managing Editor, Nachum Shapiro, 123 Ditmas Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218 or at nshapiro@judaicapress.com
Judaica Press publishes books for all age levels, from children’s books to novels to scholarly works. Manuscripts must conform to Orthodox Jewish values. Our real (in-house) guidelines are: Is it interesting? Is it good for Klal Yisrael? Is it likely to be a commercial success?

Mahrwood Press children’s book publisher, Editor, Aryeh Mahr at info@mahrwoodpress.com

Mishpacha Junior Editor, Tzirel Strassman at junior@mishpacha.com.
Mishpacha Junior is an entertaining and educational weekly magazine for children aged 6-14. We want our stories and articles to be fun but not frivolous, exciting but not empty of meaning. As a starting point, please send us a 1400 word fiction story.

Mishpacha Magazine/Family First aims to publish material that has true journalistic flavor, giving readers access to people, places, facts, or phenomena they would not otherwise encounter. We also look for high-quality fiction. Submissions to Lori Freidman at submissions@mishpacha.com.

Mishpacha Teen Magazine send submissions to teens@mishpacha.com; We publish quality reading material for teenagers. If you are a writer and are in close contact with a teenager or teenagers (being a parent of a teenager more than qualifies), why not write what you know they want to hear? 

OU website at www.ou.org Submissions to Lisa Halberstam at halberstaml@ou.org

Targum Press at www.targum.com Editor in Chief Esther Heller, Editorial Director Bassi Gruen at editor@targum.com
Targum specializes in novels, books for middle grade and young adult, kiruv, self-help and anthologies. No clichéd characters or moralistic plots. We have a reputation for working well with authors. It's best to pitch ideas for nonfiction books before writing them.  We are looking for originality, quality writing, and a fresh approach to topics people care about.  We publish illustrated “comic” books for Jewish children of all ages. We are always on the lookout for talented writers and artists to produce more of our innovative, fun and educational books.

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Writing Mentor Listing

Acquire A Friend for Yourself: Pirkei Avos (1:6)

A writer has the opportunity to advance her writing skills under the auspices of a writing mentor; a teacher, an editor, a fellow writer, a writer further along the path of experience as well as from reading craft books. Writing as well as revision, editing and rewriting is a learned skill; much bracha and hatzlachah with all your efforts.

Deborah is currently a submission’s editor at Binah Magazine where she writes the “Our Say” page weekly and mentors writers. She is also the General Editor of TextWord Press, a general studies literature project of Artscroll, and in that capacity she has been intensely involved in the publication of 9 literature/language arts textbooks for yeshiva high school students.  Her experience at ArtScroll includes reviewing and editing books for Mesorah Publications, ArtScroll, and Shaar Press. As part of her activities for TextWord Press, she has delivered lectures on literature throughout the United States and presented web seminars to large groups of teachers.

Deborah was born in England and educated in South Africa and the United States. She has a B.A. from Brooklyn College and a Bachelor of Religious Education from Yeshiva University. .She has spent many years in the field of yeshivah high school general studies education, both as an English teacher and a principal. She has served on the New York State Regents Examination Committee Review Board and is an educational and literary consultant.

Mindy moved to Israel in 1977, has a BA from Washington University (St. Louis), and an LLB from Hebrew University. She practiced law, but writing is her first career choice. In 1997 she won second prize in the Jewish Librarians’ Choice competition, for a children’s story. Her poetry, stories, book reviews and essays have been published in Horizons, Yeted Ne’eman, Poetica, The Jerusalem Post, The Jewish Press and other publications both on and off line. For several years Mindy was a co-leader at Pri Chadash, the religious women’s writing workshop in Jerusalem. Most recently she has become the Israeli co-editor of The Deronda Review, a literary magazine which hopes to bridge the West with concepts and values of Judaism.

  • Ruchama King Feuerman, MFA

Email: ruchamakingfeuerman@msn.com Contact Ruchama if you would like to be on her newsletter mailing list and would like to learn more about her mentoring services. Read about her work and services at www.writetogether.typepad.com

  • Rabbi Yitzchak Baruch Fishel

Besides being a twice ordained Orthodox rabbi welcome in the most chareidi Jerusalem circles, Rabbi Yitzchak Baruch Fishel has been writing in English and Hebrew since he was 8 years old. While getting his B.A. at Princeton, he studied short story writing under John Knowles, followed by poetry writing under Ted Weiss, John Hollander and a Creative Thesis under Anthony Burgess. He also holds an M.A. in Heb. Lit. and Applied Linguistics from Hebrew University.

As an editor at Hamodia and various other publications, Rabbi Fishel has worked with numerous writers and translators. He has published a book on Yore Deah and recently completed a novel.

YB Fishel, ybfishel@gmail.com, (home) 077-75-180-52, (cell) 054-840-1550

  • Recommended Reading from Leah Kotkes

A person becomes a writer when they learn how to revise, edit and rewrite their own writings i.e. they do not hand over this task to someone else after first draft.

I recommend this book to all writers who wish to master the skill of revision, editing and rewriting; a life time task that starts with step one….

Getting the Words Right: How to Revise, Edit and Rewrite
by Theodore. A. Cheney
(Writers’ Digest Books)

You can purchase a used or new copy of this book at www.Abebooks.com or www.Amazon.com for as little as $1; a most worthy investment for the motivated and seriously committed writer.

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New Website for Women – Seeking Writers

www.JewishPregnancyLoss.org will, with Hashem’s help, serve Jewish women who have lost a baby, before or after birth. It will provide readers with; first-class medical information; halachic rulings specifically given by Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu; a comprehensive list of English-based contacts; recommended reading; and much more. The reader will also find the voices of women who have had a similar experience, captured in inspiring and insightful articles, so she can gain comfort from knowing that she is not alone.

I am looking for articles from 100-1000 words written on any aspect of pregnancy or neo-natal loss, be it emotional, intellectual, physical or spiritual, to be published on the website to give support, help and empthay/compassion to others. It is not possible to renumerate articles, but writers can include a short bio and links to their own works/websites.

Please send all submissions to amandabradley@gmail.com by August 14th 2009. My goal is to launch the website by September 2009. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Website Services

Meet Yael Reinhardt-Matslia

I help professionals and small business owners create effective, authentic, and heart-based websites. One of the keys to building a website that supports you and your business is getting clear about your ideal client; we’ll work together to clearly identify who you serve, and then build a website that speaks from your heart to theirs. And along the way, you’ll learn to manage your site, so can you update and add new content, whenever you like.

I recently worked with Dr. Shoshana Savyon www.heliotropehealth.com, and she is now happily blogging and sharing her wealth of holistic health knowledge with the world.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

All the best,

Yael Reinhardt-Matslia
Kalanit Design Studio |  Express Yourself | Heart, Soul, and Service
Site: http://www.kalanitdesigns.com
Email: design@kalanitdesigns.com

Meet Marianna of Ideahoppers

So often people get caught working in a 9-5 job forgetting their personal talents and business ideas. We all have ideas about making an income doing something that we love. Why don’t we take the initiative? Fear, lack of motivation, knowledge? Ideahoppers is giving people the opportunity to bring their ideas into fruition using the internet. Ideahoppers is offering a variety of services such as creating a website, launching an online business, online marketing, etc. Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering why you never pursued your ideas. Email me directly at marianna.grinshpun@gmail.com or visit us at www.ideahoppers.com.

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Helpful Service for Visitors and Newcomers to Israel

For those living in Israel, The Newcomer's Guide is a daily companion that we cannot live without.

Our good fortune has now been shared with everyone throughout the world. The Newcomer’s Guide has produced a website which includes a searchable listing of the English speakers in Israel, Hebrew/English word translation, money changing options, times throughout the world, maps in Israel, trips, restaurants, a community calendar, job openings, second-hand sales, and loads of essential information.

You can visit site and see for your self what it’s all about.

http://www.newcomersguideisrael.com

Please share the good news with your friends and forward the email to whoever you think might benefit from this knowledge.

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The Last Laugh

Husband: “Your poems are great, but I can’t eat ’em!”

as told to me by M.A. Eretz Yisrael

Editor’s comment: joking aside, to all those writers out there who are just starting out whether it be the first word or the first word of today or tonight…..……

One Writer’s Strategy and Outlook

One:

 Daven daily - if not per assignment or writing session - for siyatta deshamaya. A kapitel of Tehillim for someone in need or for oneself is a positive way to focus one’s plea for benevolence from Above.
Two: Keep writing – daily – regardless.
Three: Read, read, read great story to learn how to write great story.
Four: Have faith every day in your Creator, your creative ability and your ability to create.
Five: Know in your heart Hashem will provide all your needs – you are His daughter, He loves you, He will never abandon you or ignore your pleas, He is listening and He will give you what He feels is best for you. Be patient; everything is revealed eventually even the beginnings of a great story, even new opportunities to earn a livelihood, even the fact that every word you write is directed by the One Above.

LK

Please kindly share this issue of The Writers’ Journal On-Line
with family, friends and colleagues.

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