Twelve years ago I began a journey. I really had no idea where it would lead, I simply put one foot in front of the other and wrote. PLEASE SAY KADDISH FOR ME began as an exploration of my own Eastern European background and Polish roots. I quickly detoured and ended up in Kishinev, Moldova, the scene of the first internationally recognized pogrom. This is where I met Havah who took my hand and told me her story.
When our journey began, I had a dream and rudimentary knowledge of how to put my thoughts into words. Along the pathway I had the good fortune of meeting those who guided me to workshops, conferences and critique groups to learn the craft.
When I think of those who wrote their manuscripts in longhand or on a typewriter, I’m grateful for the such wonderful tools as backspace and copy and paste. Without which my novels might never have happened.
Havah Cohen Gitterman at her writing desk. Original artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
My paternal grandmother, Miriam Reuben Wisoff who was a published poet.
Wonder of wonders, the dream that I considered a lofty one has been realized and I have two novels in print and one on the way. Many thanks go out to my agent, Jeanie Loiaconao who believed in Havah and worked hard to find a home for her at Argus Books.
So begins the next leg of the journey. Marketing. Book Signings, interviews and social media are all part of the modern world of marketing. The author must become the promoter.
Having said all that, I come to conclusion of this blog post. One thing that sells a book is a great review. Goodreads, Barnes and Noble and Amazon are good places. Currently PLEASE SAY KADDISH has 48 reviews on Amazon and FROM SILT AND ASHES, 9.
If you’ve read and enjoyed (naturally I hope for positive reviews) please consider taking a few minutes to leave a review. This author humbly thanks you in advance.
Note: For overseas friends, please copy your comments into Amazon.com in addition to leaving them on the UK or other sites. I’m not sure why this doesn’t carry over. I think it should.
COMING SOON!
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Did I understand correctly? You’re ending the blog? Or just this post? My nerves!
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Just ending the post, Petru. Just the post. 😉
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Phew! 🙂
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I am so happy for you and your success, and you are such an inspiration to me! I also know what you mean about feeling luck we can write on computers, with backspace and copy – and especially, UNDO. How much easier we have it, and it still feels so difficult; I can only imagine how much determination it must have taken for earlier generations.
Good luck with your book marketing!
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Dear Joy,
I’m happy to inspire. Most of the time it was a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and refusing to quit. Not that it wasn’t tempting (and still is) at times. And Crtl Delete is also my friend. I’d be lost with the typewriter and would have to own a White-Out concern.
Marketing is the hardest part. Of course I’m hoping with this post to inspire readers to read my books and leave reviews. 😉 Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, are the book covers your illustrations?
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Yes, I’ve been blessed to be do my own book covers.
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You are a very talented lady. I am so glad we met in the internet nirvana. 🙂
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Such a wonderful place is the internet. Happy to meet you, too, Happy Quitter. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember a time when editing a story meant having to retype a whole page, sometimes several pages just because one extra word threw everything out. I have the utmost admiration for those who managed to produce the stunning classics that are our heritage, particularly those who didn’t have the benefit of even a typewriter. And I never cease to admire your stamina, application and talent.
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Dear Sandra,
I also remember carbon paper and mimeograph. 😉 I admit. I’m a fan of computers and Word even though they bring their own set of frustrations with them.
Thank you for your encouraging words. They do mean a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You have so many gifts and talents, Rochelle. I’m happy for your successes!
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Dear Jan,
That means a lot. Thank you for being one of my guideposts along the way.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations on everything you have achieved… so far! It is an inspiration to see other writers doing well
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Dear RG,
Thank you for stopping by and reading something not Friday Fictioneers. 😉 Although I look at FF as such a gift with all of the people I’ve met as a result. You’re part of that.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I know, I am very guilty of not reading enough and commenting even less!
Thanks Rochelle, the gifting works both ways 🙂
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Rochelle,
Congratulations on your novels and thank you for all the inspiration you send our way. @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
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Dear Sheila,
It’s still a put one foot in front of the other proposition, isn’t it? Some days are more frustrating than others. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Boy, can you say that again! The last few months, it has been very difficult, here – for many reasons. I’m hoping things will look soon. Thanks for being an inspiration to me.
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One agent told me (in the body of his rejection letter) that 85% of writers who fail do so because they simply give up. Not to despair…this agent and I both knew he wasn’t a good fit for my book but it was a learning experience for me. Keep on!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Congrats on all your success! So good to see! 🙂
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Dear Jelli,
Writing the books was the easy part. 😉 Thank you. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations Rochelle!
You are indeed a remarkable lady.
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Dear Chioma,
So sweet of you to say so. Thank you very much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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