Character Study – Sarah Tulschinsky

Published December 21, 2015 by rochellewisoff

Sarah Tulschinsky, Arel’s older sister, fascinated Havah. Her crooked-toothed smile eclipsed her hollow cheeks. Skinny, with a thatch of kinky black hair and round eyes, she lacked Shayndel’s physical attributes.

Arel said he could not recall ever hearing Sarah raise her voice, until seven years ago. Always the dutiful daughter, she did whatever she was told until her father arranged for her to marry a man twice her age. With shrieks of rage that shocked everyone, she stuffed her few belongings into a carpetbag and left home. The few kopeks she had scrimped together from mending clothes paid her passage to America.

Amid stench and disease in the ship’s steerage, she met her beloved Wolf. Married soon after their arrival in New York, they followed their dreams to Kansas City where they lived in a flea-infested shack among the impoverished unwashed in a settlement known as McClure Flats. Side-by-side, she and Wolf established his tailor shop. Within two years, they saved enough money to move from the slums into a two-story home.

~~Taken from From Silt and Ashes by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Published by Argus Publishing

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency

Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff – Fields

Sarah Tulschinsky is a gentle presence in both Please Say Kaddish for Me and From Silt and Ashes. In the first book the family in Svechka looks forward to her letters telling of her life in America. Although Yussel, who feels that he drove her away, wrestles with his guilt and worries that she hasn’t forgiven him.

Sarah is the first to welcome Havah to Kansas City. However, when she sees how Yussel dotes on Havah, she feels twinges of jealousy. In the end a close bond forms between the two women.

McClure Flats in Kansas City, MO. circa 1911

Published 15 December 2015

The Sequel to

Both Available at

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Check out my author page on the Loiacono Website. For all of the character studies thus far, click on the link Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Art and Blogs or my website RochelleWordArt.

50 Happy Things for 2015: Bloggers Unite in Flood of Gratitude

Published December 21, 2015 by rochellewisoff

50 HAPPY THINGS FOR 2015: BLOGGERS UNITE IN FLOOD OF GRATITUDE

If you’d like to join in, here’s how it works: set a timer for 10 minutes; timing this is critical. Once you start the timer, start your list. The goal is to write 50 things that made you happy in 2015, or 50 thing that you feel grateful for. The idea is to not think too hard; write what comes to mind in the time allotted. When the timer’s done, stop writing. If you haven’t written 50 things, that’s ok. If you have more than 50 things and still have time, keep writing; you can’t feel too happy or too grateful!

To join the bloggers who have come together for this project: 1) Write your post and publish it (please copy and paste the instructions from this post, into yours) 2) Click on the blue frog at the bottom of this post. 3) That will take you to another window, where you can past the URL to your post. 4) Follow the prompts, and your post will be added to the Blog Party List.

Please note that only blog posts that include a list of 50 (or an attempt to write 50) things that made you feel Happy or 50 things that you are Grateful for, will be included. Please don’t add a link to a post that isn’t part of this exercise.

Thanks to Dawn Landau for the invitation to participate in this happy exercise! For more information on how to participate click on her name.

😀

http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=592585

Here’s mine. I didn’t think I could type that fast. But I did all 50 in 10 minutes and then thought of other things I could’ve said.

Jan, my husband of 44 years
Jeanie Loiacono, my agent.
Good health
Jeanie’s trying to make me look tall. How’s it working?
An indoor pool close within walking distance
My three sons, Shannon, Travis and Christian
Granddaughter – Olive
A nice house
2 published novels
A car that’s paid off
More clothes than I really need.
Unnecessary Bakery Uniform
Good friends
Friday Fictioneers
Worldwide friends I’ve met through Friday Fictioneers
Artistic talent and ways to use it.
© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Enough food to eat
My God and Faith
Dance
Plenty of paper
A working computer
W&B publishers
A sense of humor
Laughter
A telephone and friends to call
Blooming houseplants in my kitchen
The prospect of two more books to be published in 2016
A good insurance plan
Hot and cold running water
Legs that work
Ears that hear
Music
Sweet scents to smell
A nose that works
A healthy imagination
Mentors who have encouraged me along the writing path
Warmth in winter
Air conditioning in summer.
Ted Strutz
Books to read
A doctor who understands my needs to not take pills for every ailment
A healthy mouth after a summer of oral surgery and bone infection.
Cool clean drinking water.
A soft bed to sleep on
Scented candles
Happy memories
Friday Fictioneers past and present: L to R: Beth Carter, Moi, Madison Woods (who started it), Janet Webb, Karen Nelson, Russell Gayer, Jan Marler Morrill, Kent Bonham
Eyes that see
Colors…particularly purple.
Waking every morning
A tongue to taste with
Good dry white wine
Sashimi and fresh lox
Skype which made the world a little smaller and more accessible
Marie Gail Stratford, Me, David Stewart

18 December 2015

Published December 16, 2015 by rochellewisoff

FRIDAY FICTION CONCRIT SUBGROUP

If you want to be part of this group click the link above and follow the rules set forth by Jennifer Pendergast, the leader of this subgroup. No one is under obligation to participate nor is it necessary to dig something up to criticize for the sake of critique. Please keep it polite and friendly.

The next photo is the prompt and is from Yours Truly.

PHOTO PROMPT- © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

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Genre: Teaser

Word Count: 97

LUCID NIGHTMARE

“Police! Open the door!”

Her body shook, more from horror than cold. She drew up her knees, cowered in a corner of the room and stared at the bloodstains on the floral wallpaper. The back of her head ached where he had yanked her hair and dragged her to the floor. A bitter wind blew through the broken window. She shivered. Her knuckles smarted from a large gash across them. She wrapped her nightgown hem around her hand.

Tears burned her eyes and she shut them tight, leaning her head against the wall. “Will it ever end?”

****

A bit of self-promotion today as my second novel From Silt and Ashes debuted this week. The “story” above is the opening of book. I hope it drew you in and made you want to know more. 😉

Now available on Amazon.com

11 December 2015

Published December 9, 2015 by rochellewisoff

FRIDAY FICTION CONCRIT SUBGROUP

If you want to be part of this group click the link above and follow the rules set forth by Jennifer Pendergast, the leader of this subgroup. No one is under obligation to participate nor is it necessary to dig something up to criticize for the sake of critique. Please keep it polite and friendly.

The next photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. I appreciate the diverse offerings from fictioneers. Please be courteous and give credit to whom credit is due.

PHOTO PROMPT © Luther Siler

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 98

FLIGHT OF FANCY

10 February 1830

Dearest Lucy,

When I think about your advocacy of this wild man who sails from one continent to another in pursuit of his ambition I am filled with love.

The English engravers are tirelessly rendering my dream into reality. I marvel at nature when dawn presents her in richest, purest array and hope my humble paintings shall be my legacy for our two sons.

I could not do better than to travel and finish my collection of the ‘Birds of America.’

Across the ocean, ma chérie Mrs. Audubon, your devotion sustains me.

Affectionately yours,

John

To learn more click here.

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Lucy Audubon

John James Audubon

Character Study – Arel Gitterman in Kansas City

Published December 4, 2015 by rochellewisoff

The neighbor’s mouth puckered between her weathered cheeks. She glared at Arel and thrust a spear like finger in his direction. “I’m telling you, Officer, I hear this commotion almost every night. That beast is beating up on this poor helpless gal. It’s a crying shame, her being in a family way and crippled besides. Why he oughta be horsewhipped! Just look at them scars, any dang fool can tell he’s a brawler.”

Arel’s gray eyes turned black. He tugged his nightcap trying to hide the scars that trailed from his forehead to his chin. His thin lips tightened over his clamped teeth.

Havah’s chest buzzed like an angry hornet. How dare this wicked woman make such accusations! Clenching her good hand into a fist, Havah tripped toward her, but Arel’s fingers tightened around her shoulder.

~~Taken from From Silt and Ashes by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Published (December 2015) by Argus Publishing

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency

Original Artwork – © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Raised to walk in his father’s footsteps as a rabbi in the Old Country, Arel Gitterman turned from his vocation when his first wife, Gittel died in childbirth. He felt unworthy to teach Torah since he had been unfaithful in his heart and mind for, in the midst of his arranged marriage to the sweet young woman, he still longed for Havah.

Like Havah, Arel sustained both physical and emotional injuries in the Kishinev pogrom. Scars from a nearly fatal beating obscure half of his face.

Adapting to his new life as an American, he works as a tailor in his brother-in-law’s shop, a job that fits him like a well-made suit.

The birth of a less than perfect child puts a strain on Arel and Havah’s marriage. After all they have been through together, he’s not sure he’s up to the challenge.

As the family faces another tragedy, Arel learns that God’s light shines brightest in times of darkness.

Watch for it soon in the same great sites as:

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and

Check out my author page on the Loiacono Website. For all of the character studies thus far, click on the link Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Art and Blogs or my website RochelleWordArt.

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4 December 2015

Published December 2, 2015 by rochellewisoff

FRIDAY FICTION CONCRIT SUBGROUP

If you want to be part of this group click the link above and follow the rules set forth by Jennifer Pendergast, the leader of this subgroup. No one is under obligation to participate nor is it necessary to dig something up to criticize for the sake of critique. Please keep it polite and friendly.

The following photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. Roger has no website or blog but takes beautiful photos and enjoys letting us use them.

PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot

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Genre: Too Realistic Fiction

Word Count: 100

I WILL REMIND YOU

When I was a little girl my mother delighted in making birthdays memorable with shiny packages, bright balloons and colorful streamers. The cakes she decorated were works of art.

“I like red.” She looks at the birthday balloon I brought and then at me with a puzzled frown. Her eyes, once full of light, are little more than murky windows to a drifting soul.

“The eggs rolled out of the henhouse and smashed the cupcakes…” her voice trails off and the struggle to shape the words is evident. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember you.”

“It’s okay, Mom. I remember you.”

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While my story this week is fictionalized it is based on a recent visit to my mother in law. Alzheimer’s is the cruelest of diseases for we mourn the loss of a loved one but her body still lives and breathes.

Character Study – Havah in America

Published November 27, 2015 by rochellewisoff

Picking up a letter from his desk, Ulrich held it to his nose and breathed in the aroma of rose water. He pictured Havah sitting at the kitchen table, pen in hand, munching raisins, black waves cascading over her shoulders.

Nikolai walked to the desk, picked up the envelope and squinted. “‘Kansas City, Missouri. U.S.A.’”

“The postman delivered it yesterday afternoon.”

“What does she have to say?”

“Here, I’ll read it to you.

Friday, 29 January, 1904

Dearest Ulrich, my angel and friend,

I am hoping happiness for you. You, above all people, deserve it.

I miss hearing you play. Perhaps one day you will come here for a concert. Can you understand it, my writing?”

For a moment he stopped to study her even letters. The memory of her battle with her knife-slashed hand still pained him. No longer able to perform simple tasks such as writing or even holding a spoon, she forced her left hand, with unyielding diligence, into submission. After all of that, she still had impeccable penmanship.

~~Taken from From Silt and Ashes by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Published (December 2015) by Argus Publishing

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency

Havah Cohen Gitterman – Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Following tearful goodbyes to Ulrich and Nikolai, Arel, Havah and Arel’s family immigrated to Kansas City. Ulrich, who had already secured a teaching position at the Royal Academy of Music in London, talked Nikolai into joining him.

At the beginning of From Silt and Ashes Havah maintains her friendship with Ulrich through letters. Thanks to Arel’s income as a tailor, Arel and Havah have purchased a new house and are adapting to American life as they anticipate the birth of their first child.

Although she’s comfortable in her new home, Havah suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress and worsening physical disability. No longer an adolescent, she’s a young married woman who faces challenge after challenge with tenacity and courage.

Check out my author page on the Loiacono Website. For all of the character studies thus far, click on the link Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Art and Blogs or my website RochelleWordArt.

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Available Internationally on Kindle and in Print

If you’ve read and enjoyed, please leave a review on one of these sites. It helps sell books. 😉

Shalom,

Rochelle

27 November 2015

Published November 25, 2015 by rochellewisoff

FRIDAY FICTION CONCRIT SUBGROUP

If you want to be part of this group click the link above and follow the rules set forth by Jennifer Pendergast, the leader of this subgroup. No one is under obligation to participate. Please keep it polite and friendly.

The following photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. Please give credit where credit is due.

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Here in the States Thursday, the 26th, is Thanksgiving, a day set aside to count our blessings and remember the Pilgrims who came here in 1620 supposedly seeking religious freedom. Alas, it’s also one of those times when history has been candy coated to make it easier to swallow. So today I serve a healthy helping of my favorite subject.

Genre: Somewhat Historical Fiction

Word count: 100

KESHAGESH

“The Pilgrims stepped off the Mayflower onto Plymouth Rock,” Matthew read aloud. “Friendly Indians helped them plant corn and—”

“They should’ve been called Pillagers.” Rita fumed, snatched his paper and ripped it apart. “We’re indigenous and this is not India.”

“Mom, that’s my homework.”

She handed him another sheet of paper. “Write this, Matthew Thundercloud, not what you think your teacher wants to hear.

“They robbed graves, stole our land, enslaved us, murdered our children, forced their Christian religion upon us and gave us smallpox.”

“What if she gives me an ‘F’?”

Just smile and say, ‘Happy Turkey Day.’”

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This should explain my title:

Another Manic Monday – First Prize, Writers’ Forum Magazine #170

Published November 19, 2015 by rochellewisoff

I’m so proud of my friend and fellow Friday Fictioneer, Sandra Crook. Warning!!! This is a story you’ll want to read to the end without interruption. Sandra, you’re my hero!

castelsarrasin

Everyone says I don’t look 64, but on Mondays I feel every day of it, and I can’t wait for my 65th birthday. I suppose it’s the prospect of five full days at the diner ahead of me that does it, because on Fridays, when I’m cleaning out the ovens, I always feel like a young woman again, looking forward to the weekend ahead, full of plans and excitement. At that time, my retirement in December is very far from my mind.

This Monday morning I’m in the kitchens, busy hauling steaming plates out of the dishwasher, when an arm roughly encircles my neck from behind and I find myself being dragged backwards out of the kitchens, heels scraping along the floor. I experience an overwhelming rush of shocked indignation at being treated like this and, oddly, it’s tinged with a hint of embarrassment and self-pity as I catch a…

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Character Study-Gavrel and Leah Wolinsky

Published November 18, 2015 by rochellewisoff

Steam rose from the dish pan. Sweat beaded Leah’s forehead and soaked her kerchief. Gavrel’s chest ached with yearning and remorse. She deserved better. He circled his arms around her waist.

“A perfect fit.”

Turning in his embrace, she planted a wet kiss on his cheek. “Spoken like a shoemaker.”

“How else should I speak? It’s what I am. We may not be wealthy, but our children will never go barefoot in winter.”

“Remember how angry Havah was at our betrothal. She even accused Mama of selling me into slavery.”

“As I recall, you weren’t too happy about it either. After all, I am old enough to be your father.”

He surveyed their cramped apartment. With a front room that doubled as a kitchen and three cramped bedrooms, it was much too small for a family of six. Despite Leah’s efforts to keep it tidy, it was always cluttered.

“Maybe Havah was right and your mother did sell you into slavery.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” After another kiss, Leah turned back to the dishes. “I’m happy with my life.”

~~Taken from From Silt and Ashes by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Published (December 2015) by Argus Publishing

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency

Gavrel Wolinsky- Orignial Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Leah Wolinsky - Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

In Please Say Kaddish for Me Arel’s sister Tova betrothed her sixteen-year-old daughter Leah to Gavrel Wolinsky the shoemaker who was twice Leah’s age. An angry Havah accused poverty-stricken Tova of selling her daughter for a pair of shoes.

Gavrel’s first wife died of a fever during their first year of marriage leaving him a childless widower. Since Tova’s untimely passing, Gavrel has assumed the role of father for Leah’s younger siblings as well as their own daughter. Nothing makes him happier than being Papa.

In From Silt and Ashes Gavrel and Leah have moved their family to Odessa, Ukraine where another vicious pogrom looms on the horizon. As Jewish university students amass weapons to defend themselves Gavrel’s only desire is peace in his home. As this becomes increasingly difficult he saves to take his wife and children to live with their family in Kansas City.

Check out my author page on the Loiacono Website. For all of the character studies thus far, click on the link Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Art and Blogs or my website RochelleWordArt.

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Available Internationally on Kindle and in Print

If you’ve read and enjoyed, please leave a review on one of these sites. It helps sell books. 😉

Shalom,

Rochelle

ANGUS & ROBERTSON AMAZON B&N BAM BOOKWORLD FISHPOND SHELFARI BOOK DEPOSITORY WATERSTONES GOODREADS IDREAMBOOKS