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Writing for Love, Money, or Something Else

Sunday, 03 August 2014
Meryll
Jewish Luck Blog
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Leslie and I agreed from the outset that we were writing Jewish Luck for the love of writing and out of admiration for the stories of  Vera and Alisa. Despite our high minded objectives, we still encourage readers to buy copies and spread the word.  It wouldn’t hurt to cover our expenses! 

Speaking only for myself, I also wrote the book because I thought I’d enjoy working together with my sister on a project.  I did, and I also loved the process of writing and researching, especially talking weekly with Vera and Alisa.  The research trip to St. Petersburg and Stockholm was a bonus.  Aside from learning about the lives and struggles of Vera and Alisa, I have learned about the struggles of writers to publish and market their books and have felt warmed by the collegiality and generous spirits of other authors I have met along the way.


What has surprised me, the more introverted of the two sisters, is that I have enjoyed speaking to groups about the books.  Recently, I returned from a visit to San Diego where I spoke to Chofit Hadassah in Encinitas.  For days afterwards I basked in the aftermath of the experience.  I enjoyed the reflections readers shared about Jewish Luck.  The questions posed were insightful.  And I heard other women’s stories—each one a gripping saga.  It is a privilege to be able to listen to the stories of others – especially those that bear witness to the resilience of the human spirit.

My hope is that the conversations will continue and readers will continue to talk to us about their struggles, their friendships, their resilience.

Postscript to the post

Within two hours of posting this article, my phone rang.  It was the chief rabbi of the Grand Caymans who was reading Jewish Luck and enjoying the book. Now this was what I was talking about in the post!  What fun to talk and connect with him.  Rabbi Pewzner's connection to Jewish Luck is even more complicated than living in the Caymans. It turns out his family is from Leningrad/St. Petersburg and his uncle is currently the chief rabbi of St. Petersburg. And what did he want? He wants to meet Vera!  For those of you who have read our book, you can lay odds on this meeting taking place. But, I'm currently studying parashat Re'eh to write my column for the synagogue.  It begins with  a choice.  So, I gave the choice to Vera and we'll see if she chooses to contact the rabbi. Stay tuned. 

Postscript to the postscript

Vera is interested...but she's in Europe now.

Tags:
Berel Pewzner self-publishing book groups
If You Were Leaving Home, What Would You Pack?
A Mountain of Crumbs by Elena Gorokhova

About the author

Meryll

Meryll

  http://morejewishluck.com
View author's profile More posts from author
Meryll Levine Page is a retired high school history teacher with a special interest in women’s history. She taught extensively about the Soviet Union and its break-up. Currently she co-facilitates the Minneapolis Jewish Artists’ Lab.
Author's recent posts
Friday, 09 April 2021 Jewish on the Down Low
Sunday, 02 July 2017 Hack Attack
Sunday, 02 July 2017 July Book of the Month: Bloodlines by Neville Frankel
Sunday, 11 June 2017 Haunted by the Past; Family Pictures, Part II
Friday, 26 May 2017 What happened to Meryll's blogs?

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Invite Us To Speak

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We were featured speakers at Hadassah Brandeis Institute and Levy Summer Series. Our speaking engagements include JCCs, synagogues, libraries, book groups, retirement communities, schools, and organizations (e.g. ORT, Hadassah, and Women's League). References are available. 

Invite Us To Speak
 

Talk Review

"I was very fortunate to be able to hear Meryll and Leslie speak at a Hadassah event in Israel. Each of the ~50 participants really enjoyed the event because Meryll and Leslie were so engaging. While they had a natural rapport with the audience, you could also tell they had prepared well so they could connect with our particular group's interests. I learned a lot from listening to them, and I found their sisterly interaction unique and fun. If you want an enlightening and uplifting experience, attend one of their book talks."
Lisa Shimoni, Modiin Israel

Book Review

"Truly, you have written a story that makes accessible the reality of existence in Russia, through the eyes of individuals who lived through the various regimes and dictates.  It is fascinating and very well told.  As I read Vera and Alla's story, I learned more Russian history than I had known from a textbook.  That's a big deal, women!  You tell the tale with vivid detail and hook us on the two women and their stories, then weave in the history to illuminate their journeys. It is such a necessary book.  I am thrilled that the two of you collaborated, as I can see the uniqueness of your personalities come through in the stories, and that, too, makes the book a gem."
Margaret Leibfried, Danielson Group consultant

Buy the Book

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Click here to order your copy of Jewish Luck: A True Story of Friendship, Deception, and Risky Business on Amazon.com.

The Kindle version is available here

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Make a donation to Sholom Home and enjoy Jewish Luck at the same time. Jewish Luck is now available at the Sholom Home West gift store. Meryll and Leslie will donate 50% of the proceeds back to Sholom Home. Enjoy!

Tasting Torah

Nourish mind, body, and soul with Meryll's Tasting Torah, which will bring oneg (joy) and limmud (learning) to your Shabbat, broaden your culinary horizons, and draw your Shabbat guests closer together.

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