Do you have a story to tell? Perhaps it's a fictional tale that's been floating around in your mind, or maybe you want to share your own personal story.
Novelist and book publicist Andrea J. Stein gave a fascinating talk, called "Telling Your Story," for the Personal Giving Thank-You Brunch, sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), West Morris Section. She illustrated her points with insights from her own writing and publishing journey. The brunch, which was open to all donors to the organization's Personal Giving campaign, was held at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 8, at a private home in Morris County. Personal Giving is coordinated by Dorothy Cohen of Denville and Anne Gorman of Rockaway.
Stein has been writing stories since she was a child, and her presentation will cover key points in the writing process. Among them:
- Finding inspiration as a storyteller
- What makes a good story
- Thinking about your audience
- How to begin putting words on the page (or the computer screen)
- Building your skills as a writer
- The publishing journey
Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey, the speaker, who writes women's fiction about Jewish protagonists, has spoken at dozens of synagogues about the writing and publishing process as well as the current environment for Jewish writers. She had copies of her novels, Typecast (Girl Friday Books, 2022) and Dear Eliza (Flashpoint Books, 2024), available for purchase at the June 8 event.
Stein has received praise from multiple bestselling authors of women's fiction and Dear Eliza was called a "top Jewish beach read" by Jewish Unpacked. Kveller wrote, "This is a beautiful book about grief and families, and a lovely tale about learning what it means to love."