Zalman Ber: The True Story of the Man the Nazis Could Not Kill
1. What really
inspired you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience
and conveying it into a
book?
The story has always been inside of me. I was born one month
after my parents arrived in Elis Island. I grew up with the stories. Rabbi
Aaron had asked me for a long time to do a body of work in paintings of what my
parents went through. For many years I said no, I didn’t feel I could relive
their experiences. But one day in 2013, it came to me that I needed to tell
their story. I said okay and this began my process. The first book consisted of
my art and some excerpts of my parents’ experiences. Prose was written by Rabbi
Aaron. The art show and book were a great success and people wanted to hear
more about what my parents went through. The time was right and I knew I had to
get their story out.
2. What is it about
whom do you believe is your targeted reader.
From high school age to adult, Jews and non-Jews, Muslims,
Christians and any denomination. It is a book that is relevant now.
3. What do you hope
will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who
finish your book? What
should remain with them long after putting it down?
Ending the many atrocities mankind inflicts on each other
and the indomitable spirit of man to start again. I would hope readers would
look at our political structure now and how we would not want to repeat
history. Such as how Churchill wanted to let Jews in his country but his
advisers were afraid they would be Nazi spies.
Franklin Roosevelt was afraid to let Jews into this country and sent
them back, this strikes of all too much familiarity. Compare this to the
refugee situation and think about what we are doing and creating.
4. What advise or
words of wisdom do have for fellow writers.
Be passionate about whatever idea you have and I believe
that will carry you through all the frustration and rejections you get.
Surround yourself with supportive people and don’t forget to workout and to
meditate to get rid of your frustrations.
5. What trends in the
book world do you see and where do you think the book publishing industry is
heading?
First let me clarify I don’t have that much experience since
this is only my second book and my first book was self-published. I see more
self- publishing made easy and not costly for the writer. I feel more and more
self -publishing will be popular especially e-books. E-books are easier for the
public to read and less use of paper so more green.
6. What great
challenge did you have in writing your book?
My greatest challenge was keeping my book in my father’s
voice.
The way he spoke was lazy English, since it was not his
first language (it had become his sixth). I tried to use proper grammar without
changing the integrity of what he said. The next challenge was that I couldn’t
verify experiences and deaths as the main characters had all been killed. As my
parents had already passed away, I had to do research and rely on my father’s
journal and the oral stories heard while growing up. Of course, the awful
realization that this really happened to my parents had great impact. They had
gone through and had to endure awful indignities. I lost my older brother who
was an infant at the time and many Aunts and Uncles.
7. If people can only
buy one book this month, why should it be yours?
They should buy this book because it has great historical
impact and is also an amazing love story. Also we don’t want history to repeat
itself. The book is an easy and fascinating read and a real page turner.
Lisa Kotz Mishler, the
daughter of Holocaust survivors and heroes Sol and Luba Kotz, grew up hearing
stories of her parents’ life in Poland during WW II. As a professional painter
working primarily in oils, acrylics and watercolor, those stories influenced
her work. Her first book, L’Chayim-To Life, is a collection of paintings, and
narration inspired by her parents harrowing and miraculous journey in Poland
before emigrating to the United States. For more info, please see: www.lisamishler.com
Don’t Miss These!!
Do we really
understand the book reader?
Do writers need a
boot camp to regain their mojo?
22 Reasons Other
Than To Sell Books: Why Do Authors Pursue Book Publicity?
Do writers have the
magic eye for book publicity?
Ruling In Favor Of A
People’s Court For Book Publishing Industry
Do Our Dictionaries Actually
Make Us Dumber?
Will YouTube
Actually Save Or Kill All Books?
Author Book Publicity & Marketing
Toolkit: 2017
An insightful interview With PEN America
Executive Director Suzanne Nossel
How To Craft Press
Releases That Net Your Book Media Exposure
How To Overcome Book Marketer's Block in 10
Easy Steps http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2017/01/overcoming-book-marketers-block-in-10.html
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.