Where have you spent most of your childhood?
The suburbs of New York City, in the village of Monsey.
What did you study in college? Was history your favorite subject in school?
I have a degree in Marketing. History was always a subject I loved. Storytelling began as a passion of mine from an early age.
Why did you choose the historical fiction genre?
It began with A Cobbler’s Tale, which told the story of my great-grandparents. This was the catalyst into the genre, plus I love reading historical fictions as well.
What motivated you to achieve your personal goal as an author of historical-fiction in 2018?
I’ve been searching for an outlet, besides my career in the interior design business, to express my need for creativity.
What fears did you have while publishing your first novel - A Cobbler's Tale?
That I wasn’t a good writer.
How did you begin writing the Tales of the Cobbler series?
I researched what it was like to live in a shtetl in Eastern Europe in the early twentieth century and the journey these Jews undertook for a new life in New York City’s Lower East Side.
Why did you decide to write a sequel to A Cobbler's Tale--The Righteous One?
I wanted to explored the metaphysical fiction element of one of the characters in A Cobbler’s Tale.
What challenges did you face while writing a series chronicling the 1898 Alaskan adventures?
Trying to imagine what life was like in a remote mining town one-hundred and twenty-two years ago.
Who inspired the character of Pincus Potasznik, a Jewish cobbler in "A Cobbler's Tale"?
He was my great-grandfather.
Did you expect over fifty four and five star reviews praising your writing style?
Never did I expect to receive the positive reviews and comments from readers. It’s been a wonderful experience.
What inspired the story of your second novel - Moon Flower?
My son Max who was studying Indigenous Studies in college.
What kind of advice would you offer to budding writers out there?
When you come to that wall, also known as the dreaded writer’s block, break through it. Don’t give up.
Criticism, whether constructive or otherwise is part and parcel of any art form. How do you deal with reviews of your books- both positive and negative?
It depends. Any thoughtful review, positive of negative requires an opportunity to learn from and to improve upon.
How has your writing schedule changed during the quarantine?
It’s been a tremendous help. I’ve had all day, without distractions to write.
When did you first join AllAuthor? Has this site been useful to you? Do you have any feedback?
A few years ago. I appreciate your services and individual attention to each author, as proven by engaging with me with this request for an interview. Thank you.