Meet the Author: Amy Meltzer
Learn a bit more about Amy Meltzer, author of The Shabbat Princess! Our thanks to Amy who sat down to answer our questions.
Meet the Author: Tami Lehman-Wilzig
Learn a bit more about Tami Lehman-Wilzig, author of Passover Around the World. Our thanks to Tami who sat down to answer our questions!
Meet the Author: Durga Yael Bernhard
ChallahCrumbs: How did you get started as a writer?
Laurel Snyder: I was about eight years old when my best friend and I started writing stories, and making them into little books. Of course, I also dreamed of becoming a ballerina and a movie star, but from that point on I never stopped writing. My dream was to become “rich and famous writing books for children.” I planned to buy a mansion and fill it with all the stray dogs and cats in the city of Baltimore.
CC: What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Laurel: The “when you’re writing” part is key here. I find my writing moves in waves. I have seasons when I’m very industrious, especially when I’m finishing a novel. During those weeks I might write as much as 12 hours a day. I get up early and write, or write after the kids go to bed. But then I have other times—I’m in one right now—when I can’t seem to get going. I scribble lots of ideas, but the solid writing time doesn’t happen. Often this happens when I’m traveling a lot. It’s hard to get a schedule set when I’m leaving all the time.
CC: You’ve written such a wide variety of books. Do you have a favorite?
Laurel: I love the very beginning of a new picture book. When the idea seems fresh and perfect, and it comes spilling out. I also love finishing a novel. It’s like I imagine it feels to complete a marathon (not that I’ve ever done that. I’m lazy!)
CC: What are some of your favorite children’s books?
Laurel: Oh, this is always such a hard question. For picture books? Eloise, Mister Dog, In the Night Kitchen, Frog
Meet the Author: Laurel Snyder
ChallahCrumbs: How did you get started as a writer?
Laurel Snyder: I was about eight years old when my best friend and I started writing stories, and making them into little books. Of course, I also dreamed of becoming a ballerina and a movie star, but from that point on I never stopped writing. My dream was to become “rich and famous writing books for children.” I planned to buy a mansion and fill it with all the stray dogs and cats in the city of Baltimore.
CC: What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Laurel: The “when you’re writing” part is key here. I find my writing moves in waves. I have seasons when I’m very industrious, especially when I’m finishing a novel. During those weeks I might write as much as 12 hours a day. I get up early and write, or write after the kids go to bed. But then I have other times—I’m in one right now—when I can’t seem to get going. I scribble lots of ideas, but the solid writing time doesn’t happen. Often this happens when I’m traveling a lot. It’s hard to get a schedule set when I’m leaving all the time.
CC: You’ve written such a wide variety of books. Do you have a favorite?
Laurel: I love the very beginning of a new picture book. When the idea seems fresh and perfect, and it comes spilling out. I also love finishing a novel. It’s like I imagine it feels to complete a marathon (not that I’ve ever done that. I’m lazy!)
CC: What are some of your favorite children’s books?
Laurel: Oh, this is always such a hard question. For picture books? Eloise, Mister Dog, In the Night Kitchen, Frog
Chanuka Kids’ Books
There is a wonderful tradition on Chanukah. While the candles are burning, no work should be done. No tidying up, no cooking, no laundry. We stop as a family and enjoy the moment, with the Chanukiot in the background.
This year, while the candles are burning, you and your family can be reading.
