Yes, there, in the back row?

When is your next book coming out?

I know, I know. It's been forever, hasn't it? The book is written and needs a few tweaks as I work out details with my editor. But I have it on good authority that it will be out in spring 2010. And I'm working on the third book so that next time it won't take quite so long.

What can you tell me about your next book? Is it a sequel?

It's called Strength to Stand, and yes, it's a sequel. It takes place about six months after Destined to Choose ends, during the weeks leading up to and during Chanukah. Many of the same characters are in it, including David, Sara, their kids, Batya, Arik, and Eli. A few bit players from DTC have bigger roles this time. And we get to see not only from David's perspective, but also from Sara's and Batya's.

What's STRENGTH TO STAND about?

David finds himself playing detective when a stalker targets his friend and colleage, but has even fewer answers to his wife's confidence crisis.

Are you a rabbi in real life?

No. I just like playing one (or several) on paper. Besides, this way I have the rare opportunity to debate myself and lose.

Have you ever thought of going to rabbinical school?

Frequently. But at this point in my life, with two young children and roots in the community – not to mention a writing career – it's just not right for me.

When you were a child, did you want to be a novelist when you grew up?

I've been writing as a hobby and a creative outlet since I was at least seven years old. Since that time, I wanted to be a psychologist, an FBI agent, a pilot, a cop, a journalist, and a teacher. And while I did work as a counselor, a journalist, and a teacher, it wasn't until I was pregnant with my first child that I considered writing novels as a career (which also allows me to be an at-home mom to my children). Now I indulge my penchant for law enforcement through writing and hunting for clues to the disappearance of Little Boy's Other White Sock

Where do you get your ideas?

Fairies. The Shower Fairy. The Car Fairy. The Anywhere There Isn't A Pen Nearby Fairy. Also a masochistic tendency to ask hard questions and write stories in order to find the answers.

How much of what you write is autobiographical?

None of it. Except... in DESTINED TO CHOOSE, there's a scene where David is on the telephone, waiting to offer an apology or at least an overture, and the Barenaked Ladies' One Week is playing on the hold music. That actually happened to me.

How do you balance writing and family life?

When I figure that one out, I'll let you know.

I found a mistake in DESTINED TO CHOOSE. Do you want me to e-mail you about it?

No. Well, actually maybe. Okay, go ahead. I've already found a couple, and if there's enough interest for a reprint, I can make sure the publisher fixes the errors then.

Who are your favorite authors? Who influenced your writing? What's on your reading list right now?

I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner, author of IN HER SHOES and GOOD IN BED, among others. In fact, any similarity you see to my web site and hers is purely a measure of my admiration.

I also avidly read, in no particular order: Jodi Picoult, Janet Evanovich, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, Richard Bach, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Harry Kemmelman, Sue Grafton, and Dr. Seuss.

Can I send you my unpublished novel to read?

While I'm flattered by the offer, I must respectfully refuse.

Can I send you my novel for a quote or blurb?

E-mail me and we'll discuss it at greater length.

Will you do readings, signings, interviews or chats, in person or online, with my book club or other organization?

Please see my page for book clubs. If that doesn't answer your questions, please e-mail me.

Will you donate an autographed copy of your book for our fundraiser?

E-mail me with DONATION REQUEST in the subject line.

How do you pronounce your first name?

SHAY-nuh, with a long A in the first syllable.

Is that Irish?

Yiddish. It means beautiful, a quality I'm trying to live up to.

Why aren't you Orthodox?

That's a long story, but the bottom line is that I tried it and it wasn't a good fit for me.

Why aren't you Christian?

Because, among other serious theological considerations, it would be really hard to write Jewish fiction.

If I see you around town, can I say hi to you?

Absolutely! I'll even say hi in return!


*Get Destined to Choose!* Barnes & Noble Amazon.com Order a signed copy!	When is your next book coming out? I know, I know. It's been forever, hasn't it? The book is written and needs a few tweaks as I work out details with my editor. But I have it on good authority that it will be out in spring 2010. And I'm working on the third book so that next time it won't take quite so long. What can you tell me about your next book? Is it a sequel? It's called Strength to Stand, and yes, it's a sequel. It takes place about six months after Destined to Choose ends, during the weeks leading up to and during Chanukah. Many of the same characters are in it, including David, Sara, their kids, Batya, Arik, and Eli. A few bit players from DTC have bigger roles this time. And we get to see not only from David's perspective, but also from Sara's and Batya's. *What's STRENGTH TO STAND* about? David finds himself playing detective when a stalker targets his friend and colleage, but has even fewer answers to his wife's confidence crisis. Are you a rabbi in real life? No. I just like playing one (or several) on paper. Besides, this way I have the rare opportunity to debate myself and lose. Have you ever thought of going to rabbinical school? Frequently. But at this point in my life, with two young children and roots in the community – not to mention a writing career – it's just not right for me. When you were a child, did you want to be a novelist when you grew up? I've been writing as a hobby and a creative outlet since I was at least seven years old. Since that time, I wanted to be a psychologist, an FBI agent, a pilot, a cop, a journalist, and a teacher. And while I did work as a counselor, a journalist, and a teacher, it wasn't until I was pregnant with my first child that I considered writing novels as a career (which also allows me to be an at-home mom to my children). Now I indulge my penchant for law enforcement through writing and hunting for clues to the disappearance of Little Boy's Other White Sock Where do you get your ideas? Fairies. The Shower Fairy. The Car Fairy. The Anywhere There Isn't A Pen Nearby Fairy. Also a masochistic tendency to ask hard questions and write stories in order to find the answers. How much of what you write is autobiographical?** None of it. Except... in DESTINED TO CHOOSE, there's a scene where David is on the telephone, waiting to offer an apology or at least an overture, and the Barenaked Ladies' One Week is playing on the hold music. That actually happened to me. How do you balance writing and family life? When I figure that one out, I'll let you know. I found a mistake in DESTINED TO CHOOSE. Do you want me to e-mail you about it? No. Well, actually maybe. Okay, go ahead. I've already found a couple, and if there's enough interest for a reprint, I can make sure the publisher fixes the errors then. Who are your favorite authors? Who influenced your writing? What's on your reading list right now? I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner, author of IN HER SHOES and GOOD IN BED, among others. In fact, any similarity you see to my web site and hers is purely a measure of my admiration. I also avidly read, in no particular order: Jodi Picoult, Janet Evanovich, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, Richard Bach, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Harry Kemmelman, Sue Grafton, and Dr. Seuss. Can I send you my unpublished novel to read? While I'm flattered by the offer, I must respectfully refuse. Can I send you my novel for a quote or blurb? E-mail me and we'll discuss it at greater length. Will you do readings, signings, interviews or chats, in person or online, with my book club or other organization? Please see my page for book clubs. If that doesn't answer your questions, please e-mail me. Will you donate an autographed copy of your book for our fundraiser? E-mail me with DONATION REQUEST in the subject line. How do you pronounce your first name? SHAY-nuh, with a long A in the first syllable. Is that Irish? Yiddish. It means beautiful, a quality I'm trying to live up to. Why aren't you Orthodox? That's a long story, but the bottom line is that I tried it and it wasn't a good fit for me. Why aren't you Christian? Because, among other serious theological considerations, it would be really hard to write Jewish fiction. If I see you around town, can I say hi to you? Absolutely! I'll even say hi in return!