Leah Kotkes » Writing Workshops

The Sixth Annual Writer’s Journey Seminar 2010

Tehillah — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:37:44 +0000

Tuesday 27^th April 2010
at The Prima Palace Hotel,
2A Pines Street, Jerusalem
Phone: 5311 809

Something special to look forward to after Pesach – Treat yourself to a day of Writing, Insight, Instruction and Inspiration.

One-day writing seminar in Jerusalem for Jewish women. Practical workshops, writing sessions and discussions to enhance both personal and professional writing. For aspiring and experienced writers and women working in the publishing world.

In memory of Grand Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Horowitz The Bostoner Rebbe zt”l

Hosted by Leah Kotkes

The Day’s Schedule:

8-9.00 am	Registration and Welcome refreshments
9-9.50 am	Susie Garber: Writer’s Secrets – Tools Every Writer Needs.
9.50 – 10.30 am	Leah Kotkes: Crafting Great Story – A Vision and Some Tips. This workshop is in memory of my beloved Rebbe, The Bostoner Rebbe zt”l.
10.30 – 11. 20 am	Miriam Zakon: The Writer’s Best-Kept Secret: Editing Techniques You Absolutely Must Know
11.20 – 12.20 pm	Choice of three simultaneous workshops: Beginners led by Gila Green How to Begin a Story Intermediate/Advanced led by Shifrah Devorah Witt Good, Better, Best: 7 Tips to Push Your Writing to the Next Level Advanced Writers Only led by Bassi Gruen and Yael Mermelstein First Impressions: What’s Right/Wrong with the Beginning of Your Story This workshop in the hotel outdoor garden: it is open to eight women only on a first booked basis. There will be a waiting list for this session in the event of a last minute cancellation. For this workshop participants are required to submit a beginning of a piece of writing they are working on – a magazine article, website essay or book manuscript – prior to the workshop for the teachers to review before the seminar. In the workshop these pieces would then be critiqued with the focus on common threads of error that run through the collective material and as what was done well consistently. Participants are also required to bring eight copies of their 200-250 words piece of writing. This workshop is only for published authors who consider themselves at an advanced level. After your booking in this workshop has been accepted please send your writing sample of not more than 200-250 words to yaelmer@gmail.com. Please note: All participants are welcome at the Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Workshops in the morning and afternoon however please have in mind: The Beginners Workshop has been created for women starting out with their writing and who may be writing for personal and/or professional reasons. These women may have also begun to get published in magazine/newspapers or on line/website. The Intermediate/Advanced Workshop is for writers who regularly are published in the print media and on line and who have started working on book manuscripts or have had their first/second book published. The Workshop in the Hotel Garden: Advanced Writers only can join this workshop. The group size will not exceed eight women: bookable on a first come first served basis.
From 11.30 am	There will be one-on-one appointments available with: Mimi Zakon from Artscroll Aviva Rappaport from Jerusalem Publications Esther Heller from Targum Press Susie Garber, author, teacher of memoir and fiction writing Ellen Greenfield, memoir workshop teacher The above mentioned women are taking appointments throughout the day.
From 12.20 pm	Appointments are also available throughout the day with: Gila Green, author, editor, manuscript consultant Shifrah Devorah Witt, author, editor, teacher, creative writing coach
	* Please book your one-on-one appointments with Yocheved Leah Perkal, the seminar registration manager. Thank you.
12:20 pm	Convene before lunch to reflect on mornings workshops and to put forward questions.
12:50 pm	Dairy Lunch
2:15 pm	Sarah Shapiro – Self Discipline
3.10 pm	Choice of two simultaneous workshops: Beginners led by Yocheved Engel of Yated, USA Intermediate/Advanced led by Esther Heller The Power of Pattern: A Technique for Great Writing
4.20 pm	Two Fifteen Minute Writing Sessions, Readings and Q & A with Leah Kotkes
5.30 pm	Seminar Closes

Additional Details, Registration and Directions
To make your reservation please book your place as soon as possible with:
Leah Kotkes at lifework@012.net.il
Phone: 02 6514 266
or
The Seminar Reservations Manager
Yocheved Leah Perkal at perkal@zahav.net.il
Tel: 02 538 9578

Praise for Writer’s Journey 2009

Invitation to a Writing Workshop in Stamford Hill, London

Tehillah — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:50:20 +0000

Date: Monday 1 February 2010
Time: 8.30 pm prompt until 10.30 pm
Location: Family Flam, 22 Ashtead Road, Stamford Hill, E5, London

Writing Workshop with Leah Kotkes, Features Editor and Writer, Binah Magazine
Author of The Map Seeker: One Woman’s Quest, An Extraordinary Memoir for Women (Israel Bookshop)

Introduction to: How to Craft a Good Story
Including tips for Revising, Rewriting and Editing the Story
For new and seasoned writers and women that would like to turn their hand to writing.
Entrance fee: £25 per person (cash only)
Bring along a notebook and pen and work in progress

To book your place for the workshop:

Contact Mrs. Flam Tel: 0208 806 1007
E-mail bookings before Tuesday 26 January to lifework@012.net.il

To arrange private appointments please contact Mrs. Flam.

Map Seeker Author to Conduct Writing & Life-Balance Workshops

Tehillah — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 06:49:20 +0000

Published author, editor and writing mentor Leah Kotkes is available to provide a Map Seeker Workshop and/or a Writing & Communication Workshop in your community. Leah coaches women on their life journey through the use of writing to find workable daily solutions to all types of lifestyle issues and map the way ahead with regards to the life-balance of spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and material aspects of living.

If you would like to arrange for Leah to host a workshop for a gathering of women in your community, please contact her directly at lifework@012.net.il to discuss options and fees.

Leah is also available to conduct on-line and in-person mentoring and would be happy to customize a program to meet your specific needs.

Writer’s Journey Seminar Summer Writing Session

Tehillah — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:54:14 +0000

Tuesday 16 June 2009 in Jerusalem

When a person masters the skills of revising, editing and rewriting they become a writer.

This year’s summer writing session is for women who wish to learn how to become writers. This workshop will focus on the craft of revising, editing and rewriting. You will need to submit a piece of work no longer than 1500 words two weeks before the workshop and commit to working in the workshop to revise, edit and rewrite your piece. This workshop will give you practical experience in revising, editing and rewriting a short piece of writing however the experience you gain will be transferable to all writings. The workshop will also include at least two writing exercises which will go through the process of revision, editing and rewriting in the workshop. There will also be a Q & A session as well as inspiring talks on writing for the reader.

Only 35 places available; this workshop is for women who are serious about advancing their writing for magazine and book publication.

Workshop leaders: Leah Kotkes and Esther Heller.

Leah Kotkes is the director of The Writer’s Journey Seminars and editor of The Writers’ Journal and The Writers’ Journal On-Line. She is features editor and features writer for Binah Magazine. She hosts The Writer’s Club in Jerusalem for aspiring and experienced writers and mentors writers – in person and on-line – on a regular basis. She can be contacted at lifework@012.net.il.

Esther Heller is editor-in-chief of Targum Press. She is the author of the bestselling novel, The Lost Daughter and is director of the Jewish Writing Institute www.jewishwriting.com

Workshop starts at 9 am prompt and closes at 1.15 pm prompt.

Venue: the home of Leah Kotkes in Har Nof – the address will be issued to each participant when she has reserved her place by email.

Price: 140 shekels (cash only) including light refreshments.

Reservations: Esther Leah Avner at estelav@netvision.net.il by June 9th 2009

Leah Kotkes: Book and Workshop Tour Schedule

Tehillah — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:44:27 +0000

May 7 – 24, 2009

Lakewood, Boro Park, Monsey, Toronto, Montreal, Stamford Hill, Golders Green, Manchester
Coordinators: Listed Below by Town
Reservations by Email: leahporetsky@yahoo.com

Publisher’s Contact: Israel Bookshop Publications
501 Prospect Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Tel: (732) 901-3009, Fax: (732) 901-4012
www.israelbookshoppublications.com, info@israelbookshoppublications.com

Author Contact: lifework@012.net.il
Author Phone: Jerusalem 02 6514 266

Schedule

Lakewood, NJ Sunday 10 May 2009

Venue: Family Herzka, 6 Cedar Row, Lakewood, NJ

Workshops 11 am to 1 pm and 8 to 10 pm prompt: for women who enjoy reading and writing, as well as those interested in developing their writing skills and receiving advice on parnassah/publishing opportunities. Leah will give an inspiring talk on storytelling from a Jewish perspective and the craft of story writing; will lead some writing exercises and open a discussion on enhancing a relationship with Hashem, others and self through writing. Bring Sefer Tehillim, notebook and pens. Entrance charge: $20.

Meet-the-Author Talk “Living with Faith”: 2.45 to 3.45 pm: Leah will read from her new book The Map Seeker: One Woman’s Quest, an extraordinary memoir for Jewish women, take questions and open a discussion with the group. The Map Seeker, was inspired by and has hascoma from, Harav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg shlita. Entrance charge: free. This meeting is sponsored.

RSVP: Mrs. Michal Hendler 732 367 4706 or leahporetsky@yahoo.com.

Boro Park, NY Monday 11 May

Venue: Family Birnhack, 1939 50th Street, Boro Park, Brooklyn, NY

Meet-the-Author Talk “Living with Faith” 7.30 to 8.30 pm: Leah will read from her new book The Map Seeker: One Woman’s Quest, an extraordinary memoir for Jewish women, take questions and open a discussion with the group. Entrance fee: $5.

Workshop 8.30 to 10.30 pm: For women who enjoy reading and writing, as well as those interested in developing their writing skills and receiving advice on parnassah/publishing opportunities. Leah will give an inspiring talk on storytelling from a Jewish perspective and the craft of story writing, lead some writing exercises and open a discussion on enhancing a relationship with Hashem, others and self through writing. Bring: Sefer Tehillim, notebook and pens. Entrance charge: $20.

RSVP: Mrs. Mimi Dushinsky 718 431 9447 or cell 646 420 1206 or leahporetsky@yahoo.com

Monsey, NY Wednesday 13 May

Venue: Mrs. Carol Engelman, 15 Wits End, New Hempstead.

Meet the Author Talk “Living with Faith” 7 to 8 pm prompt: Leah will read from her newly released book The Map Seeker: One Woman’s Quest, an extraordinary memoir for Jewish women, take questions and open a discussion. Entrance charge: free. This event is sponsored.

Workshop 8 to 10.30 pm prompt: For women who enjoy reading and writing, as well as those interested in developing their writing skills and receiving advice on parnassah/publishing opportunities. Leah will give an inspiring talk on storytelling from a Jewish perspective, lead some writing exercises and open a discussion on enhancing a relationship with Hashem, others and self using the craft of writing. Bring Sefer Tehillim, notebook and pens. Entrance charge: $20.

RSVP: Mrs. Carol Engelman (845) 362- 4993 or leahporetsky@yahoo.com

Toronto, Canada Sunday 17 May 2009

Venue: The Thornhill Community Shul, Aish HaTorah Dan Family Building, 949 Clark Avenue W, Thornhill.

Meet-the-Author Talks “Living with Faith” 11 am to 12 noon and 7 to 8 pm prompt: Leah will read from her newly released book The Map Seeker: One Woman’s Quest, an extraordinary memoir for Jewish women. She will take questions and open a discussion. Entrance charge: free. This meeting is sponsored.

Workshop: 8 – 10.30 pm prompt: For women who enjoy reading and writing, as well as those interested in developing their writing skills and receiving advice on parnassah/publishing opportunities. Leah will give an inspiring talk on storytelling from a Jewish perspective; she will lead some writing exercises and open a discussion on enhancing a relationship with Hashem, others and self using the craft of writing. Bring: Sefer Tehillim, notebook and pens. Entrance charge: $25 Canadian Dollars.

RSVP: Mrs. Meira Kirzner 905 764 8637 or Mrs. Suri Papoff 416 785 1019 or leahporetsky@yahoo.com

Montreal, Canada Monday 18 May

Venue: Bais Yaakov Seminary, 2195 Ekers, Montreal

Meet the Author Talk followed by Workshop 10.30 am– 1 pm and 7.30 pm – 10 pm prompt: These two workshops begin with a Meet-the-author talk on the topic of “Living with Faith” and include a Q & A session. To follow is an inspiring and informative workshop for women who enjoy reading and writing, as well as those interested in developing their writing skills and receiving advice on parnassah/publishing opportunities.

Leah will give a talk on storytelling from a Jewish perspective and the craft of story writing, will lead some writing exercises and take readings, and will open a discussion on enhancing a relationship with Hashem, others and self through writing.
Bring: Sefer Tehillim, notebook and pens.

Entrance charge per person per workshop: $25 Canadian Dollars cash. There is a 10% discount for women wishing to attend both workshops.

Leah is available for private appointments in-between workshops.

RSVP: Mrs. Leah Wachsler 514 948 4553 or email leahporetsky@yahoo.com

London/Stamford Hill, England Wednesday 20 May

Venue: 24 Overlea Road, London E5

Meet-the-Author Talk “Living with Faith” 7.30 to 8.30 pm prompt: Leah will read from her newly released book The Map Seeker: One Woman’s Quest, an extraordinary memoir for Jewish women. She will take questions and open a discussion. Entrance fee: £3

Followed by workshop 8.30 – 11 pm prompt: for women who enjoy reading and writing, as well as those interested in enhancing their writing skills and receiving advice on parnassah/publishing opportunities. Bring: Sefer Tehillim, notebook and pens. Entrance fee: £25

Leah is known for her positive outlook and deeply insightful approach to a woman’s journey in life and her day-to-day challenges, all of which will be touched upon in both of these informative and inspiring workshops.

RSVP: Rochelle Flam at 0208 806 1007 or email r.flam@ymail.com

London/Golders Green, England Thursday 21 May

Venue: Croft Court Hotel, 44 Ravenscroft Avenue, London NW11 8AY

Meet-the-Author Talk “Living with Faith” 7.30 to 8.30 pm prompt: Leah will read from her newly released book The Map Seeker: One Woman’s Quest, an extraordinary memoir for Jewish women. She will take questions and open a discussion. Entrance charge: free.

RSVP: Rochelle Flam at 0208 806 1007 or email r.flam@ymail.com

Manchester, England Sunday 24 May

Venue: The Bais Yaakov Seminary for the Chinese Auction. Doors open at 6 pm. Hostess and Coordinator: Michelle Ciffer at The Hershel Weiss Children and Family Center. Entrance charge: £7

Leah Kotkes will give a talk entitled “Living with Faith” at 7.45 pm

RSVP: Michelle Ciffer or her assistant Dena at The Hershel Weiss Children and Family Center 0161778 0070 or Leah Poretsky at leahporetsky@yahoo.com.

Book and Workshop Tour print advertisement

The Writer’s Journey Seminar 2009

Tehillah — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:51:39 +0000

Tuesday 5^th May 2009
The Reich Hotel
1 Hagai Street, Beit Hakerem, Jerusalem

Something special to look forward to after Pesach- Treat yourself to a day of writing insight, instruction and inspiration.

With a bracha for hatzlachah from Grand Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Horowitz, The Bostoner Rebbe shlita.

Please note this year all workshops include writing time and sharing of readings.
The Day’s Schedule:

8.15 am
9.00 am
9.30 am
10.20 am
11.10 am

Registration and refreshments on the veranda
Welcome & warm-up exercise with Leah Kotkes
Gila Green: The Taboos of Telling; the Sins of Silence
Leah Kotkes: You are The Storyteller
Sarah Shapiro: Writing Dialogue

12 noon

Simultaneous 50 minute workshops/private one-on-one sessions:

Workshops
Yaffa Ganz: Finding Your Own Voice. Every writer “sounds” different. Each creates her own music through a delicate blend of talent, ego, halachah and her own inner world. How do we find our own voice?
Bassi Gruen & Yael Mermelstein: Building Powerful Plots: Tools and Tips
Shifra Devorah Witt: The Courage to Tell Your Story.

Private one-on-one sessions with:
Mimi Zakon, Artscroll
Esther Heller, Targum Press taking appointments until 4 pm
Aviva Rappaport, Jerusalem Publications
Sarah Shapiro, Author taking appointments until 4 pm
Gila Green, Writer, Editor, Writing Teacher and Mentor specialist in fiction and memoir taking appointments until 4 pm

1 pm
2.30 pm
3.30 pm
4.30 pm
By 5.30 pm

Dairy Lunch
Esther Heller at Targum Press
Tamar Ansh on Publishing with Q & A
Round the table readings/questions: Leah Kotkes
Seminar Closes

For details and registration contact:
Michelle Borinstein, reservations assistant at mbmb613@gmail.com
or
lifework@012.net.il for registration and scholarships

From Leah Kotkes, 7.30 pm, May 5th 2009

I just arrived home from our fifth annual Writer’s Journey Seminar; a one-day event of nine workshops attended by 140 women keen to enter, or already working in the field of magazine and book publishing. This endeavor helps a women on her journey of life as well as her writer’s journey; it helps uplift her self-esteem, it inspires her to tap into her true potential as a Jewish woman by teaching her how to give to others through her gift of language; it helps her to earn a livelihood for her family; it encourages her to use her writing to form a closer relationship with Hashem, her family, her community and women the world over; it helps her to be a giver of her time, her talents and her ideas to inspire other Jewish women and in turn strengthen the Jewish family and Klal Yisroel. On this day also we release the annual Writer’s Journal; a showcase of Jewish women’s writings from 85 writers from around the world. I checked my emails; here are some goodwill letters from seminar participants, seminar workshop leaders or Writer’s Journal readers; the first flow that usually includes hundreds upon hundreds of letters over the year.

Praise for the Writer’s Journey Seminar

Dear Leah, These annual seminars, Leah, have become such a central event in our society. I have always wanted to be part of a community, but in my life this is the first time – these past few years that you have been doing this – I feel part of a community, the community of Orthodox women writers. I don’t know how to thank you adequately for organizing these seminars. It brings us together.

There was a widow there today, whose husband died two months ago; she said the day at the seminar, being with all these people, relieved her of her mourning for the first time since she lost him.

With gratitude and love and respect for what you have accomplished,
Sarah Shapiro
Author & Writing mentor

Thank you for a marvelous and extraordinary seminar yesterday. It helped me tremendously; I am much more focused and directed now. It is not even 8 am and I already did one writing exercise, all from your inspiration! Leah: Lots and lots of Hatzlacha.
Chana Zelasko
Ramat Beit Shemesh

Hi Leah,
I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful, inspiring seminar. I am so glad I was able to be there. Thank you again for the scholarship, and for subsidizing the car service for eight of us from Neve Yakov.
Yasher koach and hatzalcha rabba,
Chaya Silverstone

Dear Leah,

Yasher Ko’ach; thank you for today’s seminar! It was excellently organized, given with love and encouragement, and in a very attractive setting. I picked up several usable pointers, too.

You should be proud of yourself for today’s accomplishment. And such a kiddush Hashem!
Warmest regards,
Ayalah

Leah,

What a superb day you created for so many women! It was something to see so many women interested in writing.
Gila Green
Published writer & writing teacher

Dear Leah, There aren’t words in my vocabulary, English or Hebrew to thank you for my fantastic day, yesterday. Lately, I’ve felt as if I were drowning, so overwhelmed by circumstances. Yesterday I felt as if I’d come back to life. The whole day, spent with these incredible women, every year I find another group of
them, convinces me I have made the journey from the desert to a garden of the most beautiful flowers of every color and every scent. And the babies are the butterflies hovering everywhere.

Leah, I hope, in the near future to be able to send you the money for this most marvelous gift (of the full scholarship) and to be able to renew myself at your June workshop.
Mrs. B