Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve worked in music, fashion, high tech, and retail. Writing has always been an element of my professional career.
What inspired you to write your book?
My mother’s life inspired this book, and the understanding that her story was so deeply intertwined with the establishment of the State of Israel. Sadly, she died when I was eleven years old, and I was too young to know what questions to ask. Following my father’s death years later, I discovered her photographs and documents, most of which I had never seen before. Under pictures of best friends and boyfriends, whose names we’d never know (or how they affected her), I found an illustrated sketch book by her brother. Avraham was the uncle we never met, but knew was her best friend. The book tells the story of a trip they took to the Galilee in 1947. For the first time, I had an inside view into the most significant relationship in my mother’s life, and an intimate portrait of her as a 17-year-old. I wanted to tell not only her story, but the story of the Sabra generation, the first generation of modern-day Israelis.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
- We are from our birthplace.
- The importance of family and community.
- War is about losing loved ones.
- Resilience in the face of adversity is key to survival.
- What led to the establishment of the State of Israel. The events in Europe during WWII had repercussions that affected the whole world.
- A portrait of the unique Sabra generation.
What drew you into this particular genre?
I began this project as a straight biography, but quickly found it was not possible to corroborate particular facts about my mother’s life. It also became clear that there was a broader story to tell about the time period and her generation. I’ve always found historical fiction compelling to read, and love that it can transport you to a different time and place.
What I like about writing an historical fiction novel is that there is a timeline of events that I was able to follow. I could intertwine those events in ways that I knew, or had to imagine, affected my mother. Here’s an example: While researching the time (1940s), and place (Tel Aviv), I came across an incident that happened in 1941 that I never knew about. My mother never spoke about it, and it wasn’t mentioned in most of the histories of Tel Aviv. Shortly after the Italians entered WWII, an squadron of Italian planes dropped bombs on my mother’s neighborhood killing 137 people. Even though I didn’t know how it affected my mother, it became clear to me that this was a scene that I had to write. What would it be like to be a 12-year-old girl caught in such a frightening event?
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Facebook and Instagram for now, and I’m working on my Twitter presence. With my WOW blog tour, I can see how effective the world of book blogs can be.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
- Take classes in writing. Learn the craft.
- Create a timeline with an outline. That’s your path.
- Find a writing group.
- Write THE END. Are you sure? Better check it one more time…
- Polish your final piece.
Self-marketing is part of the publishing world now. The best way to create interest in your story is to find like-minded people, and promote to those you are connected with. Network with other writers, writing groups and organizations that may have an interest in your work.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I have two projects that I’m currently outlining. There is a sequel to Born Under Fire that follows Shula in Manhattan in the 1950s, and her work at the first Israeli consulate in New York. And, because it’s based on my mother, the highs are high and the lows are devastating.
The second is a music-centered novel that takes place in New York in the early 1970s.
50% Off Select Toys, Games & CollectiblesAbout the Author
Rina Z. Neiman is a writer, event producer and public relations professional. Born Under Fire is based on the true story of her mother, Shulamit Dubno Neiman, a Sabra, a musician and one of the first generation of modern-day Israelis. Rina lives in Marin County, California with her husband and son. This is her first novel.REPORT THIS AD
You may find out more about the author and her book by visiting the website https://www.bornunderfire.com/. Also, you may find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
— Blog Tour Dates
May 20th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin! So, grab your coffee and join us today as we celebrate the launch of Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/REPORT THIS AD
May 21st @ Karen Brown Tyson Blog
Make sure you stop by Karen’s blog today where you can read Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about how to manage time and distractions during the book writing process. If you are writing a book – or thinking about writing one – this one is a post you don’t want to miss!
https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/
May 22nd @ Coffee with Lacey
Grab some coffee and visit Lacey’s blog today where you can read her review about Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire.
May 23rd @ Coffee with Lacey
Stop by Lacey’s blog again where you can read the author Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about why researching primary sources is so effective.
May 23rd @ Bri’s Book Nook
Looking for a new book? Make sure to stop by Bri’s Book Nook and find out why you need to add Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire to your reading list.
May 24th @ One Sister’s Journey
Today is a can’t miss review by Lisa over at One Sister’s Journey blog. She’s sharing her thoughts about Rina Z. Neiman’s historical fiction book Born Under Fire.REPORT THIS AD
May 26th @ Reading Whale
You won’t want to miss today’s stop at the blog Reading Whale where you can read this Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about when you can finally start writing your book after all that research.
May 27th @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf
Fill your bookshelf with good books! Stop by Veronica’s blog and read author Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about writing biographical fiction and when to dramatize real events.
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/
May 28th @ Helen Hollick’s World of Books
Join Helen Hollick’s Tuesday Talk over at her blog and read Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about how videos can reinforce your historical novel.
May 28th @ Book Collab Blog
Make sure you stop by Morgan’s blog Book Collab where you can find out what she has to say about Rina Z. Neiman’s historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
https://morganbray15.wixsite.com/mysite
May 29th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
If you love historical fiction, make sure you visit Anthony Avina’s blog today where he features author Rina Z. Neiman’s blog post about how she researched her historical fiction novel Born Under Fire. You won’t want to miss this!REPORT THIS AD
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
May 31st @ Jess Reading Blog
Are you interested in writing history for young adults? If you are, you will absolutely want to visit Jess’ blog today where author Rina Z. Neiman talks about writing history for young adults and what grabs them and what loses them.
https://jessbookishlife.wordpress.com/
June 1st @ The World of My Imagination
Come by Nicole’s blog today where you can read her review of Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire and enter to win a copy of the book.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com
June 2nd @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Can’t resist a good book? Visit author Anthony Avina’s blog today when he reviews Rina Z. Neiman’s incredible historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
June 3rd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Looking for your next great read? Make sure you stop by Bev’s blog today and catch her opinion on this fascinating historical fiction novel Born Under Fire.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
June 4th @ Amanda Diaries
Today’s stop is at Amanda’s blog where you can read what she thinks about Rina Z. Neiman’s historical fiction book Born Under Fire. REPORT THIS AD
https://amandalsanders1989.wordpress.com/
June 5th @ The Frugalista Mom
Visit Rozelyn’s blog today where you can not only read her review of Born Under Fire but also enter to win a copy of the book!
June 7th @ Bookworm Blog
Feeling bookish today? Make sure you stop by Anjanette’s Bookworm blog where you can read her thoughts about Rina Z. Neiman’s powerful historical fiction book Born Under Fire plus read an interview with the author.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
June 8th @ Jessica’s Reading Room
Today’s tour stop is a fantastic guest post written by author Rina Z. Neiman about how to make stories interactive. A must-read for all the writers out there!
http://jessicasreadingroom.com/
June 9th @ Jess Bookish Life
Need a new book in your life? Stop by Jess’ blog today where she shares her opinion about the historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
https://jessbookishlife.wordpress.com/
June 10th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Are you doing research for your novel? Make sure you visit Bev’s blog today where author Rina Z. Neiman is talking about top 5 ways to research secondary sources.REPORT THIS AD
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
June 12th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Get to know author Rina Z. Neiman at today’s stop over at author Anthony Avina’s blog where he interviews the author.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
June 14th @ Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette’s blog today and read a guest post by the author who talks about making your story interactive and why adding music is so effective.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
Visit Wendi’s blog at Strength 4 Spouses where you can read Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about the importance of writing during deployment.
June 15th @ Strength 4 Spouses
June 17th @ 12 Books
Visit Louise’s blog over at 12 Books and find out her thoughts about Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire.
June 19th @ Inquiry and Beyond
Join Kathy on Instagram and on her blog PYP in Paradise as she reviews and features Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire.
https://www.instagram.com/InquiryandBeyond/
http://pypinparadise.blogspot.com/
June 21st @ Choices Blog
Interviewing someone for your book? Make sure you visit Madeline Sharples’ blog today where Rina Z. Neiman talks about how to conduct interviews with people who are (and who are not) willing to talk with you.
June 23rd @ Strength 4 Spouses Blog
Need a new book? Make sure you stop by Wendi’s blog where she reviews Born Under Fire by Rina Z. Neiman.
Author Anthony Avina's Blog 