TBR [to be read] is a semi-regular, invitation-only
interview series with authors of newly released/forthcoming, interesting books
who will tell us about their new work as well as offer tips on writing, stories
about the publishing biz, and from time to time, a recipe!
Give us your elevator
pitch: what’s your book about in 2-3 sentences?
THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH tells the story of awkward but
endearing Jeremiah Gerstler—son, father, husband, academic, Jew—who tries over
the course of his life to be the best person he can, and who will inspire his
readers to do the same. Jumping backwards and forwards in time to hone in on
various periods in Gerstler's life, this novel-in-stories offers a sensitive
and nuanced portrayal of some of life's most painful and private moments.
Which story did you
most enjoy writing? Why? And, which story gave you the most trouble, and why?
The story that appears last in the book — “MixMaster” — when
Jeremiah is 82, is actually the first one I wrote. He’s crusty but loveable,
exasperating and charming. I was immediately taken with Jeremiah’s character,
and as soon as I finished this story, I knew wanted to write an entire book
unraveling is life. Ironically, his daughter, Hannah, who is closest in age and
generation to me, was the hardest to write, perhaps because of that closeness.
Tell us a bit about
the highs and lows of your book’s road to publication.
I thought I was done writing all the stories after about
three years. I’d submit and submit and submit, occasionally getting published,
occasionally getting nice feedback (a handwritten note on my rejection from The Atlantic! A “we found much to admire
in your story” rejection from The New Yorker!!),
but I ultimately realized that some of the stories needed more work. In some
cases, I threw out the original story completely, keeping only the year and the
setting from the original. From the first story until the last major revision
took about five years. I didn’t try to get an agent; I went directly to small/independent
presses. Thus began a new cycle of rejections, though many were complimentary.
And then, in April 2018, I received an email from Press 53 that began,
“Congratulations….” I had to read the email four or five times to make sure my
eyes weren’t deceiving me.
I’m now writing these words two days after my local book
launch. What a thrill and honor it was to celebrate with my close friends and
family. I’m still floating.
What’s your favorite
piece of writing advice?
Always keep honing your craft. Around the time I thought I
was done with the writing, I met a writer and teacher whose first book was just
coming out. I asked her what else I should be doing, and she gave me that
advice. It didn’t matter that I don’t have an MFA and that I live abroad, I
could seek out online classes, she said. Not only has my writing improved as a
result of taking classes through One Story, Gotham, Catapult, Grub Street, and
Kathy Fish, but I’ve met wonderful writer friends from all over the world.
My favorite writing
advice is “write until something surprises you.” What surprised you in the
writing of this book?
Since I was writing backwards in time, it was some of the actions
of the characters when they were younger that surprised me. When you first
encounter Molly, Jeremiah’s wife, she’s 72, the rock of her family, a stable
and supportive mother and wife. But as the book goes on, we see some new sides
of her. In the first few stories I wrote, I hadn’t imagined Molly’s younger,
wilder self.
How do you approach
revision?
I’m in a few writing groups, and this feedback is invaluable
in the revision process. On occasion I don’t agree with the comments, so I’ve
had to learn to ignore it. But most of the time, my writing group friends are
very good at distilling the weakest points in the story. Often these are things
that I knew, deep down, are not quite right yet. Whenever there’s a confluence
of their feedback and my gut feeling, I know I’ve got work to do.
Inquiring foodies and
hungry book clubs want to know: Any food/s associated with your book? (Any
recipes I might share?)
The book is full of food references, as Molly, Jeremiah’s
wife, is quite adept in the kitchen, both with cooking and baking. I have a
recipe section on my website: https://www.juliezuckerman.com/fun-stuff
Here’s one for k’neidelach (matzah balls), featured in the
first story. My family eats k’neidelach with chicken soup all year round, not
only on Passover.
1 c. matzah meal
3 eggs
1 tsp chopped parsley
1/4 c. cold water
1/2 c. vegetable oil
Salt & Pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients, chill for a couple of hours, mold into balls and
drop into boiling water/soup. Cover pot and cook on low for 30-45 minutes.
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READ MORE ABOUT THIS AUTHOR & BOOK: www.juliezuckerman.com
ORDER THIS BOOK FOR YOUR OWN TBR SHELF: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/194120998X/
READ AN EXCERPT, “The Book of Jeremiah”: https://www.sixfold.org/FicSummer15/Zuckerman.html