Behind the Book: Rainbow Colors

As you have probably heard other writers say, I didn’t know what my story would be until I was well into writing it. However, I did know I loved rainbows. I love the promise a rainbow can bring. I love the surprise of finding one suddenly spread across the sky. I love how they feel like magic. As I wrote, I realized that what I wanted to convey was the joy of being immersed in each beautiful color, and most...

Building What Lasts: Five Things We’re Proud Of in 2025

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what it means to build a company and publish books with intention. Long before “hybrid publishing” became a buzzword, partnership-based models quietly paired professional publishing expertise with shared investment and author agency. At The Collective Book Studio, partnership publishing is the foundation of everything we do. We believe authors should remain active participants in their projects, supported by experienced teams who care deeply about quality, strategy, and fostering...

Friday Night Done Right

To wrap up our seasonal cocktail and appetizer series with The Collective Book Studio, I wanted to end on a high note—something bold, celebratory, and perfect for gathering. For this final pairing, I’m featuring a cocktail from Friday Night Cocktails by A.J. Dean, alongside one of my most requested appetizers from The Modern Hippie Table. Enter the Blood Orange Margarita—a drink that instantly sets the tone for a festive evening. Made with vibrant blood orange, this cocktail delivers a rich blush-red hue that feels right at home during...

Behind the Book: 52 Shabbats

As the fourth anniversary of publishing 52 Shabbats: Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen approaches, I want to take a moment to reflect on the process that brought my cookbook to life. In February 2020, I sat down with Angela Engel, founder and publisher of The Collective Book Studio, to discuss cookbook ideas. I had developed more than a thousand Jewish food recipes and spent years writing about Jewish food history and traditions for publications. However, I...

Behind the Book: The Heart That Found You

When I became a mom through adoption, I started looking for children’s books that could help me talk to my daughter about how our family came to be.  I was looking for something gentle, joyful, and true to our story. As a single mom, I found that many books didn’t quite fit our reality and often centered on two-parent families. I remember reading aloud and instinctively editing as I went, which required skipping over father figures or changing pronouns to...

Monday Made Beautiful: Simple Pairings to Get You in the Holiday Mood

As the hustle of the holidays begins to peek around the corner, there’s something refreshing about slowing down and finding beauty in simplicity. This month, I’m continuing my seasonal cocktail and appetizer series with The Collective Book Studio and fellow author Jennifer Newens, featuring a pairing that’s understated, elegant, and just right for this time of year.   From her book, Monday Night Mocktails, I’m featuring the Peartini, a zero-proof cocktail that celebrates autumn pears in the most graceful way....