Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My lifelong dream has always been to be a writer. As a young girl, I used to write stories, plays, and magazines that I shared with my friends. (I even forced my friends to act out my plays!) After college, I worked as a journalist for many years, covering beats like finance, high tech, politics, sports, and community news. I loved being a journalist, but my real passion was more creative writing. This year, I just published my first book, My Family’s Survival, inspired by my grandmother’s story of how she survived the Holocaust.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called My Family’s Survival. It is inspired by my grandmother, who is a Holocaust survivor. I didn’t start to get to know my grandmother until after she died. When she was alive, I visited her multiple times, but we could never have a conversation. While she spoke Yiddish, Polish, Ukrainian, Hungarian, and Hebrew, I only knew one language: English. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away in 2012—still years before I was ready or able to ask the questions about her experience. Thankfully, she—and several other surviving members of her family—had their stories recorded. Their testimonies are what led to my book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I “write” in my head a lot. I am active person, I love being outdoors, running, hiking, etc. I often start writing chapters in my head when I am outside exercising. Then I need to come home fast to write them down!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Elizabeth Gilbert, and Paolo Coehlo. I also aspire to write like Jodi Picoult.
What are you working on now?
My next novel 🙂
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Edit later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Listen to your body. It’s smarter than you are.
What are you reading now?
The Book Thief
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully another book!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Alchemist, Eat Pray Love, and something about astronomy, so I could learn about the sky above me!
Author Websites and Profiles
Aviva Gat Amazon Profile
Aviva Gat’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile