Anna Yaphe Levine

WHERE DO AUTHOR'S GET THEIR IDEAS?

"Take a Bow" is based on one of my cello playing students at the Rubin Academy of Music and Dance in Jerualem

And more places to find inspiration...

All my music themed poems were written during music concerts. Tip #101 when sitting at a concert keep a pen and paper handy -- inspiration is in the air.

Q. I see you're coming out with TWO new books this year, both set in Israel. Why is that?

A. Because having lived here for as long as I have, you could say the country is a big character in the script of my life. From my picture book on archeology, JODIE'S HANUKKAH DIG to my young adult novel FREEFALL which is about a girl joining the Israeli army, I am fascinated with the history, the cultural, the people and...the conflicts.

Q. Yes, I heard about FREEFALL. Are girls really drafted into the army in Israel?

A. Army service is part of life here and all eighteen-year-olds are called up to serve, male and female. Though most do military service, some choose to do National Service, volunteering in development towns, hospitals and schools. Those of you who are interested in knowing more about the Israeli army, or just what it's like to be 18 and living in Israel can check out my new website at www.freefallthenovel.com You will be able to read live interviews with soldiers and hear what they think.