Quick Poll Question: What do you like about my writing?
Being an author in the era of Amazon and a storyteller in the middle of Covid has been challenging. My solution has been to focus on the writing and recording. Now I’m beginning to come up for air, and glad to be alive. While I look forward to returning to touring and live events, my guess is it’s going to take a while longer.
My mission with all my books and audio books has been to create an experience that captivates, engages, amuses, entertains and occasionally challenges. Some of my books are for adults, some for children, and some for families. Most are fun, and are all different. I invite you to buy a book or audiobook today. My promise to you is that you’ll enjoy them.
– Mark Binder, July 30, 2021
Tour Dates
Yes, things are starting to open up!
If YOU have a venue that you’d like me to perform at — school, library, theater, bookstore, parking lot, house concert, civic or religious organization – I’m looking for referrals - drop an email to me or beth@transmitjoy.com
Thursday, August 5 -7:00pm - Story Reading - What Cheer Writers Club's Emergence showcase at in front of the Adventure Time mural (back of 94 Washington St in Providence). I’m one of a bunch of Providence-based writers. Come on down and say hi! Register in advance for the event here (it’s free): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emergence-an-open-air-showcase-tickets-161916541735
Saturday, August 14 - Book Signing The Looff: East Providence Arts Festival >The Looff: East Providence Arts Festival Date: Sat. Aug. 14, 2021 Location: Crescent Park 701 Bullocks Point Ave. Riverside, RI 02915
Tuesday, August 31 12:00pm Mark Binder and Izzy Abrahmson at the Providence Rotary
Saturday, September 25 - Storytelling: 1:00pm Exeter Fall Festival at Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Water Park, Yawgoo Valley Rd., Exeter, RI
Izzy Abrahmson’s Village Life News
“Izzy’s work is like rye bread… you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy it.” – Mrs. Chaipul
I just realized that 2022 is the 30th anniversary of the first “Village Life” story. If you’re a long-time reader, you know that the first one appeared in The Rhode Island Jewish Herald, which was a for profit(!) weekly Jewish newspaper.
I’ve always loved these stories, because they’re often a joyful and uplifting break from the chaos, angst and technology of today. Because they were written for Jewish newspapers, multiple generations can enjoy them simultaneously. It’s always amazing to realize how many characters and plot twists can be packed into a thousand words.
“Rebooting” the project under the Izzy Abrahmson pen name has given me a chance to revisit them all. Somewhat daunting. And at the same time, wonderful. As a writer I alway hope that my work will be “timeless” and maybe I’ve succeeded.
Also, I’ve recently had the pleasure of bumping into several people who are longtime “fans” of The Village Life books and stories. It’s been humbling to hear the level at which they enjoyed and appreciated the books.
If you haven’t read any (or all) of them, here’s what you need to know:
A bit about Izzy Abrahmson’s The Village Life Series:
A Village Romance (a novella - out now - books2read.com/village-romance)
She’s the caterer, he’s the rabbi. After knowing each other forever, finally they’re getting together. This book is “short and sweet.” Formerly titled, “The Misadventures of Rabbi Kibbitz and Mrs. Chaipul” I was on book tour in Copenhagen on March 13 2020 when…Izzy Abrahmson’s The Village Life Podcast Narrated by Mark Binder (coming September!)
Can I have my cake and eat it too? We’re going into production next week. Each installment will be about 10-15 minutes. We’re hoping to “drop” a few at the beginning, and then release two times a month for the rest of the year.Winter Blessings (Coming October 17)
Warm stories for families, children and adults. Finalist for the National Jewish Book Award for Family Literature! Most Chanukah books have one story. Some have eight. This one goes to eleven. And beyond. Formerly titled, “A Hanukkah Present”The Village Twins (Coming January 2022)
The epic story of Abraham and Adam, twins so identical that their parents, teachers and eventually spouses can’t tell them apart. Written for adults (13+), this is the longest work (so far), and it’s the kind of book that you won’t want to end. Formerly titled “The Brothers Schlemiel"The Village Feasts (Coming February 2022)
More stories about food, friends, and family. With a total of 10 tales, this book has 20% more than every other Passover book on the market.The Council of Wise Women (late 2022ish)
Rachel Cohen and the women of Chelm dominate the narrative of this novel for adults.