December 2025 Newsletter
It’s the last month of 2025. It’s been a very troubling year so we should try to have a more positive ending.
I thought that I would be taking some down time this month, but it never happened. Instead, I continued to work at the same pace. I’ve been editing my manuscript and sending out parts of it to those who I’ve included in the book for their approval and consent to publish. I’ve done 9 podcast interviews in the month which is a slightly crazy. And I did a webinar on Holocaust denial which is available on YouTube. But I have begun to disconnect from devices on the Sabbath. No, I haven’t suddenly become religious. But I can use a day of rest.
One last word about The Hidden Victims. I did receive two rejections in November from publishers. They don’t seem to understand that this is not another Holocaust book written by second generation descendant. It’s a book about trauma which is universal. What I’ve learned will help people in all communities. My agent and I are making changes to our pitch to make that clear.
It’s hockey season and my grandsons are playing in the Jewish Community Centre league. I’ve volunteered to take them to their games and practice. Watching them on the ice gives me so much joy. They may not be very good, but they love it just the same. They play for all the right reasons. Jordan’s team has lost every game. He was asked to move to the first place team and he refused. He doesn’t care about winning. That’s a lot of maturity for a 9-year-old.
The holiday season is quickly approaching. There are so many different practices and traditions followed by Jews and Christians. There is really nothing similar about Christmas and Hanukkah except their proximity on the calendar. In my family we have a traditional family dinner that must include latkes (potato pancakes) and eight days of candle lighting. For me, those candles represent religious freedom and hope. The lights are meant to be gazed at, so we put a menorah in our front window.
One last pitch for the year. All my books make great gifts to people who read fiction and nonfiction. I will be extending my promotion of a full paid Substack subscription to anyone who purchases Out From the Shadows during the month of December. Just send me a proof of purchase.
I hope you find some peace, love and kindness to end a what has been a difficult year for most people. A happy and healthy 2026.
Willie
