How to Write a Holocaust Story Readers Will Want to Read
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
7:00pm ET
On Zoom
Register Here
You’ve done the research and told your family's stories in classrooms—now what? Join 2G/3G award-winning authors Julie Brill, Karen Kirsten, and Caroline Topperman for a candid discussion on how to transform family history into compelling books that resonate with broad audiences.
You’ll learn:
How to find the right central narrative thread and place yourself in the story
How to navigate the path to publication
Advice for writing and publishing in a post-October 7 world
Feature Authors:
Julie Brill is the author of the new book Hidden in Plain Sight: A Family Memoir and the Untold Story of the Holocaust in Serbia, which Menachem Kaiser called “a powerful reminder of why our stories—personal, familial, historical—are so crucial.” She has written for Haaretz, The Forward, Kveller, The Times of Israel, Balkan Insight, Boston’s National Public Radio station, and elsewhere. Julie shares her family’s experiences in the Holocaust in middle and high school classrooms through 3GNY and is a co-facilitator for Living Link’s WEDU training.
Karen Kirsten is the author of Irena’s Gift, a 2025 National Jewish Book Award Finalist–described by judges as “reads like a thriller”–winner of Zibby Awards for Best Family Drama & Best Story of Overcoming, and Australian Jewish Book Award finalist. Karen’s essay, “Searching for the Nazi Who Saved My Mother’s Life” was selected by Narratively as one of their Best Ever stories and nominated for The Best American Essays. Her writing has also appeared in Salon.com, Huffington Post, The Week, The Jerusalem Post, Boston’s National Public Radio station, The Boston Herald, The Christian Post, WIEŻ in Poland, the Sydney Morning Herald and more.
Caroline Topperman is a writer and book coach. Born in Sweden and raised in Canada, she specializes in transforming complex intergenerational histories, migration, and Jewish identity into powerful narratives. She is the author of the hybrid memoir Your Roots Cast a Shadow and the writer's toolkit Tell Me What You See. Caroline applies her passion for the literary community as a co-owner of Mountain Ash Press, a co-founder of the KW Writers Alliance, and the editor-in-chief of Migrations Review. She also shares her expertise globally, including her work teaching at an underground school for girls in Afghanistan.
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