20 Questions for Ariella Schiller

Ariella Schiller’s irresistible serials keep readers coming right back for the next installment of realism, insight and humor, whether they read Cozey, Family First, or the main magazine. But this incredibly talented writer, who is based in Yerushalayim, also offers intriguing features and absorbing Calligraphy stories. Do her Second Guessing columns really leave readers mulling over the right course of action for days? Read on for the answers — but in short, yes.

My ideal work environment

A quiet coffee shop, some light jazz playing, and just me, a computer, and coffee refills.

Deadlines make me…

move. Like, fast. Otherwise, it’s a procrastination game.

The accomplishment I’m proudest of

When my article on housing the Northern refugees made it onto the cover of the main magazine. I think it was my first cover story. I was proud to be a part of Am Yisrael, proud to have been chosen to write about this topic, and proud of its placement.

The best piece of advice I got

In terms of writing, it was that concise is key. Don’t say something in seven words if you can say it in five. And in terms of life: Don’t overthink. Get out of your head. It’s so simple, yet it’s changed my life.