June comes to a close and we can hope July is a better month. So much is happening these days. We must keep hope and keep heart and keep on keeping on.
The writing world lost a a great one in mid-June when Rochelle Distelheim passed away. Friend, mentor, someone we all looked up to her for her writing style and her personal style. Chic. Smart. Witty. Insightful. Talented. A true friend. I admire her so.
Her debut novel Sadie in Love came out in 2018 and Jerusalem as a Second Language is due to come out this fall. Both are published by Aubade Press.
I met Rochelle through The Writers. We all loved Rochelle. She will be missed by so many people.
Here is a link to her obituary and Legacy page. In July 2018, Rochelle’s story was the front-page feature of The Chicago Jewish News (“Life Story: At age 90 Chicago Jewish author Rochelle Distelheim is out with her first novel”). I love the photos that accompany the article by George Castle.
Back in 2014, Rochelle gave me permission to share her fabulous short story “The Kiss Me Quick,” here on this site.
Last year Rochelle was the featured writer at a local deli, the night was hosted by Richard Reeder. In his latest post “Farewell Dear Rochelle,” he celebrates Rochelle on his blog, and you can read it here.
I did a little web searching and found a few stories of Rochelle’s online in some other places.
Her short story “Kicking Tires and Other Sorrows” appeared in Sequestrum.
Her short story “More Cousin’s Club than Country Club” was the Winner of the 2017 Gival Press Short Story Award.
How lucky I was to know Rochelle. I’m so grateful. My thoughts are with her three daughters and their families.
Peace, love, and solace
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