Lisa Brahin is a Jewish genealogist, researcher, and writer. Her book, Tears Over Russia: A Search for Family and the Legacy of Ukraine’s Pogroms (Published by Pegasus Books and Distributed by Simon and Schuster) is due out in June. And I can’t wait to read it.
Tears Over Russia: A Search for Family and the Legacy of Ukraine’s Pogroms is about a piece of Jewish history that’s never been told before.
“The result is a moving historical family narrative that speaks to universal human themes—the resilience and hope of ordinary people surviving the ravages of history and human cruelty. With the growing passage of time, it is unlikely that we will see another family saga emerge so richly detailing this forgotten time period. Tears Over Russia eloquently proves that true life is sometimes more compelling than fiction.” – Simon and Schuster


What resources can you not live without?
As a writer, I need my desktop computer, my iPad, access to email, Google and the Internet, libraries, archives and of course, my favorite genealogy and family history groups and sites!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be prepared, grow a thick skin (important in order to handle rejections that every writer faces) and never give up on your dream.


What advice would you give to somebody thinking about booking a branding session?
I’d like to thank to Diana for how wonderful she was to me. She is not only a skilled professional, but she guided me every step of the way. I’m now a middle-aged woman, and as a younger woman I had a lot more confidence when it came to my photo being taken. Now, as my book is finally about to come out, I needed professional photos for everything—book jacket, literary agency listing, Authors Guild, amazon author’s pic, etc., etc. Diana suggested make-up and hair, and she helped me choose the most flattering wardrobe. Her attention to detail and lighting, and her kindness towards me, along with her obvious outstanding photographic skills, gave me exactly the boost and confidence that I needed.
What changed after your photo shoot?
I feel that Diana captured a youthful look for me, which was so important to me because of my age (I think a lot of women will understand what I’m saying!). I finally have photos that I am proud to post!