By MIKE RUSSO
Refusing to give up, however, Silberstein, a Baldwin native, found a way to get her work and the works of others in print - by opening her own publishing company.
The company, Narrow Path Publishing, was opened last month and stresses the sanctity of importance of life on earth, including the importance of living in the present and the tragedy inherent in life falling below one's expectations, according to the company's website. The company says that all of its products are offered in partnership with God and written from a Messianic Jewish perspective. Silberstein, who is Messianic Jewish, runs the company along with her friends, David G. Chayim, who does graphic design and illustration, and Shoshannah Stone, in charge of photography and publicity.
"It might have been easier to hire professionals," said Silberstein. "But then we would have remained isolated and alone instead of putting our talents to use to create works of lasting value."
Narrow Path's debut novel was Silberstein's own Winter's Silence, about a young girl who faces hardship as the only Jewish child in her neighborhood. Silberstein herself grew up in Baldwin as the only Jewish child in her immediate area. Winter's Silence won an honorable mention in the 73rd Annual Writer's Digest competition.
The company, located in North Carolina, where Silberstein now lives, pays tribute to the memory of David Newton, a close friend of Silberstein's, who passed away two years ago from a drug-related heart attack. His mantra, "there's enough room in this world for everybody to be successful", has been a strong influence on Narrow Path's philosophy. In addition, 10 percent of all Narrow Path's profits go the Phoenix House's drug rehabilition efforts.
"I just want people to know that this is all dedicated to the memory of a friend," said Silberstein. "He believed that there is room for everyone to be successful."
Silberstein, a graduate of Baldwin High School, has always had a passion for writing. She was the first high school correspondent for the Baldwin Herald back in 1996, and earned her Master's Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Southern California.
Silberstein said that the company is still in its early stages, having sold only 10 books so far, but she is optimistic about its future. She is more concerned that the vision of the company remains the same than for it to become extremely successful. At the same time, she hopes the company will become "medium-sized", eventually including more people and possibly a larger city, such as New York or Boston.
Comments about this story? MRusso@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
