Ann S. Epstein writes novels, short stories, memoir, essays, and poems. Please use the links or site menu to go to the HOME PAGE; learn about her NOVELS, SHORT STORIES, MEMOIR, ESSAYS, and POEMS; find interesting facts in BEHIND THE STORY; read REFLECTIONS on writing; check NEWS for updates on publications and related events; see REVIEWS; learn about her END-OF-LIFE DOULA credentials and services; and CONTACT US to send webmail.
“‘What the hell, is that a white woman riding with them?’ one of the white men yells. Too late, Tazia ducks behind Denton.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“Tazia draws aside the curtain. Snow dampens the sound, but she sees a line of Negro men facing an angry white mob. Everyone is still standing but blood spatters the mounting drifts of white.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“Well, Ma’am. I’ve always hired Negroes. I admire their work ethic. But a woman …” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“I’ve always worried about all possible outcomes for anything I ever embarked on,” he said. Writing and directing appeared to be “a way for me to take chances without the same fear.” (“Charlie Kaufman’s Head Trips” by Jon Mooallem in The New York Times Magazine, July 05, 2020) Charlie Kaufman’s self-analysis rings true for me as a writer too, and I see how it would also apply to directing a film. If writers see something that isn’t working, they can delete or revise the text. Likewise, directors can cut or reshoot the segment. Most artists can change a work-in-progress, which allows us to take chances. The consequences of messing up are less dire in fiction or fantasy than they are in real life. After all, it’s only a book or movie (or painting, etc.). You can scrap it before you publish or release the work. Even if you put it out there, while you might get a bad review (and take a blow to your self-esteem), the risk to yourself is rarely higher, nor is it likely to hurt others. Creative work allows us to flirt with failure. We can even absolve ourselves of responsibility by claiming, “That was the character, not me.” For more of my thoughts on writing, see REFLECTIONS.
I’m happy to announce that my essay “Getting Above My Raisin’” is now online at The Blue Nib: The Write Life. The essay looks at why writers feel they don’t merit top-tier agents or publishing contracts. Unlike “imposter syndrome,” a psychological condition whose sufferers doubt their competence, “getting above one’s raisin’” is rooted in the conviction that one is from the wrong social demographic. I’d love to hear back if you do (or don’t) experience something similar and how you interpret your reaction. Please leave a comment here or on the essay link. Read more about this article and others in ESSAYS.
“The sky is light enough for Tazia to read the signs: NIGGER LOVER, NO COLORED IN KANSAS, NO SLAVES FOR HIRE. The marchers swig from jugs of whiskey.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“Lula Mae ladles deep into the pot. ‘We can always feed another couple of mouths.’” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“Just cause this ain’t the South, don’t mean white folks aren’t afraid to burn and lynch Negroes.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“The farmhands ain’t only men. We’re all of us Negroes too. Mr. Tapper is the only one who’ll hire us.” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
“‘Mucha’s got in for everyone.’ Tazia shuddered. Denton frowned. ‘Harder for a dark man. People like that foreman are scared of us.’” A quote from the historical novel Tazia and Gemma. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire in New York City, an unwed immigrant and her young daughter flee west in search of freedom and encounter racism in Kansas in the early 1900s. Read more about the book in NOVELS.
