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.
Publication news and upcoming events
I’m pleased to share that my short story “A Fifth Way” is now online at Spank the Carp, Pond (Issue) 50. Here is the log line: In “A Fifth Way,” set in 1922 West Virginia, a precocious young boy begs adults to help avert a tragedy he sees coming, but only the crazy old lady next door believes he is telling the truth. Sample Spank the Carp and read “A Fifth Way.” Learn more about this tale and others in SHORT STORIES.
The Vine Leaves Press blog SPILL IT! invited and published my craft essay The Goldilocks Question: How Much History is “Just Right” in Historical Fiction? Here’s what the publisher says: “Ann S. Epstein discusses the balance between accurate detail and wrinkles, bends, and even fractures in the truth of historical fiction.” Read my opinion. There is no right answer so decide for yourself and SPILL IT!
I’m happy to announce that my short story “Blood and Sand” will be published in Blue Moon Literary & Art Review (Volume 13, 2019). Here is the log line: Set in the Capone era, “Blood and Sand” portrays a young girl’s confusion when she discovers that her adored “Uncle Al” is responsible for killing her best friend’s father, a death she might have prevented. And here’s a photo of “Uncle Al.” Read more in SHORT STORIES.
My short story “A Fifth Way” will be published in Spank the Carp, 2019. Here is the log line: In “A Fifth Way,” set in 1922 West Virginia, a precocious young boy begs adults to help avert a tragedy he sees coming, but only the crazy old lady next door believes he is telling the truth. Read more about the publication in SHORT STORIES. Read about the “weird” news clipping that inspired the tale in BEHIND THE STORY.
My creative nonfiction piece “David’s Crossing” was accepted for publication in Ponder Review, 2019, Volume 3, Issue 1. Here’s the log line: “David’s Crossing” captures my father’s uncertainty as a young boy aboard an immigrant ship, the SS Rotterdam IV, journeying from a Polish shtetl to an American city during World War I — a century-old tale with resonance for today. The publication is particularly meaningful to me because my late father’s acceptance into this country is in such stark contrast with today’s harsh policies toward immigrants, migrants, and refugees. More about the publication in MEMOIR and more about the SS Rotterdam IV in BEHIND THE STORY.
I am happy to report that CultureCult Magazine will publish my story “The Eros Salon” in Spring 2019, Issue #11. Here is the log line: “The Eros Salon” is inspired by the bonds forged between Jewish professors fleeing Nazi Germany and the historically black colleges and universities that gave them jobs. In this story, a professor creates a social justice forum where whites and Negroes argue whether, if fear fuels fascism, love can sustain democracy. Read about the publication in SHORT STORIES and get updates on my other publishing events in NEWS. Check the CultureCult Magazine website to find out when Issue #11 is published; meanwhile, Issue #10, which includes my short story “It Ends With Cake” will be available soon.
Great audience turnout and lively Q & A for the Tazia and Gemma book reading at the Ann Arbor Jewish Community Center on December 4. I read narrative passages from the first Tazia section and my daughter Rebecca joined me to read the mother-daughter interview from the first Gemma section. We also showed a short documentary film about the Triangle Waist Company fire, which opens the book. Thanks to the Ann Arbor JCC for hosting and to all who attended the Tazia and Gemma event. For a complete list of my publication events see NEWS; to read more about my books see NOVELS.
I’m happy to announce that my short story “It Ends With Cake” was accepted for publication by CultureCult Magazine — a journal of art, literature, and culture — for their Winter 2019 issue. Here’s the log line: Told in the first person plural, “It Ends With Cake” draws readers into the meeting of a death café, where participants seek closure about their own notions of mortality while revealing deep fissures between them. Read about the publication in SHORT STORIES. Learn more about the death café movement in BEHIND THE STORY (see 09/23/18 post).
Great audience turnout and lively Q & A for the Tazia and Gemma book reading and signing at Nicola’sBooks in Ann Arbor on October 17. I read narrative passages from the first Tazia section and my daughter Rebecca joined me to read the mother-daughter interview from the first Gemma section. I encourage city residents and visitors alike to visit this premier independent bookstore. Thanks to Nicola’s for hosting and to all who attended the Tazia and Gemma event. For a complete list of my publication events see NEWS; to read more about my books see NOVELS.
