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
My short story “Poppies Journal” has been accepted for publication in The Minnesota Review (November 2020, Issue 95). Here is the log line: In “Poppies Journal,” a preschool teacher observes children at play. Is the troubling behavior she records in the classroom notes an indication of their disturbed minds, or hers? Read more in SHORT STORIES.
The Historical Novel Review of A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve., which HNR selected as an Editors’ Choice, is now online. The magazine, a quarterly publication of the Historical Novel Society, typically reviews 250-300 books per issue, so I’m thrilled to be singled out for this recognition. The review concludes, “Epstein’s ability to create such a believable story demonstrates her skill as a novelist. Highly recommended.” Here’s the link to the full HNR review and you can read more about A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve. in NOVELS.
I’m pleased to announce that my novel A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve. has been selected as an Editors’ Choice book for the November 2019 issue of Historical Novel Review, the quarterly publication of the Historical Novel Society. The magazine typically reviews about 250 books per issue, so I’m thrilled to be singled out by the recognition. I’ll post more information when the magazine is published. In the meantime, you can read about A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve. in NOVELS.
My craft article “Adverbicide: Must Writers Eradicate Adverbs?” is now online at The Woven Tale Press. The essay challenges the rule that writers should avoid adverbs. The editors expect the article to generate a lively debate, so please leave a comment. Do you think Stephen King will reply: (A) Promptly; (B) Perfunctorily; (C) Appreciatively; (D) Sarcastically; or (E) Nonely of the Abovely? Read more about my thoughts on writing in REFLECTIONS.
I’m pleased to announce that my craft article “Adverbicide: Must Writers Eradicate Adverbs?” will be published on The Woven Tale Press website. Here is the log line: “Adverbicide: Must Writers Eradicate Adverbs?” challenges anti-adverb dicta by critiquing their roots and drawing on developmental psychology to help writers overcome prohibitions and inhibitions. The editors expect the article to generate a lively debate. I’ll post the link when the essay is published. Leave your comments on The Woven Tale Press website and here on my blog. Read more about my thoughts on writing in REFLECTIONS.
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.
