I’d say it’s that time of year again, but seeing as I’ve never bothered to write an awards eligibility post before, I can’t really say that now can I?
A part of me didn’t want to write this post. It feels weird asking people to consider nominating my stories for awards, but this is part of being a published writer, so I’m going to swallow my insecurities and do it. And I mean, I guess some people believe in my work enough to nominate it for awards seeing as I won a Leo Award for “And the Red Dragon Passes” (Zooscape, 2021) without considering my publication history worthy of writing an awards eligibility post for that year.
Without further ado, here are my award-eligible pieces published in 2022.
Published 2022
“My Song Too Fierce”
My short story “My Song Too Fierce” was published in Zooscape in April 2022. This story is a twisted fairy tale that was super fun to write. You can read it for free at https://zooscape-zine.com/my-song-too-fierce/
Here’s what others have said about “My Song Too Fierce”:
““My Song Too Fierce”, by Emily Randolph-Epstein finds a new angle to examine the story of Snow White, opting away from the human characters and finding perspective instead from a bird first compelled by a young woman to help with chores, and then taken by an older witch as familiar. Through all of that, the flavors of captivity and coercion lend the story a weight and complexity outside of the normal dynamics of good versus evil. Instead, readers are treated to a conflict where no side is without violation, and the narrator, for all they are forced to work for the benefit of others, finds strength and purpose instead in reaching for a home and freedom that has been long denied them.”
Charles Payseur, Locus Magazine
My Song Too Fierce by Emily Randolph-Epstein is immersive from the start, and lovely: “sun-dappled” and “wiggle whiskers”. Grows a bit dark, sad in a way, and while it’s funny, too, I can’t help but squirm a bit (as intended, I’m sure). I’m anxious, too, because the world can be like that – out of the princess pan and into the witch fire. I love a fairy tale turned on its head, and this is no exception. The beautiful descriptions and mind of a bird enhance the beautiful messages: “I cannot go back, but still, I can save the ones who can.” I’m cheering, but it’s bittersweet, and the last line is perfection.
Rebecca E. Treasure, https://www.patreon.com/posts/66221207
“Steel Swan”
“Steel Swan” is a cyberpunk sci-fi story loosely inspired by Swan Lake. Dark Matter Magazine published it in July 2022. You can read it as a digital download via the Dark Matter shop. If you’re not able to purchase a copy, please reach out to me via the contact form on this website, and I can hook you up with a copy.
Here’s what others have said about “Steel Swan.”
“Ordinary”
My speculative poem “Ordinary” was published by Eye to the Telescope in their October “Quests” issue. It is free to read at https://eyetothetelescope.com/archives/046issue.html
What’s Next?
Looking forward to 2023, I’ll have stories in The Colored Lens and Habitats Magazine. I’ll post more about those once we get closer to publication date.
In the meantime, enjoy the rest of 2022, and happy reading!
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