Picture an American storyteller who weaves true crime with sharp social commentary, pulling you into the heart of Appalachia’s mysteries—meet Emma Copley Eisenberg! This queer writer’s debut, The Third Rainbow Girl, a New York Times Notable Book, unravels a decades-old double murder with a blend of memoir, journalism, and cultural critique. From her vibrant Philadelphia hub to her genre-defying prose, Eisenberg’s work challenges us to face tough truths about justice, community, and history.
With a knack for blending personal reflection with meticulous research, Eisenberg’s stories resonate with readers who crave depth and authenticity. Whether she’s exploring queer intimacy in her novel Housemates or amplifying marginalized voices through her literary community, Blue Stoop, she’s a force in modern literature. Let’s dive into her journey, works, and why she’s a must-read!
The Making of Emma Copley Eisenberg
Born in 1982 in New York City, Emma Copley Eisenberg grew up in a creative household. Her father, Alan Eisenberg, led the Actors Equity Association, while her mother, Claire Copley, transitioned from running an art gallery to becoming a children’s librarian. This artistic backdrop shaped Eisenberg’s storytelling passion. After earning a BA from Haverford College and an MFA in fiction from the University of Virginia, she found herself drawn to Pocahontas County, West Virginia, first as a 2007 intern, then as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Her time there, working at a girls’ empowerment camp, sparked the questions that would fuel her writing career.
Emma Copley Eisenberg’s Unforgettable Stories
Eisenberg’s debut, The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia (2020), is a masterclass in hybrid nonfiction. Investigating the 1980 murders of two women hitchhiking to the Rainbow Gathering, she blends true crime with memoir, exposing myths about Appalachia and probing themes of gender, class, and justice. Critics raved, earning it nominations for an Edgar Award, Lambda Literary Award, and Anthony Award.
Her 2024 novel, Housemates, shifts gears to fiction, delivering a queer, art-drenched road trip inspired by photographer Berenice Abbott and critic Elizabeth McCausland. Following two young artists, Bernie and Leah, it explores intimacy, creativity, and chosen family in Trump-era America. A national bestseller, it landed on best-of lists from People, Time, and Kirkus Reviews. Eisenberg’s upcoming short story collection, Fat Swim (2026), promises more of her lyrical, boundary-pushing style. Her essays and fiction, published in Granta, Esquire, and The New Republic, showcase her versatility, tackling everything from body liberation to queer identity with wit and heart.
What sets Eisenberg apart is her “both/and” approach—holding space for contradictory truths. Her prose is vivid yet introspective, inviting readers to question narratives about place, identity, and violence. Whether she’s dissecting a murder’s ripple effects or celebrating queer joy, her work feels like a conversation with a wise, curious friend.
Why Emma Copley Eisenberg Matters
Eisenberg’s impact goes beyond her books. As co-founder of Blue Stoop, a Philadelphia literary hub, she fosters inclusive spaces for writers, nurturing emerging voices and celebrating the city’s literary scene. Her work challenges stereotypes about rural America, particularly Appalachia, and amplifies queer and marginalized perspectives. By blending genres and embracing complexity, she’s redefining what nonfiction and fiction can do, inspiring readers and writers to grapple with the messy, beautiful realities of human experience.
- Born: 1982, New York City
- Key Works: The Third Rainbow Girl (2020), Housemates (2024), Fat Swim (forthcoming 2026)
- Awards: New York Times Notable Book, Edgar Award finalist, Lambda Literary Award finalist
- Fun Fact: She teaches at Wesleyan University and runs a Substack, Frump Feelings, on writing and fat liberation.
Ready to explore a world of queer artistry, gritty truths, and heartfelt stories? Snag Housemates or The Third Rainbow Girl and dive into Emma Copley Eisenberg’s unforgettable prose!