Picture a Chinese-American storyteller who sailed a legendary pirate queen into the hearts of readers—meet Rita Chang-Eppig! With her debut novel, Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea, she’s carved a niche in historical fiction, blending gritty adventure with myth and sharp social insight. Her vivid prose and knack for resurrecting forgotten figures make her a rising star you’ll want to know.
Chang-Eppig’s stories don’t just entertain—they transport you to turbulent seas and haunted houses, where characters grapple with power, identity, and survival. From pirate fleets to speculative short stories, her work is a treasure chest of imagination. Let’s dive into her journey, works, and why she’s making waves in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Rita Chang-Eppig
Born with a love for stories, Rita Chang-Eppig honed her craft through a unique blend of academia and creativity. She earned an MFA in fiction from New York University and a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan, giving her a deep understanding of human behavior that infuses her characters with authenticity. Her early career saw her balancing psychology and writing, publishing short stories in prestigious outlets like McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern and The Paris Review. These early works showcased her ability to weave speculative elements with raw emotion, setting the stage for her novelistic debut.
Rita Chang-Eppig’s Unforgettable Stories
Chang-Eppig’s debut novel, Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea (2023), is a swashbuckling triumph. It reimagines the life of Shek Yeung, a real-life 19th-century Chinese pirate queen who commanded the South China Sea. The novel blends meticulous historical research with Chinese mythology, particularly the sea goddess Mazu, to explore themes of power, survival, and gender. Critics praised its lyrical prose and clever plotting, with Anna North calling it a “heart-pounding high-seas adventure.”
Her short fiction is equally compelling. “The Miracle Girl,” featured in The Best American Short Stories 2021, tells of a young girl whose stigmata disrupts her life, blending realism with the supernatural. Another standout, “The Bad Kind of Puppy,” published in The Rumpus, opens with a ticking house, drawing readers into a eerie domestic mystery. Chang-Eppig’s style—marked by visceral openings, psychological depth, and speculative twists—makes every story a journey. Her work often probes the liminal space between reality and myth, reflecting her fascination with how we mythologize ourselves and others.
Whether writing novels or short stories, Chang-Eppig excels at crafting complex women who defy expectations. Her characters, like Shek Yeung, navigate brutal worlds with pragmatism and resilience, challenging traditional notions of honor and violence. This focus on strong, nuanced female leads sets her apart in historical and speculative fiction.
Why Rita Chang-Eppig Matters
Rita Chang-Eppig’s impact lies in her ability to unearth forgotten histories and give voice to marginalized figures, particularly women of color. By reimagining Shek Yeung’s story, she not only revives a historical icon but also challenges the male-dominated pirate narrative, offering a fresh lens on power and survival. Her speculative elements invite readers to question reality, while her psychological insight makes her characters unforgettable.
Her work has earned accolades from literary giants like the Rona Jaffe Foundation and the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, signaling her growing influence. As a teacher at the University of San Francisco and the Writers Grotto, she’s also shaping the next generation of writers, sharing her passion for storytelling. Chang-Eppig’s blend of history, myth, and social commentary resonates with readers seeking both adventure and depth.
- Born: Chinese-American, specific birth date unavailable
- Key Works: Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea, “The Miracle Girl,” “The Bad Kind of Puppy”
- Awards: Fellowships from Rona Jaffe Foundation, Vermont Studio Center, and more
Ready to set sail with a pirate queen or unravel a supernatural mystery? Grab Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea and dive into Rita Chang-Eppig’s thrilling world of historical and speculative fiction!