An Evening with Amy Hempel

March 27, 2018

The Literary House hosted a Reading by short story writer Amy Hempel on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

On Tuesday, March 27th, 2018, the Literary House hosted a reading by Amy Hempel, an American short story writer and journalist. Hempel currently teaches creative writing at the University of Florida and has won several awards including the ‘Ambassador Book Award’ in 2017 for her Collected Stories, as well as the PEN/Malamund award for short fiction in 2009. She is also a recipient of the Hobson award and a Guggenheim fellowship. Amy Hempel is the author of four collections of short stories, the editor of two anthologies, and a founding member of the Deja foundation, which offers direct assistance for abused dogs at shelters. The Literary House donated 100% of its proceeds from the Amy Hempel broadside to the Deja foundation.

Dr. Hall introduced the reading by talking about some things he learned from some of Amy Hempel’s stories, and read off a list of her accomplishments. Hempel began reading a selection of short, short stories, beginning with “The Doll Tornado.” She read a variety of stories from her collections “At the Gates of the Animal Kingdom” and “The Dog of the Marriage,” including “The Correct Grip” and “Fort Bedd.” She ended with a reading of the title story for her new collection, “Sing to It.” The reading was followed by a Q&A session in which Hempel answered a few questions about her writing style and advice for young writers.

Dr. Hall introduces Amy Hempel.
Julie Armstrong — Dr. Hall introduces Amy Hempel. Julie Armstrong

Amy Hempel signs the Lit House’s new broadsides.
Julie Armstrong — Amy Hempel signs the Lit House’s new broadsides. Julie Armstrong

Dr. Hall tells the audience that 100% of the broadside proceeds will go to the Deja foundation.
Julie Armstrong — Dr. Hall tells the audience that 100% of the broadside proceeds will go to the Deja foundation. Julie Armstrong

Amy Hempel begins her reading.
Julie Armstrong — Amy Hempel begins her reading. Julie Armstrong

Amy reads a short-short fiction piece from one of her collections.
Julie Armstrong — Amy reads a short-short fiction piece from one of her collections. Julie Armstrong

Amy Hempel answers a question from the crowd.
Julie Armstrong — Amy Hempel answers a question from the crowd. Julie Armstrong

Amy wraps up the reading with a Q&A session.
Julie Armstrong — Amy wraps up the reading with a Q&A session. Julie Armstrong

Amy answers some questions from Washington College students and faculty following the reading.
Julie Armstrong — Amy answers some questions from Washington College students and faculty following the reading. Julie Armstrong

Amy signs a few WAC students’ books.
Julie Armstrong — Amy signs a few WAC students’ books. Julie Armstrong

Amy gives student Carson Thomas some words of wisdom.
Julie Armstrong — Amy gives student Carson Thomas some words of wisdom. Julie Armstrong