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Jon Papernick is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Writing, Literature, and Publishing at Emerson College, where he has taught fiction writing since 2007. Starting in Fall 2024, he will serve as Assistant Professor after previously holding positions as Writer-in-Residence and Senior Writer-in-Residence.
Papernick is the author of three critically acclaimed short story collections and three novels, with his work generally exploring Jewish themes though not exclusively. He does not adhere to a single genre, instead choosing the form that best serves his story and characters. His writing often addresses themes of faith, religious extremism, and sexuality, guided by his belief in Franz Kafka's maxim that literature should serve as 'an axe to shatter the frozen sea within.'
His publications include the short story collections Gallery of the Disappeared Men (2023), There Is No Other, and The Ascent of Eli Israel, as well as the novels I Am My Beloveds and The Book of Stone. His latest work, 'Behind All This, Some Great Happiness is Hiding,' is a surreal/magical adventure story set in Jerusalem that will appear in an anthology at the end of 2024. He recently completed his first play, Honor Walk, currently seeking production.
Papernick's work shows consistent exploration of moral complexity, blending realism with magical elements while examining faith, identity, and human relationships. His writing often features stark landscapes where violence coexists with moments of beauty and transcendence.
- starred reviews from Publishers Weekly
- starred reviews from Library Journal
Papernick teaches writing workshops to both undergraduate and graduate students at Emerson College and works closely with MFA candidates on their theses. He has developed a summer writing workshop focused on alternate histories for the MFA program in Popular Fiction, reflecting his interest in exploring historical narratives through speculative lenses.
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Papernick holds a B.A. from York University and an M.F.A. from Sarah Lawrence College. His short fiction has been widely anthologized, with 'Biafran Man' adapted into a radio play by the NoSleep Podcast and 'In Flagrante Delicto' adapted into the short film The Man with the Third Eye, a 2025 nominee for the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival.
