Welcome

Ellen Kushner unites her talents and insights as a writer, performer, and cultural maven in one sleek package: she is the author of acclaimed works of literary fantasy, an award-winning audio book narrator and stage performer, the creator and former host of public radio’s national series Sound & Spirit, and a popular teacher and lecturer.

The Golden Dreidel 2021

THE GOLDEN DREIDEL RETURNS
A new illustrated edition of Ellen’s mythical, magical Chanukah story, The Golden Dreidel, is now available from Charlesbridge Publishing
for for the holidays.
“This magical middle grade Chanukah story, a Jewish spin on The Nutcracker, will delight… fans of fantasy classics like Coraline, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and The Phantom Tollboth.” — School Library Journal
THE 100 BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF ALL TIME
“Though there are many duels fought with swords in the world of Riverside, the clashes simply spoken out loud are what define Ellen Kushner’s cult-favorite novel. Swordspoint, a defining work in the fantasy of manners sub-genre, is centered around characters, their witty banter and the quieter dilemmas they face surrounding politics and class. . . There’s no kingdom to save or world to protect, but instead a romance to root for written in thrilling and precise terms.” — Time Magazine

 
JOIN ELLEN ON SUBSTACK
Kushner has recently joined Substack to share news, information and special posts.

 Ellen Kushner’s Bad Advice:
A Hawk & Handsaw Emporium for the Discerning Reader
TREMONTAINE: A COLLABORATIVE PREQUEL TO SWORDSPOINT
Kushner’s Riverside series begins a new chapter with Serial Box, an online publisher delivering simultaneous print and audio. Set 15 years before the beginning of Swordspoint, Tremontaine features Kushner in collaboration with a team of  team of award-winning authors including Karen Lord, Tessa Gratton and Paul Witcover, all under Ellen’s creative direction. All 4 Seasons now available!

ELLEN NARRATES HER RIVERSIDE SERIES FOR NEIL GAIMAN PRESENTS
Swordspoint and its sequels come to life as the author intended in these rich, sonically textured, award-winning audiobooks. Featuring special guest voices including Simon Jones, Barbara Rosenblat, Katherine Kellgren. . . and Neil Gaiman himself.
Thomas the Rhymer cover - UK 2015 THOMAS tHE RHYMER RETURNS TO THE UK AS A FANTASY MASTERWORK
Britain’s Orion Publishing has selected Ellen’s Thomas the Rhymer as a Fantasy Masterwork and republished it with a fresh introduction and cover. “A compelling and sensitive reimagining of a classic piece of folklore.” (Fantasy Faction) Available now!
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SWORDSPOINT MERCHANDISE FROM LITOGRAPHS
Now you can get the complete text of Ellen’s classic Swordspoint as a T-shirt, tote bag, poster, a scarf — even pillows and blankets! Comes in multiple vibrant colors and styles. Order yours here.
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