Western New England University is proud to celebrate the latest literary achievement of Associate Professor of English and Director of the Creative Writing Program, Dan Bevacqua. His short story, “Daughters,” was published in the Winter Issue of The Paris Review, a publication heralded by The New York Times as “one of the most prestigious literary magazines in the United States,” known for showcasing the best of contemporary writing.
This remarkable accomplishment marks Professor Bevacqua’s second publication in The Paris Review. His previous short story, “Riccardo,” appeared in the Summer 2022 issue and was later named an “Other Distinguished Short Story” in The Best American Short Stories 2023 anthology, published by Mariner Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Such recognition cements Professor Bevacqua’s reputation as a distinguished contemporary writer and brings honor to Western New England University.
“Daughters” showcases Professor Bevacqua’s masterful storytelling, exploring themes of grief, memory and family that resonate deeply with readers and reflect his skill in crafting compelling narratives. This latest success further underscores the excellence of WNE’s Creative Writing Program, which Professor Bevacqua leads with passion and dedication.
Professor Bevacqua’s literary accomplishments inspire both his colleagues and students, many of whom are aspiring writers. “Through his teaching and mentorship, he brings the craft of writing to life, offering invaluable insights drawn from his own experiences as a published author,” said Marcus Davis, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “His achievements demonstrate the potential of WNE’s Creative Writing Program to cultivate talent and foster creative expression.”
Six Questions with Professor Dan Bevacqua
What inspired your story Daughters?
I was feeling stuck with the earlier drafts of Daughters, so I revisited Leonard Michaels, a writer I deeply admire, particularly his book The Nachman Stories. Those stories are remarkably clear while maintaining a sense of mystery, reflecting the complexities of life. In my creative writing courses, I emphasize that reading great work is essential to writing well, and Michaels' work raised the bar for me. Although Daughters is very different from anything Michaels wrote, his storytelling pushed me to aim higher.
What does your typical writing routine look like, and how do you balance it with your responsibilities as a professor?
Balancing writing with teaching can be challenging during busy periods—grading essays, prepping lectures, or advising—but I’m fortunate that my teaching aligns with my passion for literature, writing, and art. Conversations with students often inspire my own creative work. When I have time, I’m disciplined about writing, dedicating three to four hours a day when not on campus. Every writer’s routine is different, but this approach works for me.
How do you incorporate your experience as a published author into your teaching at WNE?
This semester, for example, while teaching revision in my creative writing and fiction workshops, I was also editing Daughters with The Paris Review. Sharing that process helped students understand the challenges and rewards of receiving and incorporating feedback. Discussing my experiences—vulnerable yet valuable—helps students see that publishing is possible for them too and prepares them for what to expect.
What advice do you give to students aspiring to publish in prestigious outlets like The Paris Review?
I regularly read incredible work by WNE students—fiction, poetry, plays, and more. Many of our students and alumni have published in literary magazines and other outlets. My advice is always: read widely and deeply. Knowing what you love and aspire to create comes from engaging with great writing. On a practical level, I encourage students to make submitting their work a habit. As advisor to The Writer’s Forum, I recently gave a talk on navigating the submission process, which I hope inspires them to share their work.
As Director of the Creative Writing Program, how do you envision its growth?
Our Creative Writing Program is vibrant, with talented students and dedicated faculty, including Janet Bowdan, Christy Crutchfield, Cody Strait, and Stephanie Wardrop. Since becoming Director last year, we’ve launched the New Writers Reading Series, hosted panels with alumni, and revitalized The Review of Art and Literature with student-led outreach. The Writer’s Forum, led by CW major Charlie Mraz, continues to grow. Campus arts are thriving—did you see The Rocky Horror Picture Show last spring? It was spectacular! My goal is to collaborate with other arts directors to showcase our students’ creativity and highlight faculty work through engaging events.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My first novel, Molly Bit, came out in 2020, and I’ve since been focusing on short stories. I’ve recently started a new novel, though I’m a bit superstitious and prefer to keep the details under wraps for now—but I appreciate your interest!
