Marlene Samuels is a writer, independent research sociologist, and instructor. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in Sociology from University of Chicago and a B.S. in clinical and educational psychology. She serves on University of Chicago's Advisory Council to the Graduate School in the Division of the Social Sciences. Marlene is a long-time member of University of Chicago Women’s Board. Her academic and professional training as a psychologist, researcher, and sociologist is evident in her writing. Marlene's writing is non-fiction -- predominantly short stories, essays, and memoir. All her writing draws upon her background experiences as the daughter of Holocaust survivors as well as from her experiences as an immigrant. Marlene’s academic writing is sociological in nature. Her work focuses upon problems in contemporary society, the changing structure of American families and adoption's role in creating families. Her current research project deals with midlife regrets and subsequent decision-making strategies. Marlene conducts writing workshops on research methods for writers – a topic she believes is overlooked all too often although it's highly critical to establishing and maintaining the writer’s credibility. She co-authored and edited her mother's Holocaust memoir, The Seamstress: A Memoir of Survival, (Penguin-Berkley Press), an academic book about professional schools’ prestige levels and their graduates’ long-term success (University of Michigan Press), and most recently -- a book about research for writers entitled, When Digital Isn’t Real: Fact Finding Offline for Serious Writers, (Create Space 2013), available online and on Kndle. Marlene's essays and short stories have been published widely including in Lilith Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, Ready-Made Magazine, University of Iowa Summer Writing Anthology, Story Circle Anthology, LA Review, and others. Marlenemaintains a blog at MarleneSamuels.blogspot.com and periodically posts as a guest on several other writers' blogs. Currently, Marlene is completing her memoir entitled, Where Hitler Hides: A Memoir Told In Short Stories, forthcoming in June, 2018.   

Co-author, editor: The Seamstress: A memoir of Survival; author of an academic book: Institutional Prestige and Career Attainment; numerous short stories and essays. Marlene is a popular guest blogger. Her work has been published in a wide range of journals, magazines and newpapers and many of her pieces have wond awards including Story Circle Network Annual Life Writing Contest, 2011 - 1st Prize; Best story of the month - OurEcho.com, American Librarians' Association - Top 10 books for younger readers. Story of the month - Story Circle Network. Honorable Mention - Hugo House Writing Contest. Story of the month winner: Long Story Short ezine, Recognition Award, Book Author luncheon presenter.
Contributing Editor: expendableedibles.com/blog.