Home Page

Writer, Editor, and Literary Enthusiast

Kristen Simental is a Mexican-American writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Five South, a respected literary journal. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to nurturing new voices, Five South has made significant contributions to the literary world.

Publications and Contributions

Kristen’s work has been featured in several reputable publications, including:

  • The Los Angeles Press
  • Sheriff Nottingham
  • The Los Angeles Review of Books PubLab

Her novella, “Why, Arizona,” was a finalist for the prestigious 2019/20 deGroot Prize at the Miami Book Fair.

Educational and Professional Background

Kristen is a two-time fellow of the Kenyon Writer’s Workshop and an alumna of the Los Angeles Review of Books Publishing Workshop. These experiences have honed her editorial skills and deepened her understanding of the publishing landscape. Kristen is currently working on her BLA from Harvard Extension.

Personal Life

Kristen balances her professional endeavors with a fulfilling personal life, managing a small literary journal and spending time with her husband, dog, and cat in Pasadena, California. Her journey as a writer and editor is driven by her love for literature and dedication to fostering a vibrant literary community.

Scroll to Top