Author Samantha Josephs Released Novel Carrying
Los Angeles author Samantha Josephs explores themes of womanhood and pregnancy in her latest book.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Pregnancy
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Los Angeles resident Samantha Josephs released her new novel, Carrying, on October 6, 2026. The book follows a protagonist named Martha, a trans woman who discovers she is pregnant.
Why it matters
The author wrote the novel to directly challenge the assertion that a trans woman cannot be a woman because she cannot experience pregnancy. By centering the narrative on this experience, the work addresses discourse surrounding reproductive biology and identity.
The novel Carrying was recently longlisted for The Center for Fiction New Novel Prize. While the book entered the market alongside 31 other horror novels released in October, the specific impact of its reception remains under evaluation.
The players
Samantha Josephs
An author and graduate of the University of Southern California who resides in Los Angeles.
G.P. Putnam's Sons
The publishing house responsible for the release of the novel Carrying.
The Center for Fiction
An organization that administers an annual New Novel Prize for outstanding literary work.
The details
Author Samantha Josephs drew inspiration from her own history of medically transitioning to develop the character of Martha. To further define the multiple meanings of the title, the author incorporated elements of trans ballroom slang throughout the text. Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, the novel serves as a creative exploration of gender identity and biological experience.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: The novel Carrying was released.
October 2026: A total of 31 horror books were released.
Health Landscape
The recognition of this work by The Center for Fiction New Novel Prize highlights the evolving space for stories that intersect with gender-affirming experiences. This narrative adds to a growing body of creative literature that centers the trans experience within the cultural dialogue.
Readers interested in the intersection of transition, identity, and bodily experience may find the author's exploration of these themes worth exploring. The book tour for this release began locally at Skylight Books in Los Angeles.
The takeaway
The novel offers a creative perspective on the lived reality of trans identity and reproduction. Readers may find it an insightful lens through which to consider the complexities of womanhood and biological life.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of identity and health, browse our Pregnancy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chico Enterprise-Record.
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