In the eyes of many literary scholars, it seems that there are no two authors more politically and stylistically opposed to one another than Jane Austen and Mary Shelley. Yet two of their novels, which were composed at the same time 200 years ago, share one overlapping theme: the dangers of neglectful parenting. In both Austen's conservative social comedy, Persuasion (1818), and Shelley's novel of Gothic horror, Frankenstein (1818), a child suffers neglect at the hands of a father figure who is preoccupied with a very specific standard of beauty. Using a close reading of each novel (as well as analysis from such scholars as Anne Mellor, Sandra Gilbert, Susan Gubar, and Linda Bree) this presentation will explore the similarities and differences between two authors and their narratives of parenthood and care. The largely unobserved commonalities between the two will hopefully demonstrate the importance of narratives of neglect, in the Romantic era as well as today.
This poster presentation seeks to articulate the process of writing, illustrating, and self-publishing a bedtime story into a paperback book. Today, publication without the right connections is nearly unattainable, which is the reason self-publication was chosen. The poster will show the steps taken during all aspects of the publication process including artifacts like: feedback from professors, friends, and an author; illustrations; the editing process; and the book itself. In addition, there will be personal artifacts such as hand written notes that will show my thoughts throughout the creation of the middle grade fantasy novel. A display of strategies will focus on marketing and advertising with the climax of how two stores agreed to sell my book. Through visual and written artifacts, my poster will convey an in depth view of the writing process, providing suggestions, insights, and tips for fellow aspiring authors.
