In 2021, I published my thesis paper, “Night of Awakening: Strength and Empowerment in the Young Adult Fiction Genre” as part of my Douglas Honors College capstone project. With the help of Sarah Sillin and Michel O’Brien from Central Washington University’s English Department, I crafted an essay based on the underrepresented genre of fantasy and science fiction. As it is a topic that has continued to inspire me through my research and writing, I specifically explored mental health and feminist applications with young adult fiction.
All the novels I mentioned within the paper are still central to my own writing style. They beautifully depict several topics of interest found within my own work. I am a huge advocate for appreciating all genres of literature. Literary critique should not be unjustly scaled, as all genres are relevant to the human experience.
My first academic publication is now almost four years old. I am encouraged by the number of scholars who continue to download my thesis.
Not to mention, I revisit my thesis on occasion, not only to see my progress of research strategies, but also to review the novel part, Night of Awakening. While the beginning of the thesis focuses on literary analysis, the second portion is the complete first draft of my incomplete novel.
In the four years that I graduated from CWU’s English program, I have retouched Night of Awakening on several occasions. The start of the novel looks nothing like the draft published for my capstone project. In fact, the characters have since been renamed and their dynamic with supporting characters has dramatically shifted.
By rereading segments of this paper, it shows me how far my work has progressed. All my flaws of a first draft are forever stamped in an academic archive. Yes, not the best start to an author’s career, but it is a very humbling experience. Also, it is a healthy reminder of my sheer optimism at that period of my life. I was determined to a full novel draft alongside my college homework. The professor who led my coursework curriculum even questioned the scope of my project. Rightfully so, they asked if I wanted to follow the common path of conducting research or write a collection of short stories. But I knew I was to be an author, so I saw this as the perfect opportunity to start.
Night of Awakening is still nowhere near publication ready. Still, I know a distant version of it will be available on shelves someday. The novel started as a concept during my graduation trip, knocked loose from a crow’s feathers along the Orca’s Island shore, and, true to its nature, has come in waves ever since.
So, I guess this update is simply a reflection on a silly thesis paper that has been touched by at least 1,000 other academics. I hope to find myself creating even more as I continue my studies through life and literature.
Shelby Ann Davis 