I am a crazy person.
Because I was not content to have three weeks of relative vacation, I have instead said that I will give a talk on Harry Potter and contemporary fantasy for various UCR alumni, faculty, and guests on July 17th, as part of an Alumni Center event, followed by viewing the new movie.
I am an enthusiastic HP fan, but I have not ever written anything academic about Rowling's world, though I have participated in discussions at conferences. However, I do a lot of writing about fantasy, so that should come to my aid. Apparently people recommended me as a good person to do this. I am both very excited by this, and kind of scared.
Also, the Wizard of Oz conference was great. Small enough that I feel like I got to meet pretty much everyone, and the range and quality of the papers were wonderful. Hopefully a publication opportunity as well. I do have to point out the wonderfully friendly atmosphere of this conference--maybe it was the quality of the attendees, maybe it was the energy of the organizers (thanks again, Kevin and Mary!), maybe it was just an Arkansas thing--but it was really remarkable. As I have just remarked. Did miss the kitty and the boyfriend, though--no place like home, right?
I am an enthusiastic HP fan, but I have not ever written anything academic about Rowling's world, though I have participated in discussions at conferences. However, I do a lot of writing about fantasy, so that should come to my aid. Apparently people recommended me as a good person to do this. I am both very excited by this, and kind of scared.
Also, the Wizard of Oz conference was great. Small enough that I feel like I got to meet pretty much everyone, and the range and quality of the papers were wonderful. Hopefully a publication opportunity as well. I do have to point out the wonderfully friendly atmosphere of this conference--maybe it was the quality of the attendees, maybe it was the energy of the organizers (thanks again, Kevin and Mary!), maybe it was just an Arkansas thing--but it was really remarkable. As I have just remarked. Did miss the kitty and the boyfriend, though--no place like home, right?