Monday, June 14, 2010

New Research Project

So now it's back to the drawing board. With the book finally in the mail, I've started on book #2. I have a draft proposal written and over the course of the day, I've been adding thoughts, amending ideas and annotating directions to pursue as I work on compiling a bibliography, ordering materials on Inter-Library Loan (including issues of Mademoiselle from the 50s and 60s and old copies of Photoplay and Modern Screen), and planning/drafting my sample chapter. I've decided to work on the one on female group protagonists, partly because I have two conference papers on the subject and also because I feel it links to other chapters--as my friend Noah so aptly put it, it also has to act a preview of coming attractions--and isn't too theoretical or abstract. I've also done some archival research in the UK that I can put to good use here. Tonight I have to list my shows and films, think about the popular fiction with which these engage and narrow down a time period (or two) that justifies special attention. I'm thinking the 60s-70s and 90s-200os (Sex and the City is important, as are the Spice Girls and Mean Girls) but the 1930s has much to offfer, not least Gold Diggers of 1933/35/37 and The Women. Perhaps the best strategy is to start general and then narrow down to these two eras, mindful that I cannot be comprehensive.

I'm also well aware now of the perils of over-researching. No book can be perfect, nobody can cover everything but I can give my unique take on the topic with as much clarity, evidence and insight as possible. Starting with a realization of what I cannot realistically cover is perhaps the wisest possible approach--and one that will help me deliver this book within the next two years.

4 comments:

JEFFREY SCONCE said...

Great project. I will be on the look-out for multi-female protagonists--and you're welcome to raid the library anytime.

Marti said...

Moya good luck with this. Hopefully the process will be easier this time.

Cindy said...

Sounds amazing, Moya! I enjoyed watching 'The Women' and the 2 iffy re-makes. I loved "The Opposite of Sex" musical version with June Allyson and Joan Collins(!), hehe. Good luck with the writing!!

Moya said...

Thanks everybody. The book is on femininity and popular film and TV. I need to get a better title but for now, that's not a priority. I am useless at titles so if anybody ever has a suggestion as this book develops, I'm all ears. Other chapters include one on detail/objects/fashion/consumerism, mise-en-scene and feminine ways of seeing; one on self-analysis, one on women's work and historiographies of women in public/private space, and another on the female look at the female body