The area has two distinct but related areas of interest: juvenile series books of all types and eras, including 20th-century publications like those of the Stratemeyer Syndicate and its imitators (Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, etc.), as well as more recent and ongoing series (Harry Potter, Twilight, Choose Your Own Adventure, etc.); and the series books’ precursors: early popular publications for mass audiences of all ages (dime novels, nickel weeklies, story papers, etc.). Papers addressing either or both of these areas will be considered.
Papers may cover (but are not limited to) any aspect of the following topics: authors, publishers, major characters, themes, readership, bibliography or research methods, social commentary, early or noteworthy genre forms, print culture, special collections, and representation of gender, race, class, etc.
Participants do not need to be academics or professional writers; undergraduate submissions are welcome but require sponsorship by a faculty advisor, as per PCA policy.
All participants are requested to submit a 250-word abstract with title. First-time participants with this division are encouraged to submit a 1-2 page proposal, including a bibliography, along with the abstract. Email communication is welcomed from potential members desiring feedback on a proposal topic prior to making a formal submission.
Early submission is strongly encouraged.
Please send all inquiries to:
Demian Katz
Villanova University
Matthew Short
Northern Illinois University
