Date of Award

Spring 5-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.F.A.

Degree Program

Creative Writing

Department

English

Major Professor

Neal Walsh

Second Advisor

Joanna Leake

Third Advisor

Barbara Johnson

Abstract

This collection of short stories follows the themes of trauma and the feeling of not being enough for yourself or others. This includes the pressures we put on ourselves to keep trying to be “right” or what we’re “supposed to be”. The idea is apparent that reaching out instead of self- isolating benefits the characters. What also connects these works is a hint of Southern flair, family, and humor. An irreverent voice connects the work and most of the characters. The inclusion of humor to get through suffering and as a way to talk about tough subjects is a concurrent theme. Body issues, sexual trauma, and aging among other themes are all touched upon and delivered with a side of pole dancing, a GoPro on a fat beagle, a night out with Nana’s ashes and more.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

Available for download on Sunday, May 31, 2026

Included in

Fiction Commons

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