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Truth From Fiction: The Apologetic Use Of Christian Allegorical Literature In The 21st Century, Terri Nicole Boutte
Truth From Fiction: The Apologetic Use Of Christian Allegorical Literature In The 21st Century, Terri Nicole Boutte
Masters Theses
Christian allegorical literature is a genre that explores apologetic claims in a unique and creative way. Although this genre has attracted many readers over the years, there is hesitation and reluctancy to accept Christian allegorical literature as a genre that should be used as an apologetic method. Namely, the didactic intent of this genre has caused some critics to question whether Christian allegorical literature promotes critical reading and thinking skills in a way that leads readers to make their own spiritual decisions. Some skeptics believe that sharing theistic truths that are disguised by fictional storylines is a creative way to …
Reaching For A Higher Perspective: Exploring Elements Of Multiple Perspectives In Literature And Writing, Audrey I. Biggs
Reaching For A Higher Perspective: Exploring Elements Of Multiple Perspectives In Literature And Writing, Audrey I. Biggs
Masters Theses
In three parts, this thesis for the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing dives into perspective in writing and in life. After a statement from the author, the critical essay defines and analyzes a craft used in fiction novels: writing from multiple perspectives. First, the author describes the three basic perspectives and their uses in fiction writing. Next, a history of the development of multiple points of view leads the reader from ancient epics to modern novels. Finally, the author's analysis of William Faulkner's novel, As I Lay Dying, gleans a broader understanding of writing clearly and effectively from …
The Healing Power Of Creative Storytelling: Utilizing Fiction As A Means Of Therapy In The Writer/Reader Relationship, Alicia Rose Klepper
The Healing Power Of Creative Storytelling: Utilizing Fiction As A Means Of Therapy In The Writer/Reader Relationship, Alicia Rose Klepper
Masters Theses
What if we wrote the challenging portions of our lives as comedies or the boring parts as grand adventures? What if we recast painful experiences into creative stories that allow us to live in proximity to our circumstances and not be overwhelmed? Storytelling is how we bridge our lives with creativity as a way to heal from the past, process the present, and hope for the future. This thesis explores how the tradition of creative storytelling has evolved to enable writers and readers to uncover and connect elements of life that would otherwise be too painful to process. By bridging …
Discovering Souls Below: Mythology, Lore, And Christian Feminism In Contemporary Fantasy, Emma Dearing
Discovering Souls Below: Mythology, Lore, And Christian Feminism In Contemporary Fantasy, Emma Dearing
Masters Theses
There are few things I love more than sitting on a warm, sunny beach with my toes in the sand. With a cool breeze rippling off the waves and the smell of salty ocean, it is easy to feel completely at peace. Yet last summer, as I sat limply in a beach chair experiencing all those sensations, I wondered, “What if this was my last day on earth, and I knew it?” More specifically, what if we chose such a serene day as our last? Of course, that reminded me there is only one way to truly choose our last …
Thesis Submission Assignment, Monica Cookson
Thesis Submission Assignment, Monica Cookson
Masters Theses
This paper focuses on the importance of complex character development to form connections with the reader. Readers develop connections to characters who are relatable, so writers need to be aware of what makes a character emotionally important to the reader.
Developing And Enhancing Believable Characterization In Fiction, Hollie Boyd Nelson
Developing And Enhancing Believable Characterization In Fiction, Hollie Boyd Nelson
Masters Theses
Developing and enhancing characterization in fiction is key to gaining a readership as well as perfecting the craft of writing. Through foundational information, relatability, and context within the work, a writer can create new and intricate ways to enrich their story. This then sets them apart from others in their field.
Cruisin' The Coast: A Practice In Passionate Observation, Laura Jean Keriazakos
Cruisin' The Coast: A Practice In Passionate Observation, Laura Jean Keriazakos
Masters Theses
The term Passionate Observation is presented as an ability that improves creative writing. It requires a writer to absorb details, noticed or perceived, with intense imagination and reasoning. I present a three-pronged case for acceptance and development of this skill for writing mystery fiction. Examined in this paper are the literary talents of Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, along with the supposition both authors were passionate observers. Moreover, through the lens of education, I connect visual literacy, kinesthetic research, and passionate observation. Then, I show the philosophical correlation between observation in science and passionate observation in creative writing. …
From The Paper To The Stars, Morgan Jefferson Smith
From The Paper To The Stars, Morgan Jefferson Smith
Masters Theses
The document “From the Paper to the Stars” is a concise Thesis evoking the powerful art of literature. The first section is constructed to a minimal recount of the author's past when the spark for writing began in a preschool classroom, followed by inspiration from great authors (J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, to name a few) instilling a purpose to write as a commission to the Lord. The critical evaluation showcases the research of certain fiction, or fantasy, is rooted in mythological ideological reputation. However, such a genre is shown to be a tool for Christian writers to illustrate the …
Beyond The Long Walk: Appealing To A Target Audience Through Genre Choice And Manuscript Length, Stacie Ann Sudkamp
Beyond The Long Walk: Appealing To A Target Audience Through Genre Choice And Manuscript Length, Stacie Ann Sudkamp
Masters Theses
Creatively writing specifically for a narrow target audience has not historically been the modus operandi of most authors. The usual recommendation has been to allow a story’s characters to determine plot direction, story length, and genre. My Artist Statement explains my motivation for creating a manuscript that appeals, specifically, to servicemembers and veterans coping with PTSD and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, the research expanded upon in my Critical Paper supports my decision to create a hybrid, or mixed genre, novella in order to capture and hold the attention of my target audience in a unique way. I accomplish this by first …
Lady Of The Joust: Defining And Classifying Flat Character Arcs, Rachael Michelle Varner
Lady Of The Joust: Defining And Classifying Flat Character Arcs, Rachael Michelle Varner
Masters Theses
Character arcs outline the growth or development a character experiences throughout a narrative. Of the three major types—Positive Change, Negative Change, and Flat—the third is often glossed over or ignored in academic settings. The Artist Statement addresses my experience writing a novel when I did not understand what Flat Arcs entailed and thus failed to recognize why my protagonist resisted the more popular Positive Change formula. In the Critical Paper, my analysis of texts dedicated to the craft of character arcs revealed that there are no consistent criteria by which to define or categorize them. Nevertheless, my research suggests that …
Unheard Voices: Minority Female Presence In Fiction Including Folklore And Fantastical Elements, Breanna Renae Grayson
Unheard Voices: Minority Female Presence In Fiction Including Folklore And Fantastical Elements, Breanna Renae Grayson
Masters Theses
This thesis is about the representation of women and racial minorities and the incorporation of folklore and fantastical elements in contemporary American short fiction. This incorporation includes the characterization of nonwhite characters in fiction and the role they serve. Also, the main idea is to provide an explanation concerning the importance and relationship it has for minority female writers and readers. The Artistic Statement defines the author’s reasons, inspirations, and creative process for her choices in creative writing. The Critical Paper is supported by research and data to describe the use of fantastical elements and how they are implemented into …
Resurrecting Olympus, Jordan Ashley Miller
Resurrecting Olympus, Jordan Ashley Miller
Masters Theses
The objective of this creative project was to reintroduce Greek mythology to the public, adapting the ancient tales to appeal to an ever-evolving world. In order to do the myths justice, it was important to examine adaptations and interpretations over the centuries to determine the philosophical trajectory of mythology. My studies unearthed a diverse portfolio of academic perspectives ranging from the likes of the more formal philosopher Thomas Bullfinch of the 1900s, to the modern, comedy-infused commentator Stephen Fry. Each voice revealed something new to consider. Synthesizing these varying positions into a holistic narrative, I set out to pen a …
Thesis Proposal And Project: The Cave, Jennifer Lee Bailey
Thesis Proposal And Project: The Cave, Jennifer Lee Bailey
Masters Theses
This piece is a work of creative writing, inspired by a true story. Slowly, it transitioned from creative nonfiction to a work of science fiction.
Writing For The Fantasy Genre Through The Christian Worldview, Angelina Rose Butters
Writing For The Fantasy Genre Through The Christian Worldview, Angelina Rose Butters
Masters Theses
My thesis proffers the prevalence of Christian worldview elements in fantasy fiction. The research findings presented expand on the different Christian elements within fantasy literature by interpreting the writing and influence of Christian authors, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and secular authors, such as Jennifer A. Neilson and J.K. Rowling. I argue that within fantasy there are Christian elements that are either overtly or covertly incorporated. I present my findings based on these readings in different sections: fantasy’s purpose to provide entertainment, the inclusion of God to dictate the destiny and laws of the fantasy worldview, the inclusion …