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This study examines the process of  writing a short story “The Shoes,” set in New Orleans during World War II, and creating a main character through the lens of research within the field of disability studies. This research is closely intertwined with my creative process of writing “The Shoes.” The first portion of the poster focuses on the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, during America’s involvement in World War II. My aim is to build a foundational understanding of the microculture in that region, especially as it was shaped and molded by the strong presence of soldiers, the heavy hand of racism, and the particular mingling of cultures from around Louisiana and the rest of the country within the region. The second portion of the study focuses on the internal and social impacts of the story’s main character, as he is a severely autistic male who struggles to make eye contact with the people around him. My research highlights the often-difficult process for individuals on the autism spectrum to make eye-contact with others, and I incorporate Behavioral Analysis within the story to reflect my findings. Ultimately, my poster captures the interplay between research and the creative writing process, allowing me to highlight how the autistic traits of the main character are portrayed within his fictional world as well as how his disability fits historically in the time period.

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Apr 22nd, 1:00 PM Apr 22nd, 3:00 PM

Disability Studies in Historical Context: The Research Behind the Creative Writing Process

Basic

This study examines the process of  writing a short story “The Shoes,” set in New Orleans during World War II, and creating a main character through the lens of research within the field of disability studies. This research is closely intertwined with my creative process of writing “The Shoes.” The first portion of the poster focuses on the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, during America’s involvement in World War II. My aim is to build a foundational understanding of the microculture in that region, especially as it was shaped and molded by the strong presence of soldiers, the heavy hand of racism, and the particular mingling of cultures from around Louisiana and the rest of the country within the region. The second portion of the study focuses on the internal and social impacts of the story’s main character, as he is a severely autistic male who struggles to make eye contact with the people around him. My research highlights the often-difficult process for individuals on the autism spectrum to make eye-contact with others, and I incorporate Behavioral Analysis within the story to reflect my findings. Ultimately, my poster captures the interplay between research and the creative writing process, allowing me to highlight how the autistic traits of the main character are portrayed within his fictional world as well as how his disability fits historically in the time period.

 

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