Talking With TV

After my last post, I realized belatedly that I've never officially mentioned the book project I'm working on, though a few of you have kindly listened to me go on (and on and on) about it offline and/or in private.

The short version is that I am working on a book proposal for the University of Iowa Press, which is starting a new fan studies series. An editor at the press contacted me a while back and asked if I'd like to write a book for them, to which I said "...um, okay," because while I hadn't given much thought to writing a book about vids (my last book-length project was my PhD dissertation, which primarily inspires thoughts of oh god never again no way), I am not so stupid that I'd say no to that question when somebody from an actual university press comes asking.

I hasten to add that the book is not a done deal: There's no contract, I haven't even turned in the proposal yet, etc. But I am, to my own surprise, actually excited about the prospect. Or at least more excited than terrified. Most days. *facepalm*

( more under the cut )

So that is what I've been thinking about for the past week, partly just because I think it's interesting but also because I think it's something that might be useful in fan studies even outside the relatively small circle of people who are interested in vids specifically.

For the past few months, I've been trying to finish up some academic projects that pre-date my current work on vids and vidding, which is why I haven't been posting much: I've been trying not to distract myself. But I've continued to think and talk about vids, both informally and at academic conferences, and I'm starting to get back to the writing part as well, so I hope to start posting more regularly again sometime soon.

I also have some ( good news to share... )

My budget request for that last grant also included a line for purchasing a paid DreamWidth account for the next three years. My paid time on LJ has lapsed, and I've decided that I have no particular need or desire to renew it; I'd rather support DreamWidth, and am very happy that I now have the means to do so. I'll be posting (and welcoming comments) under the same username at both locations, but DW will be my home base from now on.

I haven't had time to blog in a while because I've been so busy actually working on projects! But deathisyourart nudged me for an update on my presentation for the IP/Gender Symposium (April 23-24), which I am in fact in the middle of working on. ( Hence, an update. )

As long as I'm posting, I have some ( other updates... )

And I think that's it! I'm going to try to resume more regular posting this month, and I will certainly be posting about the IP/Gender Symposium, either while I'm there (there could be liveblogging! ...actually, no, there couldn't--I can't multitask well enough for that) or afterwards.

It occurs to me that I never did post anything from the article manuscript I submitted to Film & Film Culture, the one focusing on "Vogue" and "Ring Them Bells." I'm not going to post the whole thing, but I'm willing to post excerpts if anyone's interested. Or, er, I think I'm willing; I haven't actually re-read that piece since I submitted it. So let's say I'm conditionally willing, the condition being that I have to be able to read the first three pages without wanting to bang my head against a wall.

I've been working on this new vid-related research agenda for just about six months now, so I think it's time to pause and take stock of what I've gotten done in that time.

( grant proposals )

( conference proposals )

( paper proposals )

( other )

All of which is to say: I've been busy, and wow, I am tired. But some good things are already happening, and I hope for more to come. Thanks to everybody who's already helped nudge my thinking through e-mail conversations and comments on posts; it's much appreciated.