| dc.description.abstract | 1. Description of the Form of Genre of the Creative Project. Paradise Twin is a realistic novel set in Oklahoma at the Paradise Twin Trailer Park, which was formerly a drive-in movie theater. The first-person point of view is that of Cody, a funny but sensitive man in his mid-twenties, who grew up at The Paradise Twin; firstly, watching the double-features on Friday nights and now as a resident. He shares a single-wide trailer with his counterfeiting brother (Jackson) and a mentally-challenged ward (Tweedle), who suffered a traumatic brain injury fifteen years ago, at the age of four in an accident which killed his twin brother. The accident occurred on the playground in front of the Twin screen. Cody has always felt responsible because he was distracted by the screen, rather than watching the smaller kids. Now the rusty abandoned playground serves as a constant reminder for Cody. There are a wide-array of colorful characters, like Old Mr. B, the owner of the Twin, who just received news that his niece (Angel), a local girl makes good, has a screenwriting credit and is bringing the movie for a showing at The Twin; however, Cody is skeptical. After a little research he discovers Angel (his former girlfriend) is a fraud. Even though he wants to expose her, he still agrees to help Old Mr. B with repairs and maintenance. Abandoned by his father as a young boy, Cody has never been more than eighty miles from home, although he has the itch to leave. He feels trapped both economically and by his obligations to Tweedle, his mother and sister, who both also reside at Paradise Twin. His story unfolds as he struggles with secrets, finds love, acceptance, and a way out. 2. Summary of Relevant Creative Work by Other Artists in the Genre of the Creative Project. Influences would include writers who have strong regional settings and flawed but relevant protagonist; writers such as: Alice McDermott, Larry McMurtry, Russell Banks, John Steinbeck, and Rilla Askew. 3. Statement of the Objectives of the Creative Project: My objective was to bring to life a unique voice in my protagonist, the importance of family , richness of setting, and how our environment can improve upon our integrity or hold us down. 4. Identification of Major Creative, Conceptual, or Technical Challenges, Posed by the Creative Project. The most challenging aspect was writing a first-person, present-tense narrative from that of a young man, and for it to be believable and poignant. 5. Description of Strategies Employed to Meet the Major Creative, Conceptual, or Technical challenges posed by the creative project. Firstly, I took writing direction from Rilla Askew, who advised to listen and follow the voice, know his motives, and to set high stakes. I also researched the setting, made scene notes, attended writing workshops, read, and spoke and observed people of the region. 6. Statement of the Significance of the Creative Project and of Its Implication for the Field. The novel portrays the challenges many small-town and economically-challenged residents face, the importance of family and community, offered by a unique and often funny perspective through the voice of the protagonist. | |
