Norman Mailer Society/Conference/2020

18th Annual Norman Mailer Society Virtual Conference
October 15-17, 2020
Theme: Mailer and the Spirit of Democracy
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In light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and the possibility of new waves of cases in the fall, we have decided to postpone our meeting at Monmouth University, and instead hold the conference virtually. We are disappointed that we will not be able to meet in Long Branch this year, but we hope to return there in 2021.

Call for Papers

In light of these changes, and with travel-related barriers now removed, we would like to encourage you once again to submit proposals for this now virtual event! Our organizing theme, as previously noted in the CFP sent out earlier this year, is still “Mailer and the Spirit of Democracy.” Discussions encompassed by this broad theme might include (but are not limited to): Mailer’s “Superman Comes to the Supermarket” (on the 60th anniversary of its publication); Mailer’s election coverage; Mailer's views on race, racism, and equality; his views of American presidency and leadership; totalitarianism, literary freedom; and connections between literature and democracy.

The conference will still be held the weekend of October 15th, and our plan is to hold sessions via Zoom. Due to the changed platform, we strongly encourage short presentations to favor of more discussion and participation. We also welcome proposals that include other digital media or creative methods of online presentation (images, slides, video, etc.) to diversify the experience of the online format.

To submit a proposal for a panel, individual paper, or special event, please e-mail the following to conference co-chairs Maggie McKinley (mmckinleharpercollege.edu), Jerry Lucas (gerald.lucasmga.edu) and Matt Hinton (mhinton2misericordia.edu):

• a 150-200 word abstract of the proposed presentation;
• a 50-word biographical statement.

Proposals are due by August 1, 2020.

In the coming months, we will provide information about registration, instructions for participation, and a program schedule. If you have any questions in the meantime, please let me know.