I’m in a “Fanfiction Frame of Mind”: Cosplay and the Literate Life of Meredith

• In Event: Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Imagination in the Literate Lives of Adolescents and Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to share findings from an investigation into the literacy practices of one young woman, Meredith (pseudonym), whose current literate life is centered largely on participation in fanfiction writing and its companion expression, cosplay. Using case study methods, the literate life of Meredith is traced from her one-room schoolhouse primary school, through middle school, high school, and college, to her current engagement in cosplay. Of particular interest is Meredith’s rich out-of-school literate life and how she finds and creates spaces for affinities, friendships, and exploration of various personas through cosplay and fanfiction writing.

Author

• Annamary Consalvo, The University of Texas - Tyler