TV Critics and Spoilers

My Media Marathoning book led to several research project “spin-offs,” one of which analyzes the experiences of TV critics as they navigate the spoiler-rich television environment. I completed the final interview on June 8th. Now bring on the writing! I am grateful that the following kind people gave me their time for an interview: Gina Carbone,…

Media Marathon Tee

Christmas is over, but here’s another gift I want. My friend Kristin sent the link to this cute media marathoning t-shirt she found on etsy. How rude! The description says “great geek gift.” Well, I guess it is kind of true. I promise I am not the person behind FishbiscuitDesigns, and this is not a media…

NPR Interview from December 17th

I had a great time talking with Evan Dawson, host of WXXI’s blushfix megnutt nudes Blush BabeConnections, on Wednesday about my book Media Marathoning: Immersions in Morality. The listeners, Evan, and I addressed a great range of media marathoning topics: bingeing vs. marathoning, health effects of marathoning, compelling storytelling, the shift away from appointment television,…

Marathoning and Mom Guilt

My friend Amanda sent me this cartoon about a year ago. It sat on my fridge until now, taunting me through the book writing process. I am always delighted to see references to binge-watching in popular culture, but I confess to feeling mom guilt when I look at this cartoon. It made me think: Am…

Television Spoiler Study

The final read-through and index for Media Marathoning: Immersions in Morality are done (phew!), which means I have time for other projects. The media marathoning work inspired me to explore other related research that didn’t have a place in the book. One of those projects is a study with people who have media marathoned during…

Help Me Choose a Book Cover

I need to weigh in on a book cover design Monday morning, and I’d like to poll the audience. (I already used the “phone a husband” option and that didn’t give me a clear answer.) Even if you don’t know much about graphic design, give me your gut reaction if you are so inclined. You…

How to Write a Book: Bandit Style

I recently announced signing a book contract for Media Marathoning: Immersions in Morality. This next blog post aims to help others tackle their daunting projects. I wanted to make the title of this post “How to Write a Book, as a Junior Faculty Member, at a Teaching School, with a Young Family: Bandit Style”–but that…

Media Marathoning Book Announcement

I’m delighted to announce that I signed a Lexington Books contract for Media Marathoning: Immersions and Morality. I’m currently revising in response to peer feedback. The book may even be in print by the end of this year. I look forward to kicking off a scholarly conversation about media marathoning. In 2013, the popular press exploded with…

Media Marathoning at NCA

My family and I are heading to Washington, D.C. tomorrow to attend the National Communication Association’s annual conference. I am excited to return to the conference circuit after a one-year hiatus. I spent the previous academic year writing the first two-thirds of the media marathoning manuscript–and gestating a baby. This year is one of debuts:…

“Learning” from The Walking Dead (No Spoilers)

I am far enough in my media marathoning research and writing that I’m ready to announce my thesis: The immersive experience of media marathoning creates a liminal space through which the fictive and real worlds come into contact. In this space, marathoners are able to use the dialogue between fictive and real worlds to work…