Writing for Immortality
Writing for Immortality
Barbara Basbanes Richter
The Vanishing of Carolyn Wells: A Conversation with Author Rebecca Rego Barry
1 hour 1 minutes Posted Mar 28, 2024 at 10:00 am.
Intro
Rebecca's Expertise in Books and Book History
Introduction and Background
Carolyn Wells's Early Life and Career
Carolyn Wells's Rise to Success
Little Magazines and Carolyn Wells's Writing
The Daily Tatler and Carolyn Wells's Letter
Carolyn Wells' Shift to Writing for Children
Carolyn Wells's Versatility as a Writer
Carolyn Wells's Extensive Bibliography
Challenges in Researching Carolyn Wells
Discovery of Carolyn Wells's Mermaid Album
Rebecca's Interest in Carolyn Wells
Carolyn Wells's Estate and Auction
Carolyn Wells's Mermaid Album
Writing Style and Approach in the Book
Carolyn Wells's Approach to Mystery Novels
Carolyn Wells's Marriage and Personal Life
Carolyn Wells's Persona and Popularity
Critics' Reception and Sales
Public Libraries' Love for Carolyn Wells
Carolyn Wells's Parodies and Satire
Carolyn Wells's Connections with Presidents
Carolyn Wells' Keynote Speeches and Literary Events
Carolyn Wells's Wordplay and Puzzle Books
Carolyn Wells's Collecting Bug
Carolyn Wells's Collection of Walt Whitman
Carolyn Wells's Work in Silent Films
Carolyn Wells's Personality and Hearing Loss
Carolyn Wells's Childhood Illness and Education
The Legacy of Carolyn Wells
The Challenge of Remembering Women Writers
Future Research on Carolyn Wells
Rebecca Rego Barry's Connection to Carolyn Wells
Outro
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Show notes
In this episode, Barbara Basbanes Richter interviews Rebecca Rego Barry about her book, The Vanishing of Carolyn Wells. Carolyn Wells was a mystery author in the early 20th century who has been largely forgotten today. Rebecca discusses Carolyn's life and career, from her late start as a writer to her success in various genres, including poetry, short stories, puzzles, and children's books. Rebecca also explores the challenges of researching Carolyn's life due to the lack of a central archive and the dispersal of her estate after her death.
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