Professor Tennant Has First Book Published

Based upon her doctoral thesis, Colette's book, Reading the Gothic in Margaret Atwood's Novels, examines the works of one of Canada's leading contemporary novelists.

Colette says she chose to write about Margaret Atwood's work because of the many different levels to Atwood's writing. The book discusses the gothic writer's 11 novels and helps to portray a clearer understanding of her works.

"Her writing is almost in code with multiple layers so, it's like deciphering a riddle at times," Colette explained. She added that instead of portraying woman as victims, as many gothic novels do, Margaret's work teaches how to refuse becoming a victim of violence, discrimination and dangerous situations including marriage in some cases.

"Her writing really does transform her readers and the Gothic genre itself."

While this is Colette's first book release, she is planning to write several more including a work in progress that features a compilation of poems. She also has a Christian children's book manuscript before Zonderkidz, an extension of Harper Collins.

A professor of English and the Humanities for nine years, Colette will join her WB colleague, Dr. Richard Caulkins, Distinguished Professor of Humanities, as presenters at a Christianity and Literature Conference in March. Colette will speak on the presence of a kinsman redeemer in gothic novels for women.

Her writing aside, she also finds great joy in helping students write and publish their poetry. Because Colette didn't begin to seriously write poetry until later in her career, she knows anyone can begin pursuing it at anytime. As for authoring a book, she feels it is just another extension for creativity which may encourage potential student authors.

"Whether it's my work or someone else's, it's always nice to have it recognized and acknowledged as being valuable."