Definition
Emily M. Danforth is an American novelist and academic known for her works of contemporary fiction that explore themes of sexuality, identity, and rural life.
Overview
Born in 1980, Danforth grew up in rural Minnesota, an experience that informs much of her writing. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at Austin. Danforth’s debut novel, The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2012), received critical acclaim and won the 2013 Stonewall Book Award for its portrayal of a teenage girl’s coming‑of‑age in a homophobic environment. The novel was adapted into a feature film directed by Desiree Akhavan, released in 2021. Her second novel, Plain Bad Heroines (2020), blends gothic horror with historical fiction and was a finalist for the 2021 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. Danforth is an associate professor of English at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she teaches creative writing and literature.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Emily” is of Latin origin, derived from Aemilia, the feminine form of the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning “rival” or “emulating.” The middle initial “M.” stands for “Miller,” her mother’s maiden name, used professionally to distinguish her from other writers named Emily Danforth. “Danforth” is an English surname, historically a habitational name from places named Danforth in England, meaning “valley of the Danes” (from Old English Dene “Dane” + ford “river crossing”).
Characteristics
- Literary Themes: Danforth’s fiction frequently addresses LGBTQ+ experiences, particularly the challenges faced by queer youth in conservative settings. She also incorporates elements of rural American life, memory, and the interplay between personal and collective histories.
- Style: Her prose is noted for its lyrical quality, precise detail, and an emphasis on interiority, allowing readers insight into her characters’ psychological landscapes.
- Genre: While primarily a literary novelist, Danforth’s later work (Plain Bad Heroines) experiments with genre blending, integrating gothic and horror motifs within a literary framework.
- Academic Role: In addition to her writing, Danforth contributes to the field of creative writing education, mentoring emerging writers and publishing scholarly articles on narrative technique.
Related Topics
- Contemporary American literature
- LGBTQ+ literature in the United States
- Film adaptations of literary works (e.g., The Miseducation of Cameron Post film)
- Creative writing pedagogy in higher education
- Rural representation in modern fiction