Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

English Language and Literatures

Director of Thesis

Elise Blackwell

Second Reader

Ed Madden

Abstract

My final product is a 26,000 word novella called If You Come Looking, following the journey of a young man named James Gibbard as he struggles with loneliness and tries to make sense of his family’s confusing history. The story alternates between memories of James’ childhood and his current-day cross-country journey as he heads toward the coast for a hidden reason.

Between flashbacks to James’ childhood and glimpses of his travels, the reader watches James struggle to connect with others, even those who show him kindness. The story alternates between James’ perspective and the perspective of strangers who he meets on his way, giving the reader a look into the way other people see James.

I wanted to write a character who struggled with loneliness and often turned to self-isolation in order to deal with difficult emotions. I’ve dealt with similar difficulties before, and wanted to emphasize the importance of connection because of how important it’s been in my life. I believe that storytelling produces cathartic experiences that allows readers to process their negative emotions and grow in kindness toward themselves and compassion for others. I have often felt that I grew up alongside my favorite fictional characters, and I wanted to try to write a story that invites readers to feel the same way.

First Page

1

Last Page

65

Rights

© 2026, Rachael Davis

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