Can I blame anyone but myself for this lapse in updating you all? Absolutely not. It has been a busy time, full of data collection, illness, literary events, and exam invigilation, culminating in a delay wholly resting on me. I am sorry for that, but, oh, do I have an update for you.

So, a little catch-up: I started my data collection at the beginning of the year, and at the point of my last update, I said I was a few interviews in and had reached out to my content analysis individuals. Well, I can assure you that I am well past that now. I have interviewed 18/25 participants so far, with two more set to be done within the next two weeks. I even got approval to extend from my original 20 interviews to 25 due to there still being new information to draw out with my interview categories. I have also collected all the social media content that I will be analysing. At roughly 90% of data collected or imminent, I am making the wise decision, as encouraged by my supervisor, to start data analysis.

I am quite excited for this stage, as it is going to put into academic context the stories and experiences I have been listening to over the last six months. It is one thing to talk about it and relate to the points discussed with my own experiences, but to actually be able to create research that verifies, supports, and gives academic credibility to the phenomenon is daunting, yet incredibly exciting. There is a lot of pre-coding and checks to do first before the data is ready for the keen eye of academic Anna to trawl through it, so I am taking it as casually as possible. By that, what I mean is that I am trying my best not to get so stuck in that I start fizzling out before I have even started.

The other thing that has occurred over this period is that I have started presenting my research, in part, to fellow academics and interested parties. This has really helped to get the right wording for various parts of the research, but also to bolster my own confidence in my presentation skills and the knowledge that the audiences have been eager to hear what I have done. I will be applying to present at a postgraduate research symposium set to be held in a few months, which does mean that I need to get the final wording of the abstract right for submission on Friday. That symposium is going to be a great opportunity, so hopefully get accepted to present.

Other than that, there isn’t really much else to say. It is a lot of progress, but little to note down. I am really happy with where I am in terms of timing for my final submission next year, the number of participants I have managed to interview so far, and the possibilities the future brings. This research is near and dear to my heart, and the relationships and connections I have been able to make among the New Zealand literary community through interviews and emails I will cherish forever. I have also gained some stellar book recs, thanks to the many incredible people prepared to share what they have been reading during my audio checks, not to mention the brilliant authors who have taken time out of their busy schedules to talk with me. Also, let me take this opportunity to thank all of those who have become part of this research, even if you were not able to fulfil an interview with me due to time constraints, packed schedules, or sudden changes. You have all helped shape my observations, reflections, and the experiences of participants as a whole.

Looking forward to giving a prompt PhD check-in at the end of August for you all!