Aconversation with fourth-year Graduate Arts and Sciences student Jane Mendle will lend more than just a glimpse into the world of psychology. This week, the debut author of the anticipated metro-chic novel, "Kissing in Technicolor," will personally introduce her work to University students and the Charlottesville community.
A 1998 graduate of Amherst College, Mendle is currently completing her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University. Prior to returning to school, she worked in both the film and publishing industries in New York -- an experience that helped her to write her book.
"I began to write the book on a whim," Mendle said. "In many ways, however, it was not unexpected. I've always been an avid reader and had talked about writing a novel since my junior year in college."
As a graduate student, Mendle said she found writing to be a positive release.
"Graduate school can be an exercise in tunnel vision, regardless of academic discipline," she said. "Having outside interests is a survival strategy."
According to various reviews of the 352-page, "Kissing in Technicolor," its plot centers on the gutsy heroine Charlotte "Charlie" Frost, a single, graduate Film student at Columbia University. Independent and ambitious, she is ready to take the film industry by storm.
Mendle said the plot revolves around Charlie, who faces conflict with Hank, her boyfriend working in the same field, and their attempts to collaborate indicate that they are both right and wrong in life, and for each other. Readers learn how Charlie's expectations shape her world. As her wishes come true, Charlie must in the end choose between her career and her heart.
The novel has been selected as a recommended read by "Cosmopolitan" and "Seventeen" magazines, and it has been featured in "Publishers Weekly" and "Booklist."
"I liked the idea of using a grad student because school is such an embryonic time," Mendle said. "People aren't where they want to be, but they're working toward that goal. They're poor and often frustrated, but in the middle of tremendous growth and learning."
In regards to the identification of her novel as "chick lit," -- which is defined by dictionary.com as "any literature that is intended to appeal more to women than men, with a focus on strong or quirky females" -- Mendle said she believed many chick-lit novels adopt the casual tone women use when talking.
"While I had almost nonexistent experience with writing fiction, it wasn't uncommon for me to spend an hour a day writing to friends about my daily ups and downs in a very chick lit-like style," she said.
Consequently, she said she is satisfied with her book's classification.
"As a genre, chick lit is intriguing because it's a blend of realism and fantasy," she said. "Readers identify with the protagonists, who openly showcase insecurities and imperfections."
One advantage of the chick lit style is its humor, according to Mendle.
"Chick lit novels have a very particular casual and comic tone; it's essentially the book version of a romantic comedy," she said. "Given the popularity of this film genre, it's almost surprising that the written counterpart took so long to evolve."
Mendle spoke in support of the genre, and its focus on the journey of modern young women.
"There's a focus on dialogue and characters that are intelligent, interesting, independent and single," Mendle said. "Ultimately, 'Kissing in Technicolor,' is the story of a woman's growth, not the story of a romance, and I hope readers will respect that."
Mendle said her publishing experiences were exhilarating.
"It feels like an avalanche," she said. "Unstoppable. When you have a book coming out, there is an anticipation that seems to last for so long. The process is really terribly exciting."
Mendle expressed interest in speaking with other young people who share her desire to write and offered some advice.
"Most importantly, be aware of what you are good at and what you like," she said.
Mendle expressed appreciation for the support her colleagues within the graduate program in the psychology department and her publisher, HarperCollins, provided.
Copies of "Kissing in Technicolor" arrived yesterday at the University Bookstore and will be featured, according to John Kates, executive director of the bookstore and Cavalier Computers.
"Although we carry a large section dedicated to faculty and University alum, this is the first time I know a current student has been published by major press," Kates said.
Graduate students also expressed positive first impressions of the book.
"I'd definitely read it," said first-year Graduate Arts and Sciences student Camilla Wells. "As an English major and writer, I see this as a great success. It's something I would share with my fellow peers."
Amanda Stewart, a Graduate Arts and Sciences student and Ph.D. candidate in kinesiology, said she thinks "Kissing in Technicolor" would be an excellent read for undergraduate students.
"Reaching your mid-twenties is like an age of opportunity," Stewart said. "Through a true knowledge and value of self, you will naturally attract the right people to you. You must make life great on your own terms."
Next up for Mendle is her dissertation, a genetic assessment of how the age at which girls go through puberty affects the development of eating disorders, depression and substance use during adolescence.
Amongst her numerous commitments, however, Mendle said she looks to continue along the path she has already begun.
"I feel lucky that I was able to hit the trend at the right point," she said. "I intend to keep writing fiction, and have the beginning of a new book on my laptop."
This Thursday, Mendle will hold two book signings at Java Java on Ivy Road with the support of New Dominion Bookstore. She will also be speaking at an upcoming writers' group at Barnes & Noble on Barracks Road Nov. 17, where she will address balancing writing pursuits with other life goals.
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