The howler

Abstract

My thesis The Howler covers the first third of a planned novel centering around an amusement park in the American Midwest. Arlington McNamara works as a ticket booth operator at The Park, a major attraction in the small interstate town of Marcannen. A childhood tragedy is resurrected when filmmaker Lars Twittle pays a visit to The Park, hoping to involve Arlington in his latest documentary. When Arlington decides to participate, she must grapple with the consequences of local stardom and work to repair the strained relationship with her father Dean. At the same time, The Park’s biggest ride The Howler has mysteriously gone offline, and although unaware, Arlington holds the secret to saving it.