Porch Lights, 2011-2012, undated

The collection contains writings, family papers, and working files documenting the career and personal life of author Dorothea Benton Frank from the late 1990s through 2019. It primarily documents the development, publication, and promotion of Frank’s novels. The writings include typescripts, chronologically arranged by book, that trace Frank’s writing process from early drafts to publication, along with handwritten annotations, editorial revisions, and publisher copyedits. They also include complete manuscripts of “Island Gamble” and “The Road to Valle Paradiso,” two early unpublished novels that served as precursors to Frank’s debut published novel, Sullivan’s Island. Also included are preparatory notes, plot and chapter outlines, character sketches, foul matter, promotional materials, audiovisual materials, born-digital materials, bound and unbound galley proofs, first editions, and uncorrected proofs for many of Frank's published works. Family papers consist of family photographs, children's schoolwork, memorabilia, and other items documenting Frank's personal life. Working files include miscellaneous correspondence, research materials, promotional ephemera, press kits, book reviews, publicity materials, financial records, royalty statements, lecture and book-signing materials, and other professional records documenting the publication, marketing, and reception of Frank's novels. Audiovisual materials and born-digital materials are interspersed throughout the collection. Audiovisual materials include audiobooks, radio interviews, and other recorded media related to her published works. Born-digital materials consist of 3.5-inch floppy discs and compact discs containing files created during the writing and publication process.