L. Timmel Duchamp papers

The L. Timmel Duchamp papers consists of the author's early manuscripts, research, and correspondence with editors and colleagues. Series I contains the bulk of the collection and includes the earliest drafts of Duchamp's Marq'ssan Cycle fiction series. This 5-book series was first drafted between October 1984 and July 1986. A decade after first writing these books, Duchamp began editing, rewriting sections of the series, and exploring the possibility... of publishing the series. Duchamp spent much of 1996 to 1997 preparing the Marq'ssan Cycle novels for publication as evidenced by the materials in Series I. Book one of the Marq'ssan Cycle, Alanya to Alanya was published in 2005 shortly followed by the remaining books - Renegade (2006), Tsunami (2007), Blood in the Fruit (2008), and Stretto (2008).

After completing the Marq’ssan Cycle drafts in 1986, Duchamp believed very few readers would either know how to read them or fully grasp the books’ sophisticated treatment of gender. The novels were set aside, and Duchamp opted to seek publishing of her short fiction infusing the science fiction world with works replete with feminist ideas and gender politics. Series II contains Duchamp's short fiction. The original grouping of materials by the author is preserved throughout the series. Critiques of Duchamp's short fiction works were received by participants at the 2003 Sycamore Hill Writers’ Conference (see Box 5, folders 12, 18-19 and Box 6, folders 22-23). Interstingly, messages in this series address Duchamp as "Timmi".

Series III contain a small sampling of Duchamps non-fiction works including reviews and essays. Research notes, newspaper clippings, and correspondence can be found in Series IV. The bulk of the newspaper clippings in Box 7, folder 1 pertain to US political issues and international conflicts during 1985-1986.