Dear Celeste
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Graduation Year
2025
Writing Track
Fiction
Degree
Master of Fine Arts
Program
Creative Writing
Program Director
Judy Halebsky, PhD
First Reader
Hannah Michell
Second Reader
Judy Halebsky, PhD
Description
Dear Celeste explores a widow’s journey to rekindle the love she has denied herself since losing her husband of 28 years. Having given up on finding a suitable partner for herself, our protagonist has chosen to give advice to seniors in the Oakmont 55-plus community eponymous newspaper column, Dear Celeste, penning witty responses to older singles, as they uncover the pitfalls and opportunities of online dating. A semi-retired real estate agent in Northern California’s wine country, who likes things “just so”, Celeste meets The Professor, who she deems inappropriate: too short, too bohemian, too attractive, too chivalrous. He has a suspicious entanglement with his housemate, the lovely Eva Torres. Celeste’s daughter Brianna is protective of her mom’s heart, while her group of female friends encourage her to live life to the fullest. Will the lure of adventure at Burning Man entice her to seek sexual awakening, and rediscover her long forgotten youthful polyamorous exploits? “Damnit Eleanor, I’m too old for this nonsense.” But the reader will see that there is still some adventure and spirit left in Celeste’s soul.