The Mark Twain Circle of America invites proposals for its session on "New Directions in Mark Twain Studies" at the upcoming Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association (PAMLA) conference in Seattle from November 12-15, 2026. The Circle invites innovative proposals on all topics that engage with Mark Twain and Mark Twain Studies. We are especially interested in the work of emerging scholars and in perspectives that challenge existing paradigms and assumptions about Mark Twain’s life, work, and legacy. 

Topics of particular interest include but are not limited to:

· Race and racial stereotypes in Twain
· Mark Twain as a travel writer
· Mark Twain as an anti-imperialist
· Digital Twain
· Twain and capitalism
· Twain and aging
· Twain and gender
· Twain as a Gothic writer 
· Twain and religion

Proposals can be submitted by following the session link https://pamla.ballastacademic.com/Home/S/20184 or by emailing a 50-word abstract directly to wonham@uoregon.edu.  The Mark Twain Circle is pleased to accept applications from Circle members for travel grants to support participation in regional conferences, including PAMLA.