The long-awaited day is finally here. My book, The Art and Making of Frankenstein, is now available for purchase. I got my copy yesterday. I let Frankie inspect the package first. (It’s a coincidence my cat is named Frankie, short for Frankenstein? I have had Frankenstein on the brain for almost two years. So it just feels perfect.)
It’s been a wild couple of weeks. I attended the New York premiere last week, and went to the after-party, held at the Tiffany & Co. landmark store on 5th Avenue. (Tiffany donated and designed jewelry for the film. Read the book to learn more!) The most surreal moment occurred when I said hello to Jacob Elordi. I said, “Hi, I wrote the book, we spoke last fall” – he then recognized me and called a friend over, gesturing at me, saying, “She wrote the book!!” Then they both started complimenting me on my book. It was HIS premiere night, and he was complimenting ME on my accomplishment. I said it before. He’s a kind and thoughtful person. But still. Life is like a dream.
I have a couple of events planned for November, book-related, but I am also going on an artists’ retreat next week, for some way overdue R&R. R&R yes but we are also being intentional about creating community in our current nightmare. We want to nurture artistic collaboration and create space for vulnerability and connection, things we will need in the coming storm. Things that cannot be monetized, owned, or co-opted. Gathering together with these people – we have all known each other since we were 20somethings in the Chicago theatre scene – could not come at a more perfect time.
Opening the package yesterday was a proud moment. I wish my father was here, but it’s okay. Or, I’m deciding to be okay about it. My mother has lived to see this moment. I dedicated the book to her.
Love that cover art!
So proud of you, Sheila. Glad to see that the delivery was Frankie approved!
I was a contributing author of a book a few years back. I have never forgotten the moment that I finally got to see and hold a copy of the book and see my name in print.
Maddy
thank you so much Maddy!
I almost disassociated when I took the book out of the package – I mean, I know I wrote it but it still seems a little unreal. What book did you contribute to?
I completely get what you mean. It’s such a surreal moment when it finally arrives and you see your work in print.
The book is New Waves: 1980s TV In Britain(2024). I wrote about the TV series The Gentle Touch, which was the first British detective series to have a female lead.
Maddy
wow that sounds great!
Sheila, such an accomplishment! And the time it took. Amazing. I was never that into Jacob Elordi till I saw an interview with him and he was adorable (if a man that tall can be called that?). Yes, adorable! I have ordered the book. Would probably not, if not written by you. But simply had to. I feel such pride. Feel almost like your “real” mother. Ha! Be well. And enjoy the hell out of this time. You’ve earned it. Love to Frankie.
Yes, Jacob is the real deal – and a total pro, which is cool to see in someone so young.
and my real mother is very proud. very glad we are doing a RI event so she can come!
Frankie’s doing great. We had his wellness check yesterday and he passed with flying colors.
Sheila!
Your book was just delivered. It is opulent!
What a marvelous treasure you have made.
Yay!! Isn’t it … a work of art? They really outdid themselves with the design. It was a fascinating process. I had no idea what would be featured – so I basically had to cover everything, and then the design followed from there. It was a lot of resposibility – making sure I gave credit to everything and discussed everything. I’m happy with the result – these artists are just insane.
Thanks so much for buying it!!
I can’t wait for my local bookstore to receive it – any day, now, I guess! This is very exciting, and I’m so happy for you. And hearing GDT’s fierce love of art – even in this huge commercial machine – his excitement about it, he looks like he’s never jaded about any of it, and it’s been really good for my soul. I can’t wait to hold this piece of art in my hands.
Also, yes, I’ve been thinking a lot about being more intentional with being in relationship with the people around me, both artists and not. I cherish all the relationships and knowledge the internet has brought me, but it’s essential right now to also be in community in the physical world. It’s a matter of survival.
Wishing you EXCELLENT, well-deserved R&R, Sheila!
Hi! Yes, I am assuming it’ll show up soon!
GDT really is the coolest, isn’t he? He’s such an example for me – and watching him on set too. Keeping it loose, everyone feeling like a part of it – but also he is totally in charge. and loving how this whole press tour has featured his “fuck AI” stance. it’s refreshing and I know what you mean, good for the soul. we have got to push back on this stuff.
Looking forward to hearing people’s responses to the book. I feel so fortunate I got to meet and get to know all these people – merely (“merely”) through discussing their work and their process.
In-person community feels more important than ever to me now. I get that that’ not an option for everyone but it’s an option for me so I need to nurture it. we are calling our retreat “The Hearth”. and hoping to keep it going. The Hearth: a cozy place where people gather to get warm. My friend Derek will be there – he’s a director – I was in a bunch of stuff he directed back in the day (we all were) – and I look forward to seeing whatever he might have planned for us, to go deeper into our work – whatever it is we’re working on – and kind of creating a space where we all can support each other. We are all so isolated from each other now. it’s just a sign of the times. I am grateful for the friends I’ve made on here – but … I’ve done a lot of in-person stuff over the past month – more than I’ve done in years – and it’s exhausting but it feels GOOD.
and thank you Lyrie!!
Fantastic Sheila! I shall head down to the local Barnes and Nobles (if it’s still there!) as soon as I can. Or order it online, or something!
Take care! You do deserve a rest!
Frances – thank you so much!! B&N is definitely supposed to be carrying it. I appreciate the support!