— Chicago reading of my script nearly finalized. For those of you in the Chicago area, the reading will be held at a theatre, so I will certainly provide details once they become available. It will be in early November. I’m very excited.
— New York reading of the script is also in the works, although that might take a bit more time.
— What is good about all of this is that it finally feels like momentum is building on its own, although of course that is an illusion, and I’ve had to hustle every step of the way. But the momentum also comes from my dedication to getting this thing seen, heard, and finally produced, and so when I’m in that zone it becomes easy to make requests, send it to people, ask for help. That’s how things get done, in the end. There’s no magic to it. Just sheer will power.
— My only indication that we had had an earthquake was that I was trying to get someone on the phone and I got a busy signal. A busy signal. You never hear busy signals anymore in this day and age. It reminded me of 9/11, had a brief flash of, “Huh. That’s odd.” 2 seconds later, I got through to who I needed to get through to. Then I realized later that that had been the earthquake.
— Been working out every morning with Allison. I wake up at 5:30, meet her at the gym by 7 a.m., we work out, and then part at 8:15, our days barely begun yet. It’s our new thing, and so far we are very committed to it, and I like our new routine. Tomorrow we are working out in the afternoon, so I hope that doesn’t throw our rhythm off.
— My friend Alex is starting grad school. It is a huge thing for her and I am so proud.
— Gearing up for a busy fall. Siobhan and Ben’s wedding fast approaching. My friends’ son Bar Mitzvah. New York Film Festival.
— Finally finishing up the Twilight books. I read Twilight and New Moon in the final months of 2008 when I no longer could concentrate on anything more serious. They gave me great comfort. Then, with the early months of 2009, I didn’t feel like picking them up anymore. I couldn’t read at all in 2009. So I figured, what the hell, let me finish them. They are completely hilarious and ridiculous. I want to tell Bella, “Dear, you’re 18. Relax. There is no need to choose Team Jacob OR Team Edward because YOU’RE EIGHTEEN.” Or, to quote my friend Odie, “Bitch, buy a dildo, damn!” That’s kind of how I feel, but still, the books are extremely entertaining. Every 5 pages, Edward and Bella have yet another 10-page argument and it is always the same thing. “If I love you completely, I could kill you.” “But that’s okay – I’ll be fine.” “I could not bear to hurt you, Bella.” “Please, love me. It’s okay.” I want to say to Edward, “Oh relax with your protective bullshit. It’s tiresome.” It NEVER STOPS. The argument never develops, it never moves forward, it is always the same. Perhaps sparkly-skinned vampires are stuck in a time-loop where it’s okay to have the same argument every 10 minutes. The writing is often atrocious, but somehow I don’t mind. I find Bella entertaining in all her martyr-complex clumsypants charm. I am now almost done with the final book, so please, do not tell me what happens. I am warning you. Bella and Edward are now married, she’s a vampire, and she’s learning the ropes. Who knew that being a vampire DIDN’T mean that you had to sleep in a coffin, slurp down blood, and cringe at the sight of crucifixes … Who knew that it actually meant you could run like the wind, fuck all night long and never get tired, and leap over rivers in a single bound! Where do I sign up?
— I’ve been going to the beach as much as I can. Last weekend, I swam for a total of 5 hours. The waves were huge. My SPF worked great, not one new freckle. But I was waterlogged.
— It’s the last days of bikini weather. And in that vein. I have always loved bikinis. Clearly. Even when they cut off my circulation.
RE: Chicago reading of your script — (A) How exciting! Congratulations! (B) It would a thrill to attend the reading.
MFS
MFS – Oh my gosh, what a pleasure it would be to finally meet you. I’ll drop you a line when I know the details!
*blushing* Funny, I was thinking what a pleasure it would be to meet *you.* ‘looking forward to hearing when/where. And again, congratulations, Sheila.
MFS
Your site has been a daily pitstop of mine for years. I have you to thank for first introducing me to Slings and Arrows.
I’d LOVE to make it to a reading of your play. Chicago is a trek from Iowa, but it is doable. Chicago is my favorite road trip.
I’m so happy for you – making your dreams come true. A lot of it is hard work but none of the work would matter without your amazing talent. You are a hell of a writer.
Adorable picture. I think we all had the same toys back in the day.
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Jill – hahaha I definitely do not look happy with that toy selection. ‘is this all there is?’
When I have details for the reading, I will post on my site for anyone who would like to attend. Nervewracking, but fun!!
//Who knew that it actually meant you could run like the wind, fuck all night long and never get tired, and leap over rivers in a single bound! //
I thought that was being 25, not a vampire.
Congratulations on the readings! Anything planned for the Rhode Island or New Englandy area?
Dan – apparently, vampires have the key to eternal adolescence. Who knew??
New York is the closest New Englandy location so far. But we shall see!
Long shot, but if you’re ever going to do an Olde Englandy reading I’ll be there. Could probably get the Donmar Warehouse for a reasonable rate!
That’s great news on the readings! I will get to it (promise) as soon as my ‘orals’ are done. Stay away from low-lying areas.
Ted – Yes, things are really moving with the script!
I so wanted to drive to the beach on Saturday just to see what the waves will be doing in advance of the storm, but I suppose that is a bad BAD idea. :)
Sheila, I have just reread my comment above, and I think it may come across as facetious. I am sorry if it does. I honestly didn’t mean it that way at all. I am very embarrassed.
Paul – no worries.
I’m doing my best to move my script towards production. Multiple readings in theatre-heavy towns like Chicago and New York are essential, and things are falling into place for that. I’m very serious about my work. I don’t talk about it much here, but it’s my main concern.
Thank you. I wish you the very best success. You deserve it.
Thanks, Paul! I’m glad other people are excited to work on it, too – validating, helps me push forward with it.
Ooooooh, count me in for Chicago, too!