My Creation(s)

My book is done. I have just (immediately preceding the posting of this entry) submitted the final final final proof of the book, and it will be in the production line tomorrow. This is cause for celebration, which I will be doing tonight by going to see Sufjan Stevens at the Orpheum in Boston. I'm so excited.

But perhaps more importantly, and certainly more amusingly, I must tell you of my favorite latest Conversation with Lucy (TM). We've been reading a lot of Halloween-themed books to her lately (her choice, though certainly we have quite a stock of options) and a current favorite is one about the Littlest Pumpkin, wherein, on the final page, there is a picture of a giant Jack-o-Lantern surrounded by three kids in Halloween costumes.

When we get to the page (as part of her ever-widening stalling routine) she asks "What are their costumes?" which is now just what we do at the end of the book, every time.

Last night, I dutifully told her "there's a witch, a clown, and a Frankenstein."

Last night, Lucy replied: "No, Mommy, that's a Frankenstein's Monster."

Seriously, I could not be more proud. I go over this ALL THE TIME in my Gothic novel/horror story classes, about how Frankenstein is the name of a person, and he created a monster, so really, the guy with the green head is "Frankenstein's monster," NOT "Frankenstein." I can't believe I even tried to get away with not giving her the correct name this time. I stand corrected. And glowing (green?) with pride.

Update on the Media Empire

I should have included this info in last night's Halloween post, but I ran out of time with all the trick-or-treat tending.

My faithful readers will remember that two summers ago, I was interviewed for a PBS special on haunted places in New England (specifically my research on local witches). It aired last fall locally, but I've recently heard from the producer that the thing now has national distribution and that it was one of the top 5 shows distributed by American Public Television this fall. It even won some awards, including an Aurora Award, a Communicator Award, and a Telly Award. Whoa! It's also apparently a top-selling DVD on PBS's website. I had to laugh, though, because the only user review it currently has is very bad; the reviewer is disturbed by all the paranormal/pseudoscientist stuff. I am proud to lay claim to the title of the "voice of reason & skepticism" on the program.

Anyway, suddenly I'm hearing from a bunch of colleagues and students about how they saw me on TV this weekend. Apparently they're blanketing the airwaves with this stuff, and in fact, it was the show that was on just before the latest Mystery series, which, by the way is AWESOME. It is a new, updated Sherlock Holmes and it rules. Two of the three episodes have aired, but you should totally go watch it.

So I'm enjoying my temporary star turn, knowing full well that I am about to be trumped by my dog. The Fighter drops December 10th. That happens to be my last day of classes here. It would seem there are many reasons to get a babysitter that night!