Shore Vs City: Francie Arenson Dickman

Highland Park author Francie Arenson Dickman has been using her own life as material in her work. Her goal is always relatability and laughter—whether through her personal essays, her performances, or her new comedic novel, Chuckerman Makes a Movie, published by SheWrites Press. Here are some of Dickman’s favorites from around the shore and in the city.

What’s on the horizon? Book promotion and enjoying the next few years with my kids before college

Mantra? One day at a time

Best grooming tip? Larissa Zalessky at ALX Salon in Highland Park

Guilty pleasure? Coffee-Mate Peppermint Mocha Creamer

Favorite foods? Sushi

Music you love? The Lumineers, Bruce Springsteen, and Broadway

Best advice ever given to you? Don’t worry about things you can’t control

Best advice you’ve given? Don’t worry about things you can’t control

Earliest memory? Sunday morning with grandparents and bagels

When you wake up, you…? Turn on Morning Joe

Before bed, you..? Read or watch Seinfeld re-runs

What’s on your bookshelf? David Sedaris, Meg Wolitzer, and me

You can’t live without? Family, friends, coffee

Love to escape to? The Northwoods

Advice you would give to your younger self? Always go with your gut. Also, get a dog

ON THE SHORE

Your style is…? Jeans and boots

Can’t leave the house without? Phone

Transportation? SUV

Driving music? Coffee House channel

Place to eat? Bar at Deerpath Inn

Shop? Uptown Highland Park and The Book Stall

Best thing about the Shore? My neighbors

Worst thing about the Shore? It’s not the city

The perfect day is…? Writing at Starbucks, spin at Equinox, walk dog, and family dinner

IN THE CITY

Your style is…? Nicer jeans and higher boots

Can’t leave the house without? Phone

Transportation? SUV

Driving music? Audible books distract me from the traffic

Place to eat? RPM Italian

Shop? Krista K, Art Effect, and The Book Cellar

Best thing about the City? The arts and the energy

Worst thing about the City? Traffic

The perfect day is…? Massage and sun terrace at the Peninsula and evening at my Midlife Crisis Improv class at Second City