Francie Arenson Dickman. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR
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
