Author Event: Tess Sanchez with Claire Simon

Join author Tess Sanchez to celebrate her book, We've Decided to Go in a Different Direction with a conversation, Q&A and signing! Tess will be in conversation with Claire Simon.

Preorder a copy on our website!

Copies of the book will also be available to purchase at the event. While RSVPs are not required they are highly recommended.

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WE'VE DECIDED TO GO IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION

A funny and heartfelt essay collection about working in Hollywood, starting over, defining your identity, and the relatable messiness that ensues from unforeseen circumstances.
Wife to a well-known actor, the mother of two, a sister, daughter, and general meddler, Tess Sanchez’s life was like a #1-rated sitcom. But the loss of her career as a highly successful casting executive equaled series cancellation. Now, with humor and insight, Sanchez examines the aftermath of a major shift that forever changed the course of her life, and the resilience that came from reframing loss into possibility.
“We’ve decided to go in a different direction” was a phrase Sanchez rattled off to countless agents, actors, producers, and many more. But in the fall of 2020, the tables turned as she was on the receiving end of that phrase, when she lost the long-held job she adored. She quickly discovered how much that career defined her identity, from her personal relationships to her own perception of herself. In the midst of facing this upheaval, her father was diagnosed with a devastating illness and suddenly, Sanchez had to learn what it means to parent her parents.
Moving, witty, and fun, We've Decided to Go in a Different Direction offers you both welcome comedy and empowering strength when it comes to tackling life’s challenges.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Tess Sanchez has spent twenty years in the entertainment industry as a casting director. We’ve Decided to Go in a Different Direction is her debut book. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, actor Max Greenfield, and their two children. Follow her on Instagram @TessSanchezGreenfield.

Although Claire Simon has been casting professionally since 1996, her first casting gig was actually at the age of 10. While producing her second revival of The King and I in her garage, the neighborhood kids staged a revolt, and demanded a fair audition process after they discovered she was planning on giving herself the lead role for the second year in a row. She acquiesced and immediately held a casting session, after which she promptly cast herself again, stating that the whole thing was her idea, so she got to choose. Thankfully she matured a bit since then, and her casting skills have been honed, so that the Chicago actors will never be in danger of her stealing their roles. Currently Claire has the distinct privilege of casting Empire, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Sense8, and the upcoming series Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams. An Artios winner for her work on Empire and Pr*son Break, she is also a national board member of CSA (Casting Society of America), board member of IPA and a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Host or Publisher City Lit Books