Hello,
My name is Frank and I have joined this forum to promote my book, “The Physics of Dark Shadows,” which is officially released today. I spent this past Saturday signing a ton of books at a New York warehouse. Thank you to those who pre-ordered the book. I understand from the publisher that they will be shipped imminently.
My main purpose for joining this site, in addition to promoting the book, is to answer any questions anyone might have. There are several things I would like to say in anticipation of, and in response to, the most common questions.
First of all, as a huge Dark Shadows fan, I have been told that this is the best forum for fans to gather. I would have liked to have joined sooner, but I have three teaching jobs, plus I’m a student, plus I have contracts for three other books, all of which keeps me away from my computer during the day. I will get back to this site and answer all questions as frequently as I can. I have a good number of personal friends who belong to this site, though I confess I don’t know what creative user names they use. My very close friend Amanda, who goes by “ProfStokes”, did write the preface to the book. Kathryn Leigh Scott, who is not a member, wrote the foreword. I understand Jonathan Frid is now a member here, which automatically makes this the most prestigious forum for fans, I presume.
With the official release of the book, orders are no longer considered “pre-orders” but I will continue to sign books ordered from the publisher until the Dark Shadows Festival. I will be speaking at the Festival on Sunday July 20th at 12 noon and books will be available for sale, too. In addition to me, both Amanda and Kathryn will sign books at the Festival for anyone who would like. If you would like Amanda's signature but are not going to the Festival, I can arrange that, too.
By the way, the best reason to buy this book is for the value of Amanda’s signature, which will be one day worth more than mine and Kathryn’s combined. Amanda’s preface, which gives voice to the fan’s point of view, is truly indispensable.
On the current Festival schedule, my speaking spot is titled somewhat inaccurately. It’s listed as “The World of Parallel Time”, but the real title of my talk should be “The scientific reality of time travel” which does include parallel time. Jim Pierson has told me he will change it for the program. My talk will encompass that which is in the first part of my book – time travel. I will be happy to take questions at the Festival on the other sections about the science of ESP.
I will not at this time go into the details of the book because the promotional summary was posted by Amanda at the beginning of this topic. The website to order is also listed above – culturalstudiespress.com.
I have attended Dark Shadows Festivals every year since 1999 and have many friends that I’ve made through the years. I may very well have more friends from this site than I currently realize. If anyone has attended a Festival, you may have seen me and know me from there.
So what else can an author possibly say about his own book? I guess I’m supposed to say it is indispensable. You cannot live without it. It is a vital addition to your personal collection. And you will be forever lacking in Dark Shadows enrichment without it.
Seriously, I'm a college professor and the book began as a magazine article; researching the physics of time travel is something I also assign my journalism students. To make a long story short, my agent got me a publisher for what became a book and I think the final product is an interesting examination of the physics and science behind many of the strange events on Dark Shadows. It is written in a manner that is understandable for the average fan. So while it’s not really for young children, neither is it an undecipherable science book. It should be both interesting and fun.
In addition to answering your questions on this forum, I’ll post any related links from newspapers that are published in the next few weeks.
Thank you.
Frank Borzellieri