Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, a previous celebrity representative, delves into her authored work titled 'Climbing in Heels.'
New Interview:
Host: Breaking the old boys club of Hollywood with a mix of "Mad Men" and "Sex and The City" - that's the premise of Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas' new novel, "Climbing In Heels." She's the author and former agency executive who knows all too well the struggles of women in 80s Tinseltown. This debut novel follows the adventures of three ambitious women trying to crack the glass ceiling in the realm of male power players. Elaine, welcome!
Goldsmith-Thomas: Thanks for having me!
Host: So, let's dive into these three women central to your story. They're navigating a male-dominated world that often doesn't consider them as equals. Can you give us a sneak peek at who they are and what they're up against?
Goldsmith-Thomas: I'd love to! They're an unlikely trio, really–friends who come together to support each other and survive the treacherous Hollywood landscape. They're tough, they're ambitious, but they're also vulnerable in their own ways. One character, Beanie, is determined to become an agent, defying expectations and limitations that tell her women don't belong in that role.
Host: That's right. Beanie wants to break through the glass ceiling, even though the men around her treat her as nothing more than a secretary. You know, your book even addresses the use of the term "sexyetaries" for secretaries, and the idea that a woman with a degree and ambition was merely considered eye candy by some male agents.
Goldsmith-Thomas: Absolutely. While it's important to note that not all men behaved this way, there were many instances of behavior that was far from professional. Some of this is fictional, but some truths lie behind the stories told in "Climbing In Heels." Power dynamics could lead to toxic relationships, leaving women navigating a minefield of predators and limitations.
Host: That reminds me of a moment from your interview with Leila Fadel, where you shared an encounter with Bill Cosby. Can you tell us about that?
Goldsmith-Thomas: Of course. When I was a secretary at William Morris, Bill Cosby invited us to a luncheon. He singled me out and asked about my aspirations. I told him I wanted to be an agent, and he laughed. Later that day, I received a call to go to his hotel room to wait for him to sign some contracts. However, one of the executive secretaries cautioned me, saying that if I went, I'd likely fall into his plans. With that warning, I decided not to go, a decision I've regretted but also been grateful for.
Host: In light of recent events, it's chilling to hear that story, but it highlights the challenges women faced and continue to face in Hollywood. In "Climbing In Heels", you've written about darker aspects of the industry, including sexual assault and manipulation, but also shown the resilience of women who, despite these obstacles, continue to strive for success.
Goldsmith-Thomas: I wanted to tell the truth through my experiences and capture the realities of the era. These women in the novel are strategic and resourceful, using their wit and cunning to navigate the treacherous waters of the Hollywood system. They're not mere victims but survivors who become the architects of their own destinies. It's a book about power, friendship, and the lengths women will go to achieve their dreams amidst the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.
- Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas has written a new novel, "Climbing In Heels," which blends elements of "Mad Men" and "Sex and The City," focusing on the struggles of women in 1980s Hollywood.
- Goldsmith-Thomas' debut novel follows the journey of three ambitious women aiming to break the glass ceiling within male-dominated power structures.
- In line with her novel, Goldsmith-Thomas has discussed the use of derogatory terms like "sexyetaries" for secretaries, highlighting the misogynistic attitudes prevalent in the entertainment industry.
- Goldsmith-Thomas' book also delves into darker aspects such as sexual assault and manipulation, whileshowcasing the resilience of women striving for success in Hollywood.
- Despite the challenges, Goldsmith-Thomas emphasizes the strategic and resourceful nature of her protagonists, who use their wit and cunning to navigate the complexities of the industry.
- In an interview, Goldsmith-Thomas shared an encounter with Bill Cosby, where he expressed disbelief at her aspiration to become an agent, offering an unsettling insight into the industry's past.
- The novel serves as a testament to the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, but also celebrates their strength, resilience, and the power they wield in shaping their own destinies.
