CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Last night, the Champaign Public Library’s auditorium was packed — nearly 500 people filled every seat, with others standing along the walls, all drawn to the evening’s guest: Shelby Van Pelt, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures. The event, part of the library’s Great Authors at the Library series, took place at the library’s main branch at 200 W. Green Street, Champaign.
From YouTube to a Book Idea
Van Pelt told the audience that the idea for her octopus‑centered novel first struck her after watching innumerable videos about octopuses — their intelligence and curiosity. She explained that she had taken an adult education writing class and was inspired by a fellow student who wrote a story from the perspective of a toaster. Something about that playful audacity struck her, and she thought: Why not an octopus? She pitched the concept to her teacher, who read her draft and said it was a book she herself would read. That affirmation helped push Van Pelt forward.
Tova, Inspired by a Grandmother
The central character of Remarkably Bright Creatures, Tova, was born from Van Pelt’s memories of her own grandmother. In her talk, the author described how she wove pieces of her grandmother’s spirit, voice, and life into Tova’s personality, making the character feel deeply lived, familiar, and emotionally grounded.
A Long Road to Publication, and a Serendipitous Netflix Documentary
Van Pelt said it took eight years to complete the manuscript. She taught herself to write, joined a group of friends who also wrote, and shared early drafts for feedback. Their encouragement, she said, was essential to keep going.
She also admitted to worrying when Remarkably Bright Creatures was released in proximity to the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher. But that fear proved misplaced: public interest in octopuses soared, inadvertently boosting awareness of her novel. In a twist of fate, a Netflix adaptation of her book is now underway, starring Sally Field as Tova — just as the author had always hoped. Van Pelt told the crowd she once told Field on set, “You are Tova” — a wish realized.
An Hour of Story, Then Lines of Readers
Van Pelt spoke for about an hour, charming the crowd with stories of research, drafts, and the emotional weight of letting a fictional octopus speak. Afterward, she held a lengthy autograph session, signing books and chatting with nearly every attendee. The line snaked through the lobby and beyond — a testament to both the appeal of her novel and the connection she had made with her audience.
What’s Next — Another Animal Awaits
When asked what she is working on next, Van Pelt teased that another animal will take center stage in her next manuscript.
If You Missed the Night
The Champaign Public Library, which hosts the Great Authors at the Library series, promotes this and other author appearances on their website. For more on Shelby Van Pelt and Remarkably Bright Creatures, see her author page.