Honestly having my kids, swimming with dolphins and getting a novel published pretty much summed up my dream accomplishments. Now I have to come up with a new list.
Michelle and Barack Obama (obviously!) And they should count as one so I can have two more. Ann Patchett, and Pema Chodron. Terrible dinner party combination, but individually I have questions for them all: Political, Literary and Spiritual.
With every book I read, I learn more about what I think is good writing. Although I try not to read great writers when writing a first draft because I take on their tone! Like when I go to the South and suddenly I'm saying Y’all.
I would have gotten an education (gone to college!) and been an English major. Plus I would have studied Latin. I love vocabulary. I'd love to know the how and why of every word.
Working with an editor was the best thing that’s ever happened to my writing. I love the process of collaboration, and in my case I lucked into a great collaborator who has taught me a great deal.
I've always written. Over the years, I’ve written in different mediums: screenplays, plays and short stories. My only novel so far is The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold. I wrote it in fits and starts over many years.
I’m flattered. Always nice to get a compliment! I still get a lot of fan mail, mostly from Grease fans. I'm amazed at the impact it's had over the years.