How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? I have three daughters — ages 20, 11 and 9. We moved to Westport from Los Angeles about 2 and half years ago. It was a pandemic move and I’m glad we did it. My eldest daughter started college in NY about the same time we moved here. About a year ago, my parents moved to town as well! It’s nice to have them close by.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? I’ve been writing television for so many years that it is just part of who I am now. My newest project for Netflix is “Queen Charlotte” (May 4 release) – it is a prequel to the Bridgerton series. I am really proud of it and I hope people enjoy it.
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? AND/OR what is the last book you read? I am a huge “Yellowjackets” fan. It’s brilliant. And “Dark” will always remain at the top of my list. If you have not seen it, stop what you are doing and go binge it. But when I want something to make me laugh? Right now, nothing beats “American Auto” and “Abbott Elementary”.
As for books–I love to read. I have a pile of books next to my bed that I am slowly making my way through. I finally have the time. I just finished a beautiful haunting book — “I Have Some Questions For You” by Rebecca Makkai
What is your favorite podcast? I’m going to be shameless here and say that my favorite podcasts are our Shondaland Audio podcasts that we make in partnership with iHeart Media. I love the breadth and the range of our shows.
What is one food you could not live without? It’s not really a food but…tea. I unable to live without a good cup of tea.
What is one product you could not live without? My iPad. I wouldn’t be able to have such a mobile work life without my iPad.
What is your greatest indulgence? Luxury Travel
Which talent would you most like to have? Oh, I would want to be able to sing! I have a dreadful voice but I dream of being able to sing like an Aretha or Jennifer Hudson or Adele…. My shower has suffered through a great many “Shonda Concerts”.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I play the oboe, the drums, the timpani, the marimba and xylophone and the bells. I was a band geek in high school. During the pandemic, I took up the cello. I’m terrible at it but in my head, I am Yo-Yo Ma. I need to find a good instructor.
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been? Before I sold my first script in Hollywood, I actually had plans to leave Los Angeles and pursue a post baccalaureate year in science in order to attend medical school. Luckily that first script did sell and later, I got to write about being a doctor instead of actually being a doctor.
If you could travel to one place this next year, where would it be and why? Post pandemic, I feel like I appreciate the ability to travel so much more. I have so many places I want to go, so many parts of the world that I want to show my daughters. My 11 year old wants to see Japan, my 9 year old wants to see Nigeria and my eldest daughter and I want to see EVERYTHING. We are having fun trying to decide where to go on our next vacation.
Are you a morning person, or a night owl? How does sleep fit into your life? Sleep is incredibly important to me. If I have not had enough sleep, I can’t write – my brain shuts down. I used to be a night owl when I was younger but the moment I became a mother, my body switched to being a morning person. Babies don’t sleep late. Now I get up at 5 am.
What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs? I grew up in the suburbs so I don’t feel surprised — it feels like coming home. I like the fact that my children are getting a childhood similar to my own. Deciding to move here is one of the best things I have done for my family.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? – Popcorn
Cook or order in? – Cook
Cake or Ice Cream? – Ice Cream
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? – Tea
Beach or Mountains? – Beach
Puzzle or Board Game? – Definitely Puzzle!
Wine or a Cocktail (if cocktail, which one?) – I’m all about Seedlip these days.
Reading or writing? – Both
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? – Book
Watch or play sports? – Watch
Stay in or go out? – Stay in
Comedy or Drama? – Why choose?