I never understood the concept of a fluffy summer read. For me, summer reading means beaches, long train rides and layovers in foreign airports. All of which call for escaping into really long books. Maria Semple airportbeachbook Change image and share on social
I always write authors after I read their books. I've been doing it for years. I write a formal letter and send it to them in care of their agent. My mother always taught us to write thank you notes, and if an author puts themselves out there, they like to hear that their book connected with someone. Maria Semple agentauthorbook share on social
One reason I find all this character growth and narrative swerving so exhilarating is because I never got to do it when I wrote for TV. Our characters needed to remain consistent from week to week. Maria Semple characterconsistentexhilarate Change image and share on social
'Where'd You Go, Bernadette' was surprisingly easy and fun to write because I was feeling such strong emotions. Maria Semple bernadetteeasyemotion Change image and share on social
I learned that comedy is born out of strong characters. I won't begin writing a character until I have a clear take on them. Maria Semple bearbegincharacter Change image and share on social
This is Seattle. We're supposed to have superior taste. Maria Semple seattlesuperiorsuppose Change image and share on social
Ruthless concern with story is what I learned in television. Maria Semple concernlearnruthless Change image and share on social
When you need a good laugh, do you reach for a book? I don't. I expect books to move me deeply and submerge me in another reality. So when a novel makes me roar with laughter, it's always a delightful surprise. Maria Semple bookdeeplydelightful share on social
I try to begin with a strong grasp of my characters. Even if it's schematic, I need it clear in my head who these people are. Maria Semple begincharacterclear Change image and share on social
It was important for me early on to find the voice of each character and figure out what was unique about them and their individual worldview that I could use for comedy or conflict. Maria Semple charactercomedyconflict Change image and share on social