Diablo Cody, screenwriter of "Young Adult"
Jeff Glor: What inspired you to write the book?
Diablo Cody: I was working on a different script based on a popular young adult series. I found myself wondering about the inner lives of the people who write about teenagers. So one script was inspired by the other. It was fun writing the first script, which is bubbly and upbeat, while also having a darker outlet with Young Adult.
JG: What surprised you the most during the writing process?
DC: The most surprising thing about the writing process, for me, is how enjoyable it is. Everyone's heard the famous quote by Dorothy Parker: "I hate writing, I love having written." I'm the opposite-- I'm sad when I've finished a satisfying project. I like working through problems and breaking story beats. I wish my life involved more actual writing and less "having written."
JG: What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?
DC: If I wasn't a writer, I'd like to be a teacher working with "difficult" and atypical kids. I was one, so I know how they feel.
JG: What else are you reading right now?
DC: Right now I'm reading essays by John Jeremiah Sullivan, who is amazing. He chooses topics that could be seen as lowbrow or ordinary and renders them extraordinary.
JG: What's next for you?
DC: Next, I'm going to be directing my first movie! Can't wait.
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Jeff Glor talks to Diablo Cody, screenwriter of "Young Adult," about how she writes and about her upcoming role as a film director.