Scovell - Just the funny parts: my 30 years on the hollywood jungle gym

Sheryl Sandberg gave me a seat on her rocket ship and changed my life forever. I could not be more grateful for her friendship and all the opportunities that our working together has provided. Youd think that after collaborating with someone closely for seven years, youd get accustomed to how they think and act, but Sheryls kindness, generosity, and brilliance still amaze me.

Editor Jessica Sindler was lovely and patient throughout this long process. Her guidance was invaluable. I am indebted to Julia Cheiffetz for being the first to believe in this project. And a boatload of thanks to the steady stewardship of Lynn Grady, as well as Ben Steinberg, Kendra Newton, Kell Wilson, Kelly Rudolph, Jeanne Reina, Beth Silfin, Andrea Molitor, Suet Chong, Alivia Lopez, and the rest of the team at Dey Street.

Lacy Lynch was a delight to work with and so much more than an agent. She was a partner, and I depended on her advice, sense of humor, and judgment in all matters, both creative and practical. She encouraged me and challenged me in the best possible ways. Miller/Dupree super agent Jan Miller was this books fairy godmother. She should write her own book. I bet shed get a good deal.

Jill Twiss was my first reader and has seen sentences no human should have to read. Her thoughtful and funny feedback made every chapter better. I met Lewis Friedman in 2014 and he instantly became one of my most trusted friends. Since he hadnt heard all my stories, he proved to be an important and insightful reader. Rachel Dry is funny and wise and was there at the beginning. Laura Zigman is wise and funny and was there at the end.

Years ago, I told Barry Kemp that I was thinking of writing a memoir. He tapped his fingers against his lips and said, You should call it Just the Funny Parts. I know a good pitch when I hear it.

Alex Isley designed the cover. He is an artistic genius, as well as one of the kindest and funniest people I know. I cherish our long friendship. Robert Trachtenberg deeply understands comedy and is as good a writer as he is a photographer. Im lucky that he shot the cover and author photo. Kurt Anderson and Anne Kreamer deserve a special thank-you for being there from the proposal to the cover selection. They were my heroes before they were my friends.

Most of my friends are writers and I leaned heavily on them. Many are mentioned in the book so I wont double up. Some deserved to be mentioned but there wasnt space. Lots of love and thanks to: Scott Alexander, Beth Armogida, Neena Beber, Aimee Bell, David Dreyer, Quentin Hardy, Jenny Jaffe, David Kamp, Larry Karaszewksi, Leah Krinsky, Nell Minow, Kay Oyegun, Tony Rogers, Erin Gloria Ryan, Krista Vernoff, Jessica Yellin, and James Andrew Miller, who is as brilliant as he is supportive. And heaps of gratitude to nonwriter pals Hannah Zackson, Carol Krol, Anthea Liontos, David Shaw, Ashley Zandy, Aileen Boyle, Reade Fahs, Gina Wangrycht, and Rachel Klayman for invaluable input.

Thanks to all the members of the Jungle. Im glad I crashed there. To my fellow IJC members, I offer a hearty Juice! Everyone on TMTS is a goddamn delight. And hugs to all the WHEN-ers, including Kate Mullaney, Jessica Bennett, and especially Amanda McCall, who made me happy when skies were gray.

I am grateful to lawyers Heather King and Jonathan Sherman of Boies Schiller & Flexner LLP for offering expert advice and overall kindness. They gave me the gift of peace of mind. Marty Schwimmer of Leason Ellis helped me understand the complexities of copyright law while making me laugh. Lawyer Ghen Laraya Long did incredible work, giving her full attention to every legal detail. Her dedication and enthusiasm for the project meant the world to me. Leigh Brecheen is a world-class entertainment lawyer and a world-class friend.

Many thanks to all my agents over the years and to the last ones standing: WMEs Simon Faber and Nancy Josephson. I am lucky to have them in my corner. Im grateful that Barry Greenfield and David Altman have kept Finishing the Hat Productions running smoothly over three decades. Lauren Johnson was indispensable.

Mellody Hobson and George Lucas generously provided inspiration and a gorgeous place to write at Skywalker Ranch. I loved my time at Yaddo for Nerds. Many thanks to Connie Wethington who took great care of me while there.

My siblingsJulie, Alice, Ted, and Clairehave kept me laughing my entire life. Its been an honor and a privilege to be their middle sister.

Finally, my love for Colin Summers cannot be summed up in a single sentence. Or even two.

NELL SCOVELL is a television writer, producer, and director. She collaborated with Sheryl Sandberg on the #1 New York Times bestseller Lean In and is the creator of the television series Sabrina, the Teenage Witch . Other credits include The Simpsons , Coach , Monk , Murphy Brown , Charmed , and NCIS . She has directed two movies for cable and an episode of Awkward for MTV. She has contributed to SPY magazine, Vanity Fair , Vogue , and the New York Times .

She and her husband, Colin Summers, have two college-age sons. Despite Blue yster Cults well-reasoned arguments, she still fears the reaper.

www.nellscovell.com

@NellSco

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Q: What was the smartest dinosaur?

A: Roget Thesaurus

The first joke I recall writing, circa fifth grade.

I WAS BORN AT BOSTON LYING-IN HOSPITAL ON TUESDAY , November 8, 1960. On Wednesday, the entire state of Massachusetts celebrated. Those two events were not connected. On my birthday, Boston-bred John F. Kennedy defeated sweaty Richard M. Nixon at the voting booths. Kennedy became the youngest president ever elected and that day marked a cultural shift that led to the youth movement, the civil rights movement, the feminist revolution, the sexual revolution, and the rise of pop culture. But Im sure you have a cool birthday too.

Three out of my four grandparents immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. My paternal grandfather Louis Scovell fled Smorgon, Belarus, as a teenager, and came in through Ellis Island. Louis used to tell stories about his teenage years in the old country and having to bring the cows back to the barn while German bullets whizzed by his head. I will tell my own grandchildren about being forced to play dodge ball in middle school while wearing a horizontal-striped spandex uniform. Ive suffered, too.

Middle school PE uniform aka The Comedy Writer Maker

Courtesy of the author

Louis had minimal education but plenty of smarts. He married Rhoda Orentlicher, of the Tarnopol Orentlichers, who came to America at the age of four. Over the centuries, Tarnopol flipped between Poland and Austria and since Rhoda was drawn to books and music, she preferred to self-identify as Austrian. My father, Mel, used to joke that each year his mothers birthplace moved closer to Vienna until eventually it was within the city limits. Rhoda kept a kosher home but Louis loved bacon so much, he convinced a doctor to write a note saying bacon was necessary for his health. Told you he had smarts.