The 5-minute Interview: Theresa Rebeck, novelist/playwright

'Some of my critics called me a man-hater'

(Carolyn Contino/BEI / Rex Features)

Rebeck has written scripts for 'LA Law' and 'NYPD Blue', picking up many awards for stage and screen work. Her latest novel, 'Three Girls and Their Brother', is out this month.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Writing.

A phrase I use far too often is...

I say "dude" a lot.

I wish people would take more notice of...

So many things. I guess everything – people are too complacent in general. I mean I'd like people to go to the theatre more. And I'm concerned about world hunger. And global warming. I'm worried about those polar bears.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Selling a novel. I wasn't sure I was doing it right. And having a Chinese daughter. It was an utter delight and the most natural thing in the world but I'd never have thought of it growing up.

A common misperception of me is...

Because my work tends to be a bit edgy, some of the critics called me a man-hater. It pissed me off.

I'm not a politician but...

If I were I would reinstate arts education in the schools.

I'm good at...

Piano. And I'm a pretty good mother. I like having kids. It's entertaining and I'm good at it. Also I think I'm a sensible friend.

I'm very bad at...

I'm a poor sleeper. I don't sleep well and I'm impatient with everything.

The ideal night out is...

Dinner in Venice.

In moments of weakness I...

Sometimes I panic and sometimes I go to the gym.

You know me as a writer but in truer life I'd have been...

I would like to be a police detective. Sometimes I really wish I'd done that.

The best age to be is...

Early forties.

In a nutshell my philosophy is...

I can do that.

Alice-Azania Jarvis