KDHamptons

Debra Scott is a bestselling author, screenwriter and journalist who has worked with countless writers to help them with challenges from deep structure to getting “unstuck”. Learn more about her in this NEW KDHamptons Lifestyle Diary, below:

KDHamptons: How long have you been living in the Hamptons? Why do you love living on the east end so much?

Debra Scott: I was actually one of the first city émigrés to move out here full time — in the early 70’s. I worked as a waitress at Bobby Van’s when it was where World Pie is now, and of course, served all the famous literary lions of the day. The Southern writer, Willie Morris, became a friend and took me to Truman Capote’s parties around the corner. I still cry over his book (also movie) My Dog Skip. I moved back to the city after a couple of years – the South Fork was the wilderness back then — but have lived out here full time once a decade since for periods of time. I moved back again (permanently? That remains to be seen) in 2010 from Dutchess County where I’d spent some time after a stint in L.A. writing screenplays. Besides the staggering natural beauty and year round cultural activities out here, it feels like home. The South Fork attracts so many fascinating and accomplished year-rounders, many of whom I am privileged to know.

KDHamptons: Please share what you do with our readers?

Debra: I’m a working journalist and writing coach. As a writing coach I help novices and veteran writers alike with issues from deep structure to getting unstuck. I’m currently working with several writers at various stages of their novels and screenplays. Writing is a right brain/left brain activity using both creativity and logic. For fiction the key is for writers to tap into their feelings in order to connect emotionally with the reader/viewer. They need to be aware of devices that will enable them to do that effectively. It’s not about writing “rules” per se, but about understanding what techniques will help them present their ideas in a gripping and coherent manner.  [To contact me please email or call: debragscott@gmail.com or 631.237.1040]

KDHamptons: How would you describe your perfect Hamptons day?

Debra: My perfect day would be in summer. Yoga by my pool (my cat sidling against my warrior stance); breakfast al fresco at Pierre’s; a walk on a bay beach to collect shells; lunch at Topping Rose; an afternoon of writing or taking an art class at the Parrish or Art Barge; cocktails at Bay Bar Kitchen overlooking the most vibrant Hamptons sunset, a dinner party at someone else’s house (so I don’t have to think about shopping, cooking, cleaning up).

KDHamptons:  You are an author, screenwriter, and journalist — how would you describe your personal writing style?

Debra: I enjoy it all. If I had to describe my style in journalism I’d say I use a combination of high falutin’ language mixed with folksy and pop culture references. I like the contrast. The key is to get the point across in an intelligent way while entertaining the readers and keeping them going to the end, so it’s serious and fun at the same time. As a screenwriter I tend to write “funny.” I’m currently shopping an amusing screenplay around Hollywood, which I wrote 20 years ago with my then beau, the writer Daniel Asa Rose. It’s a laugh-out-loud comedy that has a lot of what Hollywood calls “heart” about the god Apollo (Will Ferrell?) who comes to earth on a bet with Dionysus (Zach Galifianakis?).  For those who forget their mythology, all goddesses fall for Apollo. But Dionysus thinks he knows of a human being who won’t. So Apollo descends to earth (on an elevator) where he puts on his charm but Dionysus may be right about one particular woman (JLaw?) We resurrected the script because at the time we wrote it our agent told us it would cost $600 million to make! Now, with computer graphics what they are, it’s a no-brainer.

KDHamptons: If you could write about anyone in the world, whom would you choose and why?

Debra: Alice Waters, the genius behind Chez Panisse, the lauded Berkley restaurant. She’s the leading light of the sustainable agriculture movement. As a wellness chef (I work privately), she is a hero.

KDHamptons: What do you like to do in the winter months?

Debra: I wish I were more of an outdoors person. Mostly I cuddle by my fireplace, read and write, and occasionally venture out to dinner with friends. My favorite winter spot is The Living Room in East Hampton where amiable bartender Henri mixes a tongue-tingling Spicy Rita with jalapenos, lime juice, agave nectar, homemade honey syrup, grapefruit juice and, of course, tequila. “Each drink is a mini vacation, transporting you to your own private getaway,” as I wrote in a recent article.  I also belong to a book club and go into the city a lot–where the heat is free!

KDHamptons: Please tell us about the new spa concierge business you recently launched?

Debra: The Hamptons are a breeding ground for self-invention and, though I always continue to write, edit and coach other writers, I have reinvented myself more than once. My latest venture is Spalicious Hamptons. My partner Debbie Townes of Sag Harbor and I offer “wellness experiences” whether it be a spa party at your home or one of our “mind, body, soul” soirees at one of our homes where we demonstrate how to make your own health and beauty remedies and superfood dishes while we imbibe spirits (and/or health drinks) and offer spa treatments. Below, is a winter promotion we are offering until May 15th.