Q&A: Kristin Gore

Comedy writer Kristin Gore—daughter of Al and Tipper Gore—has turned her hand to fiction. Sammy's Hill conjures charming, and charmingly neurotic, Washington staffer Sammy Joyce and an ensemble cast of equally colorful characters.

What was the genesis of your novel?

This book is my attempt to make the world of politics accessible in a real and funny way. Having grown up in this world, I know it can be dramatic, hilarious, surprising, heartbreaking, and inspiring. I tried my best to pour those elements into this story while giving voice to Sammy, a character I couldn't get out of my head once she lodged herself in there. Even after I ended the book, I kept writing her, so she definitely has more adventures on the horizon.

You've done comedy writing for Saturday Night Live and Futurama. How did writing a novel compare?

I like the collaboration and craziness of TV comedy writing, but tackling a novel was extremely liberating. All the characters and plot lines were mine to develop however I chose. And I reveled in the opportunity to explore a universe beyond one-liners. I couldn't wait to write every day, which is not a feeling I had writing for television. Strangely, I didn't miss the interaction with other people that much. It turns out I make an excellent recluse.

Some of the characters seem loosely based on actual people, like President Pile, with his "smug disregard" for environmental and healthcare incentives. Want to diffuse any assumptions people will make?

One of the things I love about writing fiction is the opportunity to invent a cast of characters. This novel is definitely fiction, and I hope that people will find the characters compelling.

So-called chick lit often deals with some fairly serious themes, and here Sammy makes a serious case for a national healthcare system. Yet the genre is dismissed in literary circles. Why?

I actually didn't set out to write a "chick lit" book, and I'm still confused about the genre. Is it a genre? It sometimes seems like a dismissive label, other times like a clever marketing tool. I just tried to write a good story.

Ever thought about going into politics yourself?

I certainly have tremendous respect for those who devote themselves to public service, and I will always be involved in politics to the extent that I think every person should be. Tuning in and engaging and voting and caring help us shape the sort of world we want to live in. But as for professional aspirations, mine revolve around writing.