We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Underwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks has been part of my career from day one. As a creative, you’re constantly rejected. You take a risk every time you show your work to someone and hope they like it. Or in my case I take a risk every time I cold-call a comedian hoping they’ll do my sitcom. You take the 99% rejection for the high of the 1% acceptance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always idolized people like Tyler Perry and Lucille Ball. While they aren’t similar to each other what makes them special is that they created their own careers. I could’ve gone to film school and moved to LA and climbed the ladder the traditional way. Life circumstances and my own unwillingness to leave Nashville led to a very specific opportunity for me hone my skills and make my own career as a sitcom writer, right here in Tennessee. I’ve learned that if you ask for something and the answer is “no” then nothing changes, but if you ask for something and the answer is “yes” then everything could change.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1. Coffee & Breakfast at Frothy Monkey on 12th South 2. Walk around the neighborhood and visit White’s Mercantile
3. Go check into your hotel, The Graduate, and get ready for a show at the Ryman.
4. Next day, get coffee at Poindexter in the hotel lobby and go for a drive to Franklin, TN
5. Get lunch at Pucketts, definitely get the fried chicken.
6. Walk around downtown Franklin, visit ALL THE SHOPS.
7. Museum day! Go to the Frist Art Museum, Tennessee State Museum, and the Johnny Cash Museum
8. Then grab supper at Hawkers in East Nashville

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is no one who has been more vital to my success than my parents. Their wholehearted support means the world and I would not be where I am in my career without them. Not to mention their own brand of humor that gives me constant material for my writing.

Website: thegirlinthechurchpants.com

Instagram: @abbymunderwood

Twitter: @abbyupro

Facebook: Abby M. Underwood

Other: sitcom facebook: facebook.com/thegirlinthechurchpants sitcom instagram: @thegirlinthechurchpants

Image Credits
Daniel Alvarado

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