Ellie Kemper on Being the 'Next Mindy Kaling' and Steve Carell's Office Replacement

Do you prefer writing or acting?

I think I get certain pleasure from writing what I'm performing. I like that aspect of it. But in the case of The Office, you're being written such wonderful things so it's a pleasure that way too. But my sister and I are actually working on a book right now, so we're writing that and we'll see what comes of that but it's nice to balance the two.

How much can you say about your book?

I was scared for so long to talk about it! Even to talk about it to my agent. It's a comedic novel -- well it's novel-esque -- about a therapist on the Upper West Side and the patients she deals with. Again, it's funny. It's not serious. We're still writing now so we're not sure how it will end.

Do you actually write sitting side-by-side?

No. No. No. No! I don't know how people do that. I remember there was a scene in some movie where this couple is writing across from each other --

Friends with Money?

Yes! I don't know how you could do that.

I think that would probably result in a restraining order if I was involved in that kind of partnership. So how do you and your sister write?

We meet once a week and we talk about what we're going to write for the week. Then we go away and write and then come back and share. I don't know how most people do it.

Is your sister older or younger?

She's younger but she's more mature. I guess she's just a little bit calmer.

There's a certain power that comes with being on a popular television show. How do you plan on taking advantage of that?

Oh my. I have no idea. What do you think? Maybe I should just try to get free dinners?

For more on Ellie Kemper, Movieline's Christopher Rosen interviewed the actress for Vulture here.

[Top photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images]

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