Maria Semple is an American author and screenwriter, best known for her novels that often blend humor with poignant observations about life. Her most famous work, Where'd You Go, Bernadette, received critical acclaim and was adapted into a film in 2019. Semple's writing often features strong, complex female characters and explores themes of family, identity, and the challenges of modern life. Before becoming a novelist, Semple worked in television, contributing to popular shows like Arrested Development and Mad About You. Her background in screenwriting influences her narrative style, making her books engaging and accessible to a wide audience.