Formed Edge Theater with classmates Mary-Louise Parker and Joe Mantello; over four years, wrote and directed twelve productions

While teaching at Bennington College in Vermont, wrote a dramatic monologue about a character named Gilbert Grape

Play "Imagining Brad" produced Off-Broadway

Published first novel "What's Eating Gilbert Grape"

Adapted novel "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" for the screen

Penned the screenplay adaptation of "A Map of the World"

Scripted "About a Boy", starring Hugh Grant; received an Oscar nomination for Adapted Screenplay (along with Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz)

Feature directorial debut, the digital video production "Pieces of April"; received two Independent Spirit Award nominations for best screenplay and the John Cassavetes award (given to the best feature made for under $500,000)

Directed Steve Carell and Dane Cook in the comedy "Dan in Real Life"; also co-wrote