Rita Lakin is a highly accomplished American author, best known for her mystery novels and her work in television. She has written several television shows, mini-series, and TV movies, and has created original series such as "The Rookies."
In addition to her work in television, Lakin is also a prolific novelist. She is best known for the Gladdy Gold series, which includes books such as "Getting Old Can Kill You" and "Getting Old is Murder."
Lakin's success in the television industry is particularly noteworthy. She is one of the most successful female screenwriters of all time, with more than 470 produced television scripts to her name, spanning over 30 productions. She has won the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Award for her screenwriting, as well as several other award nominations.
Despite her love for writing, Lakin was not able to become a full-time writer after completing her college education. It wasn't until after she was widowed at a young age with three small children that she began her extensive writing career, which included staff writing on television programs such as "Peyton Place," "Mod Squad," "Dynasty," and "Strong Medicine." She also wrote two original theatrical plays, "No Language But a Cry" and "Saturday Night at Grossingers," which are still being produced around the country.
In addition to her Gladdy Gold series, Lakin has also written non-fiction books, including "The Only Woman in the Room," a memoir of her life as one of the first female show runners and one of the very first women on television. She has also written several other non-fiction books.
Lakin's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Writers Guild of America, the MWA Edgar, and the Avery Hopwood award from the University of Michigan. She currently has a website, ritalakin.com, where readers can learn more about her and her work.