" I used to sneak ‘General Hospital’ when I was a kid. My cousin was my babysitter, and she watched it, so I got hooked on it. I wasn’t supposed to be watching it, but I was so obsessed with it that I’d find ways, even as an 8-year-old, to get into that. "
- Julie Plec

In this excerpt, Julie Plec shares a nostalgic memory from her childhood where she would secretly watch "General Hospital," a popular American soap opera, despite being too young and supposed not to be allowed to view it. She reveals that her fascination with the show began when her cousin, who acted as her babysitter, introduced her to it. Her curiosity and intrigue led her to find creative ways to continue watching it even at an age where she was not meant to engage with such content.

The quote delves into themes of forbidden pleasure and the power of television in shaping young minds. By sneaking a peek at something that was off-limits, Plec illustrates how early exposure to media can create lasting impressions and lifelong fascinations. This experience likely contributed significantly to her understanding of storytelling and character development, aspects which are crucial for her work as a screenwriter and producer today. Moreover, it highlights the role of peer influence in childhood entertainment choices and how these experiences shape one’s interests and career paths.

Julie Plec is an accomplished American writer and television producer known for her extensive contributions to the television industry, particularly through shows like "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals." Her background as a fan who secretly watched soap operas reveals the depth of passion she brings to her professional life in crafting compelling narratives and characters.