Courtney Thorne-Smith writes a novel

NEW YORK, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Actress Courtney Thorne-Smith, who was in "Melrose Place," and "Ally McBeal," has signed a deal to write a book for Broadway Books.

The book, to be published by the division of Random House, is set to be published in September 2007, TheBookStandard.com reported Friday.

As of now the book is titled "Outside In," and is a "comedic, debut novel that captures the sparkling absurdities of life in L.A. and explores the less glamorous side of success in the entertainment world," Broadway Books said in a release.

Thorne-Smith has already been brushing up on her writing skills, with articles in Self, InStyle and Allure magazines.

"My other dream (in addition to acting) has always been to write a book," Thorne-Smith said. "Now, if I can just invent a healthy, delicious, calorie-free candy that doesn't give me a stomach ache, I will have fulfilled my purpose here on earth."