Claim: Diane Ruggiero is American.

Diane Ruggiero-Wright -LSB- ˈruːʒɪəroʊ -RSB- is an American television writer and producer . Her credits include That 's Life , Veronica Mars , Free Agents , Dirty Sexy Money , Big Shots , the Mythological X remake The Ex List and iZombie , which she co-created with Rob Thomas . With Thomas , she also co-wrote the script for the Veronica Mars film .   Ruggiero is a native of Old Bridge Township , New Jersey . While she was living in North Arlington , New Jersey , Ruggiero 's writing talent was discovered by Mark St. Germain while she worked as a waitress at the Park and Orchard restaurant in East Rutherford , New Jersey . She is close friends with Jed Seidel and Rob Thomas .