From his mouth to God’s e-mail

At 87, Carl Reiner is a busy guy. The Emmy-winning writer of “The Dick Van Dyke Show,’’ comedian, producer, and director has recently released two books. One is a children’s story, “Tell Me Another Scary Story . . . But Not Too Scary,’’ which came about when his grandchild said “Grandpa, tell me a scary story, but not too scary.’’ The other, “Just Desserts: A Novellelah,’’ is about a romance novelist and atheist named Nat Noland, who creates an e-mail address for God and sends him a list of ideas to improve the world - along with punishments, or “just desserts.’’ God replies. Reiner talked with us by phone from Los Angeles.

Q. In “Just Desserts,’’ Nat Noland offers God some tips on doing a better job on the earth; is that something you would do?

A. My take on God is that I’m a nonbeliever, as Nat Nolan is. Man invented God ’cause he needed it. God is in our head. Man needed God because before we had smart people, there were these hack writers who wrote the Bible. God didn’t write it. . . . People would much rather believe that it’s [from] a divine being.

Q. The book suggests punishments for violating three of Nat’s “Ten Suggestions’’ to God, but you only write about three offenses: incivilities, inhuman behavior by an adult to a child, and lies that negatively impact others. What happened to the other seven?

A. I didn’t need any more [when I realized that] I covered everything. Only one commandment is needed: Thou shalt not hurt anybody.

Q. Does God have a sense of humor?

A. Man does, so God does.

Q. Who makes you laugh?

A. I see Mel Brooks every day and we still laugh. He’s the funniest man on earth.

Q. “30 Rock’’ reminds me of the “The Dick Van Dyke Show’’ with its team of TV comedy writers working on a show.

A. I love “30 Rock.’’ I love Tina Fey, she can do no wrong. I didn’t think about it until now, but it is about the same thing, It is the same subject.

Q. How do TV comedy shows compare to shows in the ’50s and ’60s?

A. As always, there’s a very small percentage of very good shows - “The Office,’’ “30 Rock.’’ The network was ruined by Mr. [Ronald] Reagan. He regulated the airwaves by shortening a 30-minute show to 20 or 22 minutes, but luckily we have cable.

Q. You share your life in a lot of your work. Rob Petrie in “The Dick Van Dyke Show’’ was modeled after you, as was the play “Enter Laughing.’’ Do you prefer to write about your life?

A. The only things you can write about honestly are the things you know. I know what I’m thinking. It’s the most at-hand subject.

Q. You’ve written, acted, produced, and directed for TV and movies. What haven’t you done that you would like to do?

A. I would like to appear in an opera. When I was a kid I wanted to be an opera singer. I have a large voice, [but when] I sang in a few Broadway shows, I could only sing on key with a big orchestra.

Interview was condensed and edited.