Kerry Washington Covers 'Essence' November 2013

Kerry Washington shines on the cover of Essence magazine’s November 2013 issue.

Here’s what the 36-year-old Scandal star had to share with the mag:

On Scandal fans: “We are in people’s homes. People are sitting on their couches and they’re in a relationship with us. So when people come up to me, they’re saying, ‘What are you going to do next week?’ and ‘What are you going to say?’ and ‘What are you going to wear?’ They’re in a relationship in an ongoing way.”

On her relationship with God: “I believe in surrendering my life over to my Creator. I feel as if my relationship with God is the most important thing in my life. If I can get that relationship right, it helps me to understand how to negotiate every other relationship.”

On her first meeting with Scandal creator Shonda Rimes: “I was like, ‘I love this woman. And I love this material and I want to do this.’”

For more from Kerry, visit Essence.com. Bigger cover inside…