Peter has written several plays including Good As New (MCC Theater, directed by Brian Mertes), Imagining Brad (Circle Rep, directed by Joe Mantello), and The Girl in Pink (Atlantic Theater Company, directed by Lisa Peterson).

He is a former Revson Fellow at Playwrights Horizons, a core playwright of the Manhattan Class Company, and a founding member of the Drama Department.

Peter's first novel, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, was made into the 1993 film, which he also wrote. His second novel, An Ocean in Iowa, will be published by Hyperion next year.