Q&A With Bonnie Garmus 

Today I’m doing a Q&A with author Bonnie Garmus. Bonnie’s debut novel, “Lessons in Chemistry,” was a Good Morning America Book Club pick and an instant New York Times Bestseller. According to Bonnie’s amazon page she is also a copywriter and creative director who has worked for a wide range of clients, in the US and abroad, focusing primarily on technology, medicine, and education. 

Q: At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: Around age five! I’ve always loved to read and wrote my first “novel” at that young age. Unfortunately, it wasn’t good. No plot, one character, absolutely nothing happened.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to be a writer?

A: Write. I think that’s the hardest hurdle: to actually sit down and do it. Lose yourself in your story and write with confidence (and don’t sabotage yourself by imagining what others might think or say!) Finally, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. This is a craft. It requires precision. 

Q: What advice do you have for anyone struggling with writers block?

A: Some days your voice just isn’t there. It happens! Go clean the bathroom, eat something, walk the dog. Then come back and try again. 

Q: What is it like being a copy writer and creative director on top of being an author? Both of those sound very impressive. 

A: I stopped working at my “real” job a year ago or so. Thanks for thinking copywriting and creative direction sounds impressive! I was lucky to work with a lot of highly creative people over the years and their work continues to inspire me.

Q: Does Hollywood have the rights to “Lessons in Chemistry”? 

A: Apple TV+ bought the rights and it is currently in production in Hollywood. Brie Larson is Elizabeth Zott and Lewis Pullman is Calvin.

Q: Are you writing your second novel now? If so can you spoil a little bit about what it’s about? 

A: I am writing another novel and I sometimes talk about it, but then regret it because I may end up taking out what I’ve talked about! So no spoilers from me!