Ray
asked
Bonnie Garmus:
Hey Bonnie, FOA I loved your book!! As I can see it is your first book It is my dream to write my novel but I don't know how to start. Please tell me what inspired you to write this story and how to begin writing independently?
Bonnie Garmus
Hi Ray! I was already a copywriter so writing a novel just made sense to me (and tons of copywriters before me). But it took a really bad day at work to spark this particular novel. Writing requires reading a lot--noticing how other writers handle structure, character development, and plot--but it also requires that you develop your own voice. Don't worry too much about rules, and don't be misled by how many words you have to write a day. Just write.
More Answered Questions
Bibhu Prasad Mohapatra
asked
Bonnie Garmus:
If she was inspired by your understanding of stoicism, what was Mad inspired by? There is the most profound observation by her that ( Paraphrasing) While religion is based on faith, the other way round is not correct, It is profound, in fact Socratic. I recently read Primo Levi's periodic table and Gleick's Genius: Life and science of Richard Feynman, some how both seemed a source of your beautiful book on human life.
Lori JKM
asked
Bonnie Garmus:
Your book is fabulous! A number of co-workers and HS students (I work in a High School library) have read it and all say the same thing, "You have to read this book!" I love your humor and how it can tie some very serious topics together for that time period. One student said it brought the experience of women in the sixties to life. And, of course, Six Thirty's narration was a favorite! When is the next book?
Nancy Anderson
asked
Bonnie Garmus:
No questions...just raves! I too was in the advertising business starting in the early 70's. I can relate to so much of what you wrote about in "Lessons"! My memories of the book include many laugh-out-loud moments & my husband's repeatedly asking "what ARE you laughing about?" Thank you for bringing such joy to our otherwise difficult world. Hopefully six-thirty or perhaps ninety-nine will resurface again!
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