Ask the Author: Bonnie Garmus
Answered Questions (102)
Bonnie Garmus
Yes it is! Thanks for reporting this. For the record, I don't endorse, review or list any books I've read on Goodreads (this is but one of the reasons why). Nor can I help with someone's ms. or marketing or any of the things these imposters love to promise. Publishing is tough already, but these people make it so much harder. Stay safe out there, and thanks again for the alert!
Bonnie Garmus
Thanks so much! I'm working on a new book right now but don't have a estimated release date yet. I will keep you posted!
Bonnie Garmus
Thank you! Elizabeth Zott wasn't based on a real person--when I wrote her, I was writing my own role model. I didn't want to base her on a real person because then I'd run the risk of misrepresenting someone. But I do think there are several real live Elizabeth Zotts living in the world today and I take a lot of inspiration from their strength. Here are just a few: AOC, Elizabeth Warren, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, Stacey Abrams, Melinda French Gates, MacKenzie Scott, Gisele Pelicot, Dr. Carla Hayden, Simone Biles, Michelle Obama.
Bonnie Garmus
Hi Margot!
If you're referring to my dog, 99, she was named after the smart spy on an old TV show called Get Smart. But if you're referring to the dog that inspired Six-Thirty in the book, her name was Friday and my kids named her (even though we adopted her on a Saturday!) Hope that helps and thanks so much for teaching my book to your students!
If you're referring to my dog, 99, she was named after the smart spy on an old TV show called Get Smart. But if you're referring to the dog that inspired Six-Thirty in the book, her name was Friday and my kids named her (even though we adopted her on a Saturday!) Hope that helps and thanks so much for teaching my book to your students!
Bonnie Garmus
Hi Kajal! I'm not writing a second feminist novel (although my new book has a feminist character in it). I wanted to explore other themes and interests in this second book and I've really enjoyed being in their heads. Thanks for your kind words.
Bonnie Garmus
Hi Deborah! I'm working on my next book--actually, my agents have it now. So we'll see!
Bonnie Garmus
Thank you, Daniela! I've given a sequel quite a bit of thought, but for now am working on a different book which explores a different topic I feel strongly about. I'm glad to hear you're interested in abiogenesis! I didn't know much about it until I started doing research for the book. It was really interesting to learn about. Chemistry, too!
Bonnie Garmus
Sorry for the long absence, Liv! In answer to your question, I'm working on something completely different right now, and while it doesn't focus on feminism, it does explore another passion of mine. As for the adaptation, I wasn't really involved. Many thanks for reading!
Bonnie Garmus
Hi Sherri,
Thanks for your question. It's possible that Zott may come back, but for now I'm working on a new book with all new characters. Still, you never know!
Thanks for your question. It's possible that Zott may come back, but for now I'm working on a new book with all new characters. Still, you never know!
Bonnie Garmus
Thank you, Betsy! I'm a huge Rebecca fan, too, so your kind words mean a lot to me. I love your career path--I think changing direction is one of the smartest things people can do. There is no single solution!
Bonnie Garmus
Thanks, Lesley! The New York Times asked a bunch of writers and industry luminaries to come up with their top ten book from the last 25 years. I was honored to be asked to participate although it took me forever to chose ten books. I finally based my selection on books that had changed the way I look at things, people, events, writing styles, structure, etc. I included a lot of non-fiction--it was hard taking fiction off that list but the non-fiction really matters to me! You can google the original entire Times Top 100 list--my selections are listed under my name. Following that list, they then opened it up to public vote. I was thrilled to see Lessons in Chemistry made it on the Reader's Picks list!
Bonnie Garmus
Hi Roxanne,
I don't write from an outline or pre-conceived plot (although plenty of excellent writers do). There's no one way to do this; you just have to find what works for you.
I don't write from an outline or pre-conceived plot (although plenty of excellent writers do). There's no one way to do this; you just have to find what works for you.
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.
Bonnie Garmus
A bad day at work!
Bonnie Garmus
Hi Mira,
The simple answer is to read as much and as broadly as possible. Craft is really critical to good writing and it comes in all shapes and forms, so keep reading, and as you do, note how different authors approach their craft. It's often through voice and new voices are always welcome! (It's the imitators no one likes.) So read everything, practice, practice, practice, and write with confidence. You'll get there.
The simple answer is to read as much and as broadly as possible. Craft is really critical to good writing and it comes in all shapes and forms, so keep reading, and as you do, note how different authors approach their craft. It's often through voice and new voices are always welcome! (It's the imitators no one likes.) So read everything, practice, practice, practice, and write with confidence. You'll get there.
Bonnie Garmus
Hi Brynley! It took me five years. Thanks!
Bonnie Garmus
Hi Laura! I appreciate your kind words, but unfortunately you can't claim you wrote this poem. It's a direct lift from the book. I know you mean well, and I hope you understand.
Bonnie Garmus
Thank you, Brittney! I stopped reading at one point too--it just seems to happen. I'm so glad my book got you started again and I'll hope you'll like my next book, too. As soon as I finish it!
Bonnie Garmus
Thanks, Dawn! I have to finish writing the next book, but it's coming along. Once it's down and out, I guarantee I will be very vocal about where you can get a copy!
Bonnie Garmus
Thanks, Anna. I loved writing Harriet! I'm not writing a sequel right now, but who knows what the future will bring. She was one of my favorite characters.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more