NWS Presents Bonnie Garmus and "Lessons in Chemistry"

The video script begins with Ann Stanton, the executive director and co-founder of NWS, warmly welcoming the audience to an event honoring Bonnie Garmus, a New York Times bestseller author. Ann expresses gratitude to the indigenous people of the area, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and staff, highlighting the importance of their collective efforts. She also acknowledges the presence of Cynthia Canty, the guest host, and Bonnie Garmus, the celebrated author. Ann mentions the support from Doubleday for Bonnie's book tour and introduces Todd, Bonnie's publicist. The event is also supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, with a special mention of Cambian Analytica, a bioscience analytical firm.

Bonnie Garmus is introduced by Cynthia Canty, highlighting Bonnie's background as a copywriter and creative director who has now become a successful novelist. 'Lessons in Chemistry' is Bonnie's first published book, which has sold two million copies. The discussion includes a video of the upcoming TV series adaptation and Bonnie's personal experiences with sexism in the workplace, which inspired her to write the book. The story is set in the late 50s and early 60s, focusing on Elizabeth Zott, a chemist who becomes a reluctant TV cooking show host and uses the platform to teach chemistry, challenging societal norms.

Bonnie shares her journey from being a copywriter to becoming an author, discussing the creative aspects of her previous job and the moment of frustration that led her to write the first chapter of 'Lessons in Chemistry.' She talks about her experiences with gender bias in the tech industry and how she channeled this into her novel. Bonnie also mentions her participation in writing classes and her discovery of her agent, Felicity Blunt, in one of these classes. The conversation touches on the importance of writing groups and the challenges of balancing creative writing with critiques from peers.

Bonnie shares a humorous anecdote about creating a cocktail recipe for her book's reader's guide and the involvement of Felicity Blunt's husband, Stanley Tucci. The story highlights the personal connections and support Bonnie received during her writing journey. The discussion also delves into the different generations' perspectives on Bonnie's book, showing how it resonates with a wide range of readers, from young mothers to accomplished professionals like attorney Angie Pohlitis.

Bonnie reflects on the global impact of her book, sharing how it has been translated into 40 languages and her experiences traveling and connecting with readers around the world. She discusses the universal desires for productivity, recognition, and safety, and the ongoing struggles for women's rights. Bonnie also contemplates the sacrifices and talents of previous generations of women, including her own mother, and the progress that still needs to be made in terms of gender equity and societal expectations.

Bonnie explains why she chose rowing as Elizabeth Zott's passion in 'Lessons in Chemistry.' She discusses her own experience as a rower and how the sport's theme of balance and imbalance aligns with the book's central themes. Bonnie also talks about the importance of adding personal experiences to her writing and the research she undertook to ensure the scientific accuracy of her story.

Bonnie dives into her writing process, revealing that she rewrites each chapter multiple times until she is satisfied. She discusses the challenges of writing scientific content and her efforts to ensure accuracy, including teaching herself chemistry from old textbooks and conducting experiments. Bonnie shares her experience of finishing the book during the COVID-19 pandemic and her agent's role in pushing her to complete it. She also talks about the book's success, its sales worldwide, and the surprising decision to turn down an opportunity to appear in the TV series adaptation.

Bonnie talks about the process of adapting 'Lessons in Chemistry' into a TV series, including the selection of production studios and the challenges of scriptwriting. She mentions the involvement of Brie Larson and other key figures in the project, as well as her own role as a co-executive producer. Bonnie shares her excitement about the series and her interactions with the cast, including Jennifer Garner's impromptu book club with her co-stars and director.

Bonnie shares the inspiration behind the character of 6 30, the dog in her book. She reveals that 6 30 is based on her own dog, Friday, who was rescued from an abusive situation and displayed remarkable intelligence. Bonnie recounts anecdotes that showcase Friday's abilities, including learning German when Bonnie's family moved to Switzerland. The discussion also touches on the naming of Bonnie's current dog, 99, in honor of her late friend and the TV show 'Get Smart.'

Bonnie discusses her current writing projects, mentioning that she is working on a new book set in the 1980s, which she describes as historical fiction. She shares her excitement about the project and her ongoing commitment to the craft of writing. Bonnie also reflects on the value of age and experience in her writing journey, emphasizing that she believes her older age has contributed to her success as an author.

The script concludes with Bonnie answering questions from the audience, covering topics such as the scientific accuracy in her book, the inspiration behind Elizabeth's relationship with her brother, and the impact of her family setting on her character development. Bonnie also addresses the issue of sexism in academia, sharing her experiences and the continued relevance of these issues today. She provides advice to aspiring writers in the audience, emphasizing the importance of reading widely, practicing the craft of writing, and persevering through rejection.

The event wraps up with Bonnie expressing her gratitude for the audience's engagement and the support she has received from her readers. She shares a light-hearted story about a librarian's misunderstanding of her book and encourages everyone to bring their books for a group photo. Bonnie's genuine appreciation for her readers and the impact of her work is evident as she thanks everyone for their participation and presence at the event.