Creative-genius secrets from the best-selling author of Gone Girl.
Since Gone Girl was released in 2012, more than 7.7 million copies of the thriller have been purchased, devoured, debated and now watched on the big screen. Gillian, 43, has already started on an impressive list of new projects: She will executive-produce the television adaptation of Sharp Objects, her first novel; write Utopia, an HBO drama; and pen her fourth novel. When the Chicago resident isn’t writing or playing with her two kids, she’s happy to soak in the tub and read a book she doesn’t already know the ending to.
On finding inspiration
“There’s no waiting for a muse. You just have to sit at your computer and make yourself do it. I write from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. because of my kids, but if I had my druthers, I’d go from 9 P.M. to four o’clock in the morning. That’s when my brain feels clickiest.”
My productivity trick
“I keep to-do lists, but I never cross things off. Instead, I draw boxes next to each task that I fill in when I’m done.”
On overcoming self-doubt
“When I was laid off from my job as a TV critic for Entertainment Weekly, where I’d worked for 10 years, I felt embarrassed and junky. I’ve handled self-doubt in different ways while working on new projects. Sometimes it’s a matter of stepping away for a few days. Sometimes it’s a glass of bourbon!”
My refresh routine
“Every afternoon, I go for an hour’s walk around my neighbourhood. I’m getting exercise, but I do it to reset my brain.”
What will never change about me
“I’m not a big splurger. I once debated getting a fancier car, but I couldn’t talk myself into it.”
Beauty go-to
“Lipstick. My favourites are mod pinks from Bobbi Brown.”
Travel spot
“I lived in New York for six years and love going back to visit my friends. A change of scenery is always a good thing!”
My writing strategy
“I do all my thinking in longhand. My office is covered with yellow legal notepads so I can sort out characters and plot.”
Crime I’m most likely to commit
“Pocketing anything that’s semi-free. Hotel bath soaps always come back with me.”
Starry-eyed moment
“I can’t wait to see Gone Girl in a theatre. It’s amazing to have written something that my favourite director, David Fincher, considered worthy of filming.”
Secret skill
“From my days as a Camp Fire Girl, I know how to build a fire. Good thing I have a fireplace in my office.”
