Writer, Performer and UX Researcher Bonnie White

This week’s Writer Wednesday features DWR member and Bonnie White!

Based in Detroit, Bonnie is a former actress from New York City who created and starred in a web series called “Admins” about life as an administrative assistant. She studied journalism at Indiana University, wrote for Indiana Daily Student and earned her master’s degree in UX design and research from the University of Michigan. Bonnie moved to Michigan in 2018 with her husband and dog named Jane Austen, and they just welcomed her first child!

Learn more about her below!

What writing projects are you currently working on?

I’m writing a comedy special about having a baby and being postpartum. 

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

I don’t really have a favorite part, maybe when it’s over? I really struggle with the writing process in general, and I don’t have a reliable process at all which is part of why I joined The Detroit Writing Room. 

What does your writing workspace look like?

It looks like wherever I am when I’m struck with an idea. Right now a lot of writing happens on my phone because it's the easiest tool to access since it’s always in my hand! 

When did you first discover your love for writing? Were there any key moments or influences that sparked your passion?

When I was in the 8th grade my science teacher urged me to make a monthly newsletter for my 8th grade class, and that’s how I became interested in journalism and started working on the newspaper in high school. I liked interviewing people and telling their stories by writing articles. And I loved having a deadline to hold me accountable! 

After I graduated from undergrad I moved to NYC and started auditioning for musicals and plays mostly. I noticed that some actors would write sketches, plays, short films or web series for themselves to be in, and that’s when I first started taking a stab at doing things like that. I took a sketch writing class and a web series writing class in New York. I find writing really painful so I like taking a class to force myself to write pages to share in class.  

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

I love reading, playing with my baby, shopping, watching reality TV and spending time with friends. 

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Set a time and write for that amount of time, write anything at all, it doesn’t have to be contributing to the writing project you're trying to finish at the moment, just writing literally anything at all helps to get the motor started, which is the hardest part for me by far. 

FLASH QUESTIONS:

Favorite author: Ann Patchett

Favorite writing snack: I don’t really eat when I’m writing

I can’t write without: A stroke of inspiration

If I could have coffee with any writer (dead or alive), it would be: Taffy Brodesser Akner

Follow Bonnie on Instagram at @BonnieRWhite.

— Interview by Giselle Quintana