The Heroine’s Journey of Julie Bonnafont

What is the best thing that I love about my work? The thing I love in my work is that every day is different. Never getting bored, that’s my thing.

What is my idea of happiness? To breathe, that’s happiness.

Lyrics: Julie Bonnafont

What is my greatest fear? I don’t want to think about it. If I start asking to myself what I’m freaking out, I’ll never sleep again. Unfortunately I need to sleep a lot to stay creative !

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Not thinking enough before speaking !

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire ? First I have to decide about which one of my professions we are talking now. Or, I could give you some answers for each of them. As an author and poetress I would name Mohammed Mbougar Sarr, Suzanne Dracius, Arundhati Roy or Elena Ferrante. As a lyricist, I probably would choose Jean Fauque and Zazie. As a violinist, I like Hilary Hahn very very much. And also Nemanja Radulovic.

What is my greatest extravagance ? Drinking to much wine !

On what occasion would I lie ? Probably to protect someone…

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I don’t feel comfortable with the idea of convincing people to take the time to learn about my work as an author. Sometimes I feel like begging and even I love to see people reading my words or listening to them I don’t want to put pressure, we are all in such a hurry.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I’m happy each time my work ( song, book, anyway) is published and becomes accessible to all.

Lyrics: Julie Bonnafont

If I could, what would I change about myself? Be less impulsive !

What is my greatest achievement in work ? Getting to the end of writing my second book and accepting criticism and questioning during the work of proofreading the manuscript was a painful process. Now I’m proud to have taken this step, the rest no longer depends on me but on the publisher.

Where would I most like to live? That’s my problem : I love so many places. Choosing one of them would mean renouncing the others ! I especially love seasides.

What is my most treasured possession ? My violin…made for me by my friend Benjamin Paule, the most magical violinmaker ever.

What is my most marked characteristic? My obstinacy maybe.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My garden and its trees.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city ? Places where where you only eat fresh and local food, and where you drink real producer wine. The fewer items on the menu, the better the place.

What books influenced my life and how ? “A room of one’s own” by Virginia Woolf. Its extreme modernity continues to resonate whenever it is necessary to recall the importance of breaking the silences imposed on women. That book deserves to be offered to all women. One way or another Virginia’s work made her immortal. -The poems of Louis Aragon : their rhythm, their sound, everything is music in their beauty. I can read them again and again. “Marianne’s whims” by Alfred de Musset. I could cry every time I read the last two pages, and again and again admire the finesse of Musset’s style.

Lyrics: Julie Bonnafont

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Repetitive music, to start all over again! Philipp Glass I guess…

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Mr Keating in Dead Poets Society. O captain ! My captain !

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life ? Hospital staff fighting so that people can be cared for in a dying public service. Afghan women surviving in a desperate daily life. Teachers. So many heroes and heroines.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Schindler’s list

What role play stories in my life and work? The main role : stories unquestionably are the stars of my life !

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me ? Maybe…or maybe not. According to me you can’t decide everything and that contributes to the beauty of life.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime ? My husband probably, even he is also the toughest. I do the same for him !

Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2023 ? Well, I would really love getting my next book published by Actes Sud, my favorite publisher ever. Or signin a big succes song for a major company like Universal Music. Sweet dreams !!!

What project, in 2023, am I looking forward to work on ? Any new project that will excite my creativity will be welcome.

Where can you see me or my work in 2023 ? On the web and in many bookstores and libraries I hope. Oh yes and also wish me to hear on the air a lot of songs I wrote.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me ? Till now it’s true to me. Wait and see…