

Tim Urban: Stop Procrastinating and Make Your Writing Fun | How I Write Podcast
315 snips Jan 3, 2024
Tim Urban, the author of 'Wait But Why,' shares his journey from dread to delight in writing, boasting over 600,000 newsletter subscribers. He discusses the balance between personal expression and engaging ideas, revealing how authenticity and humor can transform complex thoughts into relatable stories. Urban also dives into the challenges of procrastination, the importance of creativity without pressure, and the art of authentic writing. Plus, he draws fascinating parallels between writing and music composition, emphasizing originality and personal style.
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Early Blogging
- Tim Urban had a blog from ages 23-29 where he wrote 300 posts before his distinct drawing style emerged.
- This early blogging was a procrastination activity, done for fun without pressure to be a "writer."
Procrastination and Productivity
- Tim Urban's prolific writing stemmed from using blogging as a procrastination activity.
- The lack of pressure made it fun, allowing his style to develop organically.
Listicles and Drawings
- Tim Urban's use of listicles predates Buzzfeed's popularization, initially feeling fresh and engaging.
- He later incorporated drawings, further developing his unique style through playful experimentation.