615: Brad Thor - The Art & Science of Storytelling, Creating Surprise, Billions, Ray Donavon, & The Willingness (& Ability) To Break The Rules

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Dec 30, 2024

Brad Thor, a number one New York Times best-selling author known for his immersive thrillers, shares his insights into the art of storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and creativity in leadership, offering tips for effective communication. Brad discusses his unique writing style as a 'pantser,' encouraging writers to embrace surprise. He also touches on his experiences with the Department of Homeland Security, highlighting the role of creative thinking in national security. His love for shows like 'Ray Donovan' and 'Billions' reflects his passion for unexpected narratives.

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ADVICE

Effective Storytelling Elements

Don't bore your audience; ensure you are entertaining and engaging.
Employ empathy, put yourself in your audience's shoes, and read the room.

ADVICE

Surprise Your Audience

Start your stories with a surprising element to immediately grab the audience's attention.
Create suspense by constantly surprising the audience and exceeding their expectations.

ANECDOTE

Writing Process

Brad Thor is a "pantser" writer, creating stories as he goes without a strict outline.
He compares his writing process to a thrill ride, embracing the unknown and surprising himself.

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Notes:

Brad Thor best selling author of 22 thrillers...

Excellence as a leader… What has Brad seen from the military leaders he’s studied: Empathy - Understand what it’s like from their perspective. LISTEN - Care for your people. Actually LISTEN to them and be there. Creativity. Innovate, and think of new creative ways to solve problems.
Effective storytelling - Don’t start with the weather. Leave out the parts people skip. Don’t be boring. This same advice is useful for leaders when communicating with your team. Put yourself in their shoes. How can you most effectively share your message without being boring. The more entertaining it is, the more likely they’ll remember it.
- Effective storytellers - Plotters (outlines, Dan Brown), Pantsers (write by the seat of your pants). Brad is a pantser.
- Take the first 4 ideas and throw them out. You need the element of surprise. Create surprise.
- Be comfortable breaking the rules.
- Loves Ray Donavon and Billions for the element of surprise
- "No joy in the writer, no joy in the reader."
- "No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader."
Brad has served as a member of the Department of Homeland Security’s Analytic Red Cell Unit.
Excellence as a leader (McChrystal) - Empathy, Listen, Creativity.
PBL - Problem-Based Learning. John Bettis (country singer). How do you recharge your battery? International travel. Immerse yourself in another culture.
Loves politics. Ran for President.
Advice for writers – “Gotta Keep Writing” Mary Higgins Clark did it for 2 hours each morning before her family woke up. Whatever it is we want to be great at, we have to get the reps. Consistency beats intensity.

00:53 The Art of Storytelling

04:13 Elements of Effective Storytelling

08:26 The Importance of Surprise in Storytelling

11:33 Writing Process and Challenges

20:43 Research and Realism in Writing

27:04 Leadership Lessons from Writing

30:59 The Importance of Open-Mindedness

32:01 Pre-Publishing Feedback Process

35:09 Homeland Security and the Red Cell Unit

39:05 Maintaining Creative Energy

42:38 Political Ambitions and Leadership

50:57 Advice for Aspiring Writers

54:36 The Benefits of Reading Fiction for Leaders

56:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts