Neil Strauss, renowned author of ten New York Times Bestsellers, dives into the art of vulnerability and honest storytelling. He shares insights on engaging readers with captivating introductions and the delicate balance of self-disclosure. Strauss reveals how to sustain creative momentum, transform unfinished drafts, and develop compelling narratives. He also discusses the unique challenges of writing profiles and mastering authenticity while incorporating elements like seduction and emotional depth into storytelling. This conversation is a must for any aspiring writer!
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Vomit Draft then Edit
Write a vomit draft first to get everything out without judgment.
Then, revise ruthlessly, focusing on reader interest and clarity.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Cutting Content
Neil Strauss cut a 100-page section about failed relationship experiments from his book "The Truth".
It became a two-page illustration because it wasn't interesting enough.
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Capture Epiphanies
Capture epiphanies immediately, even if you can't fully develop them right away.
Record them on your phone to avoid losing their resonance.
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Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Zora Neale Hurston
The novel follows Janie Crawford, an African-American woman, as she navigates through three marriages and her quest for love, freedom, and self-identity. Set in central and southern Florida, the story explores themes of race, gender, and identity, depicting Janie's transformation from a voiceless teenage girl to a woman who takes control of her own destiny. The narrative is marked by Janie's relationships with her husbands—Logan Killicks, Joe Starks, and Tea Cake—and her ultimate discovery of true love and independence[1][3][4].
Last Exit to Brooklyn
Hubert Selby, Jr.
This novel, published in 1964, is a vivid chronicle of the marginalized lives in Brooklyn during the 1950s and 1960s. It consists of six loosely connected tales that explore themes of addiction, violence, and societal neglect. The stories follow characters such as Georgette, a transvestite yearning for love; Tralala, a teenage prostitute facing brutal realities; and Harry, a union strike leader grappling with his masculinity and vulnerability. Selby's unique writing style, including unconventional punctuation and dialogue, immerses readers in the raw realities of urban despair.
The stranger
Albert Camus
Published in 1942, 'The Stranger' tells the story of Meursault, a Frenchman living in Algiers, who is characterized by his emotional detachment and apathy. The novel begins with Meursault's indifferent reaction to his mother's death and follows his journey through a series of events, including a senseless murder, which leads to his trial and sentencing. Camus uses Meursault's story to illustrate his philosophy of the absurd, highlighting the lack of inherent meaning in life and the importance of accepting and living with this reality. The novel also explores the tensions between French colonialists and native Algerians, reflecting Camus's own experiences and critiques of colonialism.
A Clockwork Orange
Anthony Burgess
In 'A Clockwork Orange', Anthony Burgess depicts a dystopian future where teenage gangs roam the streets, committing acts of violence and mayhem. The protagonist, Alex, narrates his experiences as the leader of such a gang and his subsequent capture and submission to the Ludovico Technique, a controversial behavioral conditioning treatment aimed at eradicating his violent tendencies. The novel delves into profound questions about the nature of good and evil, the limits of individual freedom, and the role of government in shaping human behavior. Through Alex's journey, Burgess examines the complexities of human nature and the delicate balance between freedom and constraint[1][3][5].
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Sir Michael Howard
Ask the Dust
John Fante
Set during the Great Depression, 'Ask the Dust' is a gritty and poignant tale of Arturo Bandini, a young writer in Los Angeles. The novel, told through Bandini's first-person narrative, explores themes of poverty, ambition, love, and despair. Bandini's struggles with writer's block, financial hardship, and his complex relationship with Camilla Lopez are vividly depicted against the backdrop of the era's harsh realities. The book is known for its spare, well-crafted prose and its influence on later writers, including Charles Bukowski[1][4][5].
Neil writes about all the icky, taboo things you’re not supposed to say out loud. As the author of ten New York Times Bestselling books, he’s built his career on getting celebrities like Rick Rubin, Kevin Hart, and Jenna Jameson to open up in a way that most writers are too afraid to do.
But don’t get it twisted — “being vulnerable” doesn’t mean “word-vomit your deepest, darkest secrets to the world.” It means sharing who you truly are in a way that’s interesting to other people.
In this episode, Neil reveals how to be vulnerable in your work, the right way. He breaks down story structures that hook your reader. He reveals how to cultivate your life to support your writing. And he shows you how to say things in public that most people would be too scared to share with their closest friends.
If you’re scared of sharing your work in public, this episode is for you. Come learn how to synthesize your vulnerability in a way that resonates with other people.
How I Write 
