The James Altucher Show

Steven Pressfield | Writing Lessons from the Master

17 snips
Jan 17, 2023
In this engaging conversation, bestselling author Steven Pressfield shares insights from his latest memoir, *Govt Cheese*, filled with humor and honesty about his unconventional journey. From his struggles as a struggling writer to the breakthrough that made *The Legend of Bagger Vance* publishable, he discusses the vital role of mentorship and the five stages of creative development. Pressfield also reflects on overcoming rejection, the art of storytelling, and how writing emerges from personal experience and the influence of advertising.
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ANECDOTE

The Genesis of Government Cheese

  • Steven Pressfield's memoir, "Government Cheese," was his wife Diana's idea.
  • She encouraged him to share his stories, believing they would resonate with others.
INSIGHT

The Fallibility of Memory

  • Memory is unreliable, even for factual events.
  • Pressfield's ex-wife corrected factual errors in his memoir, highlighting memory's distortions.
ANECDOTE

Advertising's Unexpected Lesson

  • Both Steven Pressfield and James Patterson worked in advertising.
  • Advertising teaches writers that "nobody wants to read your shit" and the importance of editing.
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