How I Write How to Write a Book Like Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday, a prolific author with sixteen books and a massive online following, shares insights into the discipline of writing. He emphasizes overcoming fears and maintaining momentum by diving straight into work. Holiday discusses the significance of powerful introductions and how music influences the writing process. He also reflects on the relationship between extensive reading and effective leadership, urging writers to embrace their creative journeys while balancing life. His no-nonsense approach motivates listeners to push through challenges and hone their storytelling skills.
01:14:46
Maintain Momentum
- Start your next project immediately after finishing the current one.
- This insulates you from disappointment and ego, allowing continuous momentum.
Internal vs. External Validation
- Derive satisfaction from the work itself, not just external validation.
- Shift focus from external outcomes to internal fulfillment for long-term creative success.
Modern Authorship
- The economics of being an author have changed due to increased competition and decreased cultural focus on books.
- Prolific writing can be a viable path in today's publishing landscape.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Navigating the Writing Journey
02:23 • 24min
The Power of Introduction in Writing
26:42 • 12min
The Impact of Music on the Writing Process
38:41 • 2min
Reading and Leadership: The Knowledge Connection
40:31 • 7min
Navigating Writing and Life
47:03 • 19min
The Art of Storytelling: Crafting Compelling Narratives
01:05:38 • 2min
Mastering Pacing and Storytelling
01:07:21 • 7min
Courage Is Calling
Ryan Holiday
In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life.
Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.
Ego is the Enemy
Ryan Holiday
In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success.
The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives.
Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers.
The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.
The obstacle is the way
Ryan Holiday
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes.
Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will.
He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs.
The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges.
Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.
Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature.
Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Ryan Holiday
In 'Trust Me, I'm Lying,' Ryan Holiday exposes the inner workings of the online media system, detailing how rumors and false information can quickly spread from low-level blogs to major news outlets.
The book highlights the role of marketers and media manipulators in this process, driven by the toxic economics of the news business.
Holiday shares his own experiences as a media manipulator and provides insights into the social science behind why this system is so vulnerable to manipulation.
He also offers advice on how to spot and combat these manipulative tactics[1][3][5].
Discipline is Destiny
The Power of Self-Control
Ryan Holiday
In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power.
The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend.
Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations.
The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness[2][4][5].
Call Sign Chaos
Learning to Lead
Jim Mattis
Bing West
Call Sign Chaos is a memoir that chronicles General Jim Mattis's career from his early days as a Marine recruit to his role as a four-star general and Secretary of Defense.
The book is divided into three parts: Direct Leadership, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership.
Mattis recounts his foundational experiences, extracting lessons on warfighting, peacemaking, the importance of allies, and strategic dilemmas.
He emphasizes the need for America to return to a strategic footing to avoid fighting inconclusive wars.
The book offers a unique leadership philosophy developed through constant study and action, making it relevant for both military and civilian leaders.
Right Thing, Right Now
Justice in an Unjust World
Ryan Holiday
In 'Right Thing, Right Now', Ryan Holiday argues for the necessity of doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy.
He draws on stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass to illustrate the importance of justice, kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty.
The book emphasizes that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily practice that shapes one’s character and impacts those around us.
Holiday challenges readers to develop their own moral code and uphold it consistently, providing concrete steps and exercises to help incorporate these values into their lives[1][3][4].
The fish that ate the whale
The Life and Times of America's Banana King
Rich Cohen
This book tells the fascinating story of Samuel Zemurray, who started as a roadside banana peddler and eventually built a sprawling empire involving banana cowboys, mercenary soldiers, Honduran peasants, CIA agents, and American statesmen.
Rich Cohen's narrative explores Zemurray's rise to power, his involvement in overthrowing Central American governments, and his complex role in American history.
The book delves into Zemurray's personal life, his business exploits, and the moral implications of his actions, painting a nuanced portrait of a man driven by an indomitable will to succeed.
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Ryan Holiday is one of the world’s most prolific writers. He’s published sixteen books, written a daily email newsletter every day for the past eight years, has 1.7 million YouTube subscribers, and runs his own creative agency. (Reciting that list is difficult enough to remember, let alone accomplishing all of those things).
This conversation will get you off your butt as a writer. It’s 78-minutes of learning how to generate creative inertia for yourself — because that’s where Ryan thrives. He’s a no-BS writer. And by “no BS,” I mean: no coddling or making excuses for himself. He just does the work.
Generating that kind of momentum is exactly what fires me up, and exactly what I teach at Write of Passage. If you’re feeling called to write, you should join one of our programs. I’m telling you: Write of Passage will light a fire inside of you.
I recently heard a story about Ryan that sums him up in a nutshell. His editor called to congratulate him on hitting the #3 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. His book had only been out for a week. I don’t know about you, but I would be camped out by the phone, biting my nails while I waited for that call.
But Ryan? Ryan was heads-down writing, halfway done with his next book. And today, you’ll learn exactly how he generates that level of momentum.
SPEAKER LINKS:
Website: https://ryanholiday.net/
Twitter: https://x.com/RyanHoliday
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday
Newsletter: https://ryanholiday.net/reading-list/
Books: https://ryanholiday.net/books-courses/
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PODCAST LINKS:
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