Amor Towles, a critically acclaimed novelist, shares his writing process. He emphasizes the importance of accurate and careful writing, outlining, balancing descriptions, and mastering craft. He discusses the power of focusing on one central idea, the impact of descriptive storytelling, and the influence of manifestos on language. Towles also explores finding inspiration in everyday life and opening doors to develop story ideas.
Crafting vivid descriptions with sharp and concise language brings the story to life and evokes emotions and memories.
Planning and outlining before starting the writing process allows for more creativity and leads to tighter and more impactful narratives through revision.
Exploring writing from various perspectives and engaging with literature helps develop a broader command of craft and offers valuable insights for storytelling.
Deep dives
Crafting Vivid Descriptions and Symbolism in Writing
Crafting vivid descriptions is crucial in making readers feel present in the story. Descriptions should be sharp and concise, allowing readers to visualize the setting and events. Symbolism can be derived from understanding the characters and their perspectives. A writer must consider the character's background, personality, and experiences to create authentic descriptions and effective symbolism. Language choices should evoke emotions and memories, bringing the scene to life. Pacing in writing is essential, ensuring that the reader feels compelled to move forward and that the writing aligns with the overall tempo of the story.
The Importance of Planning and Revision in Writing
The speaker emphasizes the significance of planning and outlining before starting the writing process. Taking time to map out the key elements of a story helps writers reduce the interaction of their analytical brain and allows for more creativity. Planning also lays the foundation for a strong feedback loop, where the act of describing something leads to seeing more, and seeing more leads to improved descriptions. Revision plays a critical role in refining the writing, eliminating redundancies, cliches, and unnecessary elements to create a tighter and more impactful narrative.
Writing from Different Perspectives and Developing Craft
The speaker suggests that writers should explore writing from various perspectives, immersing themselves in different personalities, backgrounds, and experiences. This practice helps develop a broader command of craft by approaching elements like setting, dialogues, and tone differently for each character. Reading is a crucial part of the writing process, and writers should consume literature with a critical eye, deconstructing narratives, and analyzing craft techniques. Engaging with other writers and participating in writing groups can provide valuable insights and discussions on storytelling techniques.
The Evolution of Reading and Writing Skills
The speaker reflects on the interplay between reading and writing throughout their journey as a writer. Beginning with reading and writing simultaneously in childhood, their literary interests developed alongside their writing skills. Studying literature, both formally and informally, expanded their critical eye and allowed them to appreciate the intricacies of well-crafted narratives. Engaging in a writing group and receiving feedback from skilled readers further refined their ability to analyze and discuss literature.
The Influence of Past Authors and Art on Reading Preferences
The podcast episode delves into the idea of reading work from past authors, highlighting the importance of drawing from the past for a rewarding reading experience. The speakers emphasize that while they predominantly read works by deceased authors, history is not always able to capture all the greatness in art. They discuss how time filters and refilters prominent works, leaving only a smaller group that withstands the test of time. By drawing from the past, readers can ensure they are engaging with rewarding work and explore different writing styles and artistic achievements.
The Intersection of Prose and Poetry in Writing
The podcast also touches on the balance between prose and poetry in literature. The speakers acknowledge that reading poetry offers a different perspective and learning experience than reading narrative works. However, they explain that there are authors whose prose writing leans towards the poetic. They discuss how certain writers incorporate poetic elements in their narrative work by pushing language boundaries and experimenting with style. While maintaining a balance between the two, the speakers recognize how the interplay between prose and poetic elements can enhance storytelling and offer a unique reading experience.
Amor Towles is our modern day F. Scott Fitzgerald. Sure, he’s a critically acclaimed, award-winning novelist (ever heard of “A Gentleman in Moscow”?) but not because he’s cracked the publishing algorithm. Rather than scheming how many books he can sell or how many critics he can impress, his #1 goal is to fulfill his covenant with his reader.
“They’ve invested in my art, and I owe it to them.”
Towles' work oozes sensory detail and psychological richness. While most writers would describe writing as “creative” or “free-spirited,” he describes it as “accurate” and “careful.” Every sentence he writes serves a larger truth. In this episode, Towles gives one of the most detailed breakdowns of his writing process that we’ve had so far on How I Write.
You’ll learn the step-by-step process for how Towles drafts each novel; specifically, how outlining your work can free up your creative, poetic side. You’ll learn how to write descriptively — without bogging down your reader in indulgent details. You’ll learn how to master craft through repetition; how to approach your first draft versus your second; how to influence your writing with reading; and how to create art that serves a broader purpose.
Ultimately, you’ll learn how to tell exceptional stories from one of today's most exceptional storytellers.
I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.