Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion is a New York Times-bestselling book of essays by Jia Tolentino. The book delves into various aspects of modern life, including identity, culture, and the human condition. Tolentino examines topics such as the sexual revolution, social media, and the complexities of personal identity, offering insightful and thought-provoking reflections on the world we live in today.
Alexander Chee's "How to Write an Autobiographical Novel" is a collection of essays that delve into the art and craft of autobiographical writing. Chee shares his personal experiences and insights, offering guidance and inspiration to aspiring writers. The essays explore themes of memory, identity, and the challenges of transforming personal experiences into compelling narratives. Chee's reflections on the process of writing, the importance of honesty, and the power of storytelling make this collection a valuable resource for both writers and readers. The book is a blend of memoir and literary criticism, offering a unique perspective on the creative process and the complexities of self-representation.
In 'All About Love: New Visions,' bell hooks delves into the complexities of love, arguing that it is an act of will rather than a strong feeling. The book is divided into thirteen chapters, each addressing a different aspect of love, such as childhood, family dynamics, honesty, commitment, spirituality, and community. hooks reflects on her own experiences and societal teachings on love, emphasizing the importance of clarity, justice, and honesty in loving relationships. She also critiques the ways in which capitalism and patriarchy distort our understanding of love and advocates for a return to a more authentic and transformative form of love that is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and communication.
In 'Big Swiss', Greta, a transcriptionist for a sex coach, becomes infatuated with a client known as Big Swiss, a repressed married woman from Switzerland. When Greta recognizes Big Swiss’s voice in town, they accidentally meet and an explosive affair ensues. Despite Big Swiss being unaware of Greta’s true identity, Greta finds herself more herself than ever before. The novel explores themes of romantic obsession, mental health, and sexual stereotypes with a unique and humorous voice.
This week Francis is joined by six-time author, cultural critic and book publishing coach, Leigh Stein. Leigh is also the creator of the newsletter Attention Economy.
Attention Economy: https://leighstein.substack.com/
Leigh's Website: https://www.leighstein.com/
00:00 Leigh's prolific content output
01:43 Is now the best time to be a writer?
04:38 Defining 'writing vs creating'
08:47 The art is the product
16:45 Does form come before content?
20:25 TikToks instability and the importance of BookTok
23:09 Leigh's journey through the literary world
27:25 We're influencing, not influencers
34:54 Writing 'Attention Economy'
40:52 How to make your content shareable
42:54 Destroying the stigma of self-publishing
45:55 The magical portal to likeminded people
48:54 Leigh's upcoming projects
52:27 Advice for other creators
The Creator Spotlight Podcast 
