Jack Carr on Writing, Becoming World Class, and Building Character

43 snips

Jun 4, 2022

Jack Carr, a former Navy SEAL and bestselling author, shares insights from his military background and its profound influence on his writing. He discusses the importance of character in life and work, along with the discipline needed for both military and creative pursuits. Carr dives into his new book, highlighting the balance between creativity and the demands of writing multiple novels. He reflects on the essential qualities of resilience and personal growth in the journey to becoming a successful author, making the experience both relatable and inspiring.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Early Introduction to Books

Jack Carr's mother was a librarian, fostering a lifelong love for books.
He read extensively from a young age, including adult thrillers by authors like Tom Clancy.

ANECDOTE

Inspiration for Military Career

Carr read books with protagonists who had military backgrounds, like those he aspired to have.
These books served as his early education about special operations before the internet.

ANECDOTE

Military Service Predates Writing

Carr's grandfather, a Marine Corps aviator killed in WWII, inspired his military aspirations.
This interest predated his writing ambitions, which developed later during his childhood.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Man on Fire

A.J. Quinnell (Philip Nicholson)

Man on Fire is a 1980 thriller novel by A.J. Quinnell, featuring Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion. The story revolves around Creasy's transformation from a disillusioned mercenary to a man driven by a desire for revenge after a tragic event involving the girl he was hired to protect. The novel became a bestseller and was adapted into films in 1987 and 2004.

Centrifuge

J.C. Pollock

In 'Centrifuge', a top KGB agent named Nikolai Malik steals an American-made nuclear weapon, which could lead to a catastrophic retaliation by the U.S. and revive the Cold War. The story follows Jack Gannon, a veteran of the Delta Special Forces, as he pursues Malik for personal revenge. The novel is filled with action and detailed descriptions of weaponry.

Black Samurai

Marc Olden

In 'Black Samurai', Marc Olden introduces Robert Sand, a Vietnam veteran who becomes the first non-Japanese student of a samurai master. The novel combines elements of martial arts, international intrigue, and social justice, reflecting Olden's own interests in Japanese culture and martial arts.

TRANSFER OF POWER

Vince Flynn

In *Transfer of Power*, Mitch Rapp must navigate a complex web of terrorism and politics when the White House is seized by terrorists. With the President in danger, Rapp must use his skills to rescue him and prevent a global catastrophe. This novel showcases Flynn's ability to craft gripping, realistic scenarios.

The Executioner Series

Mack Bolan Novels

Don Pendleton

The Executioner series, created by Don Pendleton, follows Mack Bolan, a vigilante turned government agent, as he battles organized crime and international terrorism. The series includes over 630 novels, including regular Executioner titles and longer Super Bolan novels. Pendleton wrote the first 37 novels before the series was continued by ghostwriters.

David Morrell's Works

Overview of Notable Novels

David Morrell

David Morrell is celebrated for his action-packed thrillers. His novel 'First Blood' introduced the character John Rambo, leading to a successful film franchise. Morrell's other notable works include 'The Brotherhood of the Rose', a spy trilogy, and 'Creepers', a thriller series. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the thriller genre.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Mark Manson

In this book, Mark Manson argues against the typical self-help advice of constant positivity, instead suggesting that life's struggles give it meaning. He emphasizes the need to focus on what truly matters and to accept and confront painful truths. The book is divided into nine chapters and uses blunt honesty and profanity to illustrate its ideas, encouraging readers to find meaning through values they can control and to replace uncontrollable values with more meaningful ones.

One Damn Thing After Another

William Barr

In this memoir, Barr provides a detailed account of his historic tenures as Attorney General. The book covers his first tenure under President George H.W. Bush, including events such as the LA riots, Pan Am 103, and Iran Contra. It also delves into his second tenure under President Donald Trump, addressing issues like Russiagate, the COVID outbreak, civil unrest, the impeachments, and the 2020 election fallout. Barr offers insights into the Bush and Trump legacies and how both men viewed power and justice during critical moments of their presidencies.

The Lions of Lucerne

Brad Thor

In 'The Lions of Lucerne', Brad Thor introduces Scot Harvath, a U.S. Secret Service agent, as he navigates a complex plot involving the kidnapping of the President and the First Lady. The novel sets the stage for the series, blending action, suspense, and geopolitical intrigue.

Presumed Innocent

Scott Turow

In 'Presumed Innocent', Scott Turow crafts a suspenseful tale set in the fictional Kindle County. The story follows Rožat 'Rusty' Sabich, a chief deputy prosecutor, who is assigned to investigate the murder of his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus. Complicating the case is Rusty's past affair with Carolyn, which makes him a prime suspect. The novel explores themes of legal intrigue, personal relationships, and the complexities of the justice system, all while maintaining a gripping narrative that keeps readers uncertain about the true culprit until the final pages.

Plum Island

Nelson De Mille

Plum Island introduces readers to NYPD Homicide Detective John Corey, who becomes involved in the investigation of the murders of a married couple working at a top-secret biological research facility on Plum Island. The novel combines suspense, intrigue, and DeMille's signature humor.

The 48 laws of power

Robert Greene

In 'The 48 Laws of Power', Robert Greene and Joost Elffers synthesize three thousand years of the history of power into 48 laws. These laws are derived from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of influential figures such as Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum. The book provides tactics, concepts, and lessons on how to achieve and maintain power, emphasizing prudence, confidence, and self-preservation. Each law is illustrated with historical examples and is designed to help readers understand and navigate the dynamics of power in various aspects of life, including work, social hierarchies, and politics.

The firm

John Grisham

The Firm follows Mitch McDeere, a top Harvard Law graduate, who is aggressively recruited by Bendini, Lambert & Locke, a small but highly lucrative law firm in Memphis. The firm offers him an irresistible package of benefits, including a high salary, a new BMW, payment of his law school loans, and a luxurious lifestyle. However, Mitch soon discovers that the firm is involved in illegal activities, particularly money laundering for the Mafia. As an FBI investigation unfolds, Mitch is pressured to cooperate while navigating a treacherous moral landscape, trying to protect his family and his own life. The novel is a gripping tale of ambition, morality, and the high-stakes world of legal and criminal intrigue.

Hondo

Louis L'Amour

Hondo by Louis L'Amour is set in the 1870s and follows the story of Hondo Lane, a cavalry scout and dispatch rider, as he navigates the dangers of Apache territory. The novel explores themes of survival, romance, and conflict between the Apache and white settlers. It is known for its vivid descriptions of the desert landscape and its portrayal of the Apache with empathy and understanding.

Point of Impact

Stephen Hunter

Point of Impact is a gripping novel that follows Bob Lee Swagger, a skilled Marine sniper from Vietnam, as he is manipulated into a conspiracy involving a shadowy military organization. Framed for an assassination attempt, Swagger must use his exceptional sniper skills to evade capture and uncover the truth behind the plot. The novel explores themes of betrayal, conspiracy, and redemption, set against the backdrop of American politics.

THE SECOND WORLD WAR

Winston Churchill

This work is Churchill's personal and historical account of the Second World War. It spans six volumes and covers the period from the end of the First World War to July 1945. Churchill provides a detailed narrative of the events leading up to and during the war, drawing from his own experiences as a high-ranking government official and his access to official documents. The series includes volumes such as 'The Gathering Storm', 'Their Finest Hour', 'The Hinge of Fate', 'The Grand Alliance', 'Closing the Ring', and 'Triumph and Tragedy'. Churchill's work is notable for its personal perspective and its emphasis on the British war effort, although it also touches on other theatres of the war. The books are considered a seminal and iconic part of the historical record of World War II[2][4][5].

The Mediterranean Caper

Clive Cussler

Clive Cussler's "The Mediterranean Caper" is an adventure novel featuring the character Dirk Pitt. The novel follows Pitt's investigation into a series of mysterious events in the Mediterranean Sea. Cussler's action-packed narrative and detailed descriptions of maritime adventures have captivated readers. The novel's exploration of historical events and underwater exploration has resonated with audiences. "The Mediterranean Caper" is a significant work in the adventure novel genre, establishing Cussler as a prominent author.

The Hunt for Red October

Tom Clancy

The Hunt for Red October is Tom Clancy's debut novel, published in 1984. It follows Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius as he plots to defect to the United States with his advanced ballistic missile submarine, the Red October. The novel introduces CIA analyst Jack Ryan, who must prove his theory that Ramius intends to defect rather than launch a surprise attack. The story involves a complex cat-and-mouse game between the Soviet Navy, the U.S. Navy, and the CIA, highlighting the technological and strategic aspects of Cold War naval warfare. The book is known for its detailed technical descriptions and its sympathetic portrayal of both Soviet and American characters.

Turning pro

tap your inner power and create your life's work

Steven Pressfield

In 'Turning Pro,' Steven Pressfield provides a practical and inspirational guide for entrepreneurs and creatives to shift from an amateur mindset to a professional one. The book is divided into three parts: the first describes the addictive nature of the amateur, the second paints a vision of what it means to be a pro, and the third focuses on cultivating professionalism. Pressfield emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear, self-doubt, and procrastination, and adopting habits such as discipline, regularity, and a constant striving for excellence. He also discusses the concept of 'shadow careers' and the need to align one's work with their true calling for authentic fulfillment.

The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Steven Pressfield

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

Killer Angels

Michael Shaara

The Killer Angels is a historical novel that focuses on the three days of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The story is character-driven, following historical figures such as Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, John Buford, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. The novel explores the thoughts, emotions, and actions of these characters as they engage in one of the bloodiest battles in American history. It is known for its vivid and accurate depiction of Civil War combat and has been widely praised for its historical accuracy and engaging narrative.

Winds of War

Herman Wouk

The Winds of War is a historical novel by Herman Wouk, published in 1971. The book focuses on the Henry family, particularly Victor 'Pug' Henry, a Naval Officer and confidant of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The story spans from six months before Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939 to the United States' entry into the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The novel interweaves the lives of the fictional Henry family with real historical figures and events, providing a detailed and realistic portrayal of the early years of World War II. It also includes a subplot from the perspective of German General Armin von Roon, offering insights into the German side of the war[1][4][5].

Once An Eagle

America's War and Peace

Anton Myrer

The novel tells the story of Sam Damon, a soldier committed to honor and duty, and his lifelong adversary, Courtney Massengale, who advances through ambition and connections. The narrative spans multiple conflicts, from the trenches of World War I to the jungles of World War II and the battlegrounds of Vietnam. It explores the complexities of military life, leadership, and the personal sacrifices that accompany military service. Through Sam Damon's journey, the book articulates profound lessons on service, ethics, and the realities of conflict, making it a tribute and a somber reflection on military life and universal themes of integrity, family, and sacrifice.

War and Remembrance

Herman Wouk

War and Remembrance is the sequel to Herman Wouk's 'The Winds of War' and completes the cycle of the Henry family's experiences during World War II. The novel delves into historical events such as the battles at Midway, Yalta, Guadalcanal, and El Alamein, as well as the Allied invasions of Normandy and the Philippines. It also explores the personal struggles and transformations of the characters, particularly the rediscovery of Jewish identity by Aaron Jastrow and his niece Natalie Henry amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. The book is known for its meticulous historical detail and its emotional impact on readers, capturing the drama, romance, heroism, and tragedy of World War II through the lens of a single American family[1][3][4].

The hero with a thousand faces

Joseph Campbell

In this book, Joseph Campbell explores his theory of the 'monomyth', a universal pattern found in the mythological narratives of various cultures. He details the stages of the 'hero's journey', which include departure from the ordinary world, initiation into a supernatural world, and return with a boon. Campbell draws on a wide range of mythological sources and integrates insights from psychology, particularly from Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, to illustrate the common elements of heroic myths across different cultures.

Stillness is the Key

Ryan Holiday

In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more. The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body. Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life. He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness[2][3][5].

Conspiracy

Ryan Holiday

In 'Conspiracy', Ryan Holiday chronicles the intricate and ambitious plot by Peter Thiel to take down Gawker Media. The book is based on interviews with key players and delves into the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of Thiel's actions. It examines the intersection of power, privacy, and free speech in the digital age, highlighting the ruthless and brilliant tactics employed by Thiel. The narrative transcends a simple tale of a billionaire vs. a media empire, offering insights into the broader implications for culture and society.

Blood in the Face

James Ridgeway

On this live edition of the podcast Ryan talks to author Jack Carr about his new book In The Blood (which you can buy at The Painted Porch), how his experiences as a Navy SEAL have impacted his writing career, how your character impacts your life and work, and more.

Jack Carr spent 20 years as a Navy SEAL, where he served as a Team Leader, Platoon Commander, Troop Commander, Task Unit Commander and sniper. Now, he’s an author behind the New York Times bestselling Terminal List series.

Inspired by the feelings and emotions of actual experiences serving in conflict areas around the globe, the novels follow James Reece, a Navy SEAL sniper who becomes embroiled in the world of conspiracies, international espionage, and revenge. Jack joined us for a live recording at my bookstore here in Bastrop, Texas for a live recording to dive deeper into his experience as a Navy SEAL, and the inspiration behind his newest book in the Terminal List series.

NED Products will help you perform better, sharpen your mind and get consistent, quality sleep. Go to helloned.com/STOIC or enter code STOIC at checkout to get 15% off.

The Jordan Harbinger Show is one of the most interesting podcasts on the web, with guests like Kobe Bryant, Mark Manson, Eric Schmidt, and more. Listen to one of Ryan's episodes right now (1, 2), and subscribe to the Jordan Harbinger Show today.

Since 2007, MyBodyTutor's daily accountability and 1:1 coaching has been the most effective way to get healthy and stay fit. To save $50 all you have to do is go to MyBodyTutor.com, join, and mention Daily Stoic when they ask how you heard about them.

Ten Thousand makes the highest quality, best-fitting, and most comfortable training shorts I have ever worn. Ten Thousand is offering our listeners 15% off your purchase. go to Tenthousand.cc/stoic to receive 15% off your purchase.

Check out the Daily Stoic Store for Stoic inspired products, signed books, and more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.