3 Books With Neil Pasricha

Chapter 18: David Sedaris on holding happiness hostage and healing holes in our hearts

Dec 30, 2024
David Sedaris, a bestselling author known for his witty and insightful essays, dives deep into the intricacies of aging and artistic integrity. He shares personal anecdotes about his childhood environment's impact on his literary journey and reflects on the balancing act between commercial success and maintaining authenticity. Sedaris also eloquently addresses societal perceptions of wealth and the emotional complexities of writer-audience connections, offering a glimpse into the profound influence of literature on our identities.
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ADVICE

Copy Great Passages To Learn Craft

  • Copy passages that move you into a diary to teach your fingers what excellence feels like.
  • David Sedaris still transcribes favorite lines to learn craft by imitation.
ANECDOTE

How Reading Began

  • David Sedaris discovered reading for pleasure at age 20 while hitchhiking and reading Vonnegut aloud.
  • Raymond Carver made writing look possible to him and sparked his start as a writer.
INSIGHT

Simplicity Makes Writing Achievable

  • Simple, short sentences can make writing feel achievable to new writers.
  • Sedaris credits Raymond Carver for making writing seem doable when he was young.
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