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Mark Manson: From Online Blogger to 3-Time #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

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Nov 1, 2023

Guest

Mark Manson

Mark Manson, author of the bestselling "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," shares his journey from a dating blogger to a self-help sensation. He discusses the importance of authenticity in writing and how he expanded his audience rapidly. Manson reflects on crafting compelling ideas, the unique challenges of writing Will Smith's memoir, and the balance between personal joy and audience expectations. He emphasizes the power of practical learning and the significance of a unique voice, making his insights invaluable for aspiring writers.

01:29:43

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ADVICE

Write Like You Talk

Imagine yourself in a bar or restaurant, speaking to a friend.
Write what you would say out loud to make your writing relatable and lively.

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ANECDOTE

Early Philosophical Influences

Mark Manson found school boring and didn't fit into his conservative, religious upbringing, leading to introspection.
He was drawn to philosophy and authors like Nietzsche, Anton LaVey, and Ayn Rand, exploring motivations and behavior.

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ANECDOTE

Discovering a Love for Reading

Mark Manson developed a love for reading in middle school after finishing Stephen King's "It."
This sparked an interest in authors like Stephen King and Michael Crichton, influencing his later writing style.

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

The Power of Practical Learning and Implementation

01:31 • 2min

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From Philosophy to Passion: A Writer's Journey

04:00 • 19min

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Resurgence of Success

22:49 • 7min

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Navigating the Writing Process with Scrivener

30:14 • 2min

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Crafting Compelling Ideas in the Digital Age

32:43 • 11min

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From Dating to Depth: A Journey of Authentic Expression

43:34 • 13min

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The Journey of Writing: Voice and Structure

56:10 • 15min

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Crafting a Memoir: The Journey of Collaboration and Emotion

01:10:57 • 5min

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Crafting Vivid Memories in Storytelling

01:16:21 • 13min

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#1756

• Mentioned in 14 episodes

Stephen King

Published in 1986, 'It' is a horror novel by Stephen King that follows the experiences of seven children in Derry, Maine, as they are terrorized by an evil entity known as 'It'. The story alternates between two periods: 1958, when the children first encounter 'It', and 1985, when they reunite as adults to confront the monster once more. 'It' takes on various forms to exploit the fears of its victims, most commonly appearing as the clown Pennywise. The novel explores themes of childhood trauma, the power of memory, and the enduring impact of evil on the lives of its victims. It is known for its detailed world-building and the vivid depiction of the fictional town of Derry, where the story unfolds.

#45

• Mentioned in 160 episodes

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.

#258

• Mentioned in 54 episodes

The Everything Store

Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon

Brad Stone

The Everything Store is a revealing and definitive biography of Amazon. com and its driven founder, Jeff Bezos. The book chronicles Amazon's journey from its humble beginnings as a mail-order book seller to its transformation into a global retail and technology giant. Brad Stone enjoyed unprecedented access to current and former Amazon employees and Bezos family members, providing a detailed, fly-on-the-wall account of life at Amazon. The book highlights Bezos's relentless pursuit of new markets, his innovative ventures such as the Kindle and cloud computing, and how he transformed retail in a manner comparable to Henry Ford's impact on manufacturing.

#245

• Mentioned in 55 episodes

The Game

Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists

Neil Strauss

N. Strauss

In 'The Game', Neil Strauss chronicles his transformation from an 'average frustrated chump' (AFC) to a successful pickup artist. The book recounts his experiences living among the seduction community, learning from gurus like Mystery, and adopting the pseudonym 'Style'. Strauss shares numerous seduction techniques, his encounters with celebrities, and the psychological and social dynamics involved in the pickup artist culture. The book also explores the author's eventual realization that these techniques, while effective in picking up women, were not conducive to forming meaningful relationships.

#2773

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

The elements of eloquence

Mark Forsyth

Elements of Eloquence is a witty and insightful guide to the art of rhetoric, exploring the secrets of crafting perfect phrases and sentences. Mark Forsyth examines various rhetorical devices and figures of speech, demonstrating their power and effectiveness in communication. The book is structured around different types of rhetorical figures, providing examples from literature and everyday language. Forsyth's engaging writing style makes complex linguistic concepts accessible to a wide audience. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in improving their writing and speaking skills.

#10560

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Consider the lobster, and other essays

David Foster Wallace

This collection of essays by David Foster Wallace includes pieces that were previously published in magazines such as Rolling Stone, The Atlantic Monthly, and Gourmet. The essays delve into diverse topics, including the ethics of boiling lobsters alive, analyses of literary figures like John Updike and Dostoevsky, and observations on American society and culture. Wallace's writing is characterized by its depth, humor, and philosophical introspection, often leaving readers with more questions than answers. The title essay, 'Consider the Lobster,' is particularly notable for its exploration of the moral implications of consuming lobsters, blending detailed descriptions with philosophical and scientific inquiries.

Mark Manson’s success as a writer stems from one central idea: “What feels like play?”

After his dating blog took off in 2012, Mark started writing about all the things that excited him: psychology, personal development, and “self-help for people who hate self-help.” His breakout book, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,” was the #1 most read nonfiction book worldwide in 2017 (and I swear I saw it on the front table of every airport I went to).

Mark was once described as “the local drunk who spends too much time in the philosophy section of the bookstore.” What was meant to be a diss became a core part of his Personal Monopoly. Mark is bullish on sounding like himself. The man writes zingers, and that’s why his work resonates.

In this episode, we dive deep into how Mark stays true to his own voice. You’ll learn how he 3X’d his audience in just a few months; how he wrote Will Smith’s memoir; and how he combines quality ideas, catchy titles, and whip-smart marketing.

We cover the evolution of ideas, how to structure them, the “awkward teenage phase” of writing, and how to write in a way that spreads on the Internet.

Website: https://markmanson.net/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAmMarkManson

Books: The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck

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