How I Write

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

Nov 1, 2023

01:29:43

Snipd AI

Mark Manson, writer of 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,' discusses his journey from blogger to bestselling author. He shares his approach to staying true to his voice, 3X'ing his audience, and writing Will Smith's memoir. They explore the influence of philosophy, designing book covers, transitioning from internet to mainstream fame, using Scrivener, and gauging audience reactions. They also touch on Facebook's strategy, transitioning from dating advice to personal development, refining chapters, and the process of writing a book.

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Quick takeaways

Focusing on catchy titles and engaging images can help generate viral content on social media platforms like Facebook.

Switching focus to personal development coaching and writing can address personal issues that are often the root cause of dating problems.

Finding a personal style that stands out and resonates with readers is crucial in writing.

Deep dives

Finding the Right Title and Image for Viral Content

During the rise of Facebook's news feed algorithm, focusing on catchy titles and engaging images helped generate viral content.

Being Yourself by First Trying to Imitate Others

01:05

Remove expectations, write from conversation

02:58

Content first, brand second

01:14

The best writing took either the least or most amount of work

01:53

Introduction

4min

The Influence of Philosophy

14min

Designing the cover for 'Subtle Art' and the transition from internet fame to mainstream fame

4min

The Journey to Success

8min

Using Scrivener as a Writing Tool

5min

Researching, Writing, and Gauging Audience Reactions

2min

Facebook's Strategy and the Shift in Focus

8min

Transitioning from Dating Advice to Personal Development

21min

Refining Early Chapters and Organizational Breakthroughs

20min

10.

The Process of Writing a Book

5min

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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