How I Write

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

Nov 1, 2023

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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Episode guests

Mark Manson

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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

Content first, brand second

01:14

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

01:53

Remove expectations, write from conversation

02:58

Intro

2min

The Power of Practical Learning and Implementation

2min

From Philosophy to Passion: A Writer's Journey

19min

Resurgence of Success

7min

Navigating the Writing Process with Scrivener

2min

Crafting Compelling Ideas in the Digital Age

11min

From Dating to Depth: A Journey of Authentic Expression

13min

The Journey of Writing: Voice and Structure

15min

Crafting a Memoir: The Journey of Collaboration and Emotion

5min

10.

Crafting Vivid Memories in Storytelling

13min

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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