Steve Almond, an award-winning author known for his bestsellers and the New York Times podcast Dear Sugars, candidly discusses creative failure and the importance of authentic storytelling. He shares insights on overcoming writer's block, navigating the emotional challenges of creativity, and prioritizing genuine connections with characters. Almond emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, self-compassion, and curiosity, encouraging writers to embrace their unique narratives and explore deep emotions in their work.
01:00:34
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Playboy to Book Deal
Steve Almond's first book, My Life in Heavy Metal, wasn't initially successful.
An editor at Playboy magazine published one story, leading to his book deal.
insights INSIGHT
Giving Up to Succeed
Steve Almond struggled with novels for 30 years, feeling like a "failed novelist."
Giving up on novels allowed him to connect with a character, leading to his debut.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Focus on Story
Focus on the story more than the language or writing style.
Nirvana as a writer is being more interested in the story than how well you tell it.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The novel follows William Stoner, born on a small farm in Missouri in 1891, who is sent to the University of Missouri to study agriculture. However, he discovers a passion for literature and decides to pursue a career in English. The book delves into Stoner's undistinguished career, his marriage to Edith, his affair with Katherine Driscoll, and his complex relationships with his daughter Grace and his colleagues. It explores themes of work, passion, love, and the social and sexual reawakening of the protagonist, all set against the backdrop of his quiet yet rich and vibrant life as an academic[2][4][5].
Candy Freak
Steve Almond
Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow
Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow
Steve Almond
My life in heavy metal
Steve Almond
Against football
Steve Almond
All the Secrets of the World
Steve Almond
Which Brings Me to You
Which Brings Me to You
Steve Almond
Julianna Baggott
Steve Almond, bestselling author on ‘failing’ for decades, finding flow, finding success in Hollywood, overcoming writer’s block and telling the stories only you can tell with truth and mercy. *
ABOUT STEVE ALMOND
Steve Almond is the award-winning author of twelve books of fiction and nonfiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Candyfreak and Against Football and Which Brings Me To You (turned into a Netflix show).
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Lulu. If you're interested in self-publishing, Lulu has free resources such as helpful tutorials, templates to help you layout a book, design for print, and they have a very watchable YouTube University channel. Our community anthology is in fact published using Lulu. Check them out at lulu.com.
London Writers' Salon 
