How I Write

Jerry Seinfeld’s Rules for Writing | How I Write Podcast

Jun 12, 2024

Award-winning comedian and writer Jerry Seinfeld shares his top ten writing lessons. He emphasizes consistency, unique voice, embracing failure, and staying true to your creative vision. Seinfeld discusses the balance between quality and quantity in writing, offering valuable writing advice for aspiring writers.

41:35

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Episode guests

Jerry Seinfeld

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Quick takeaways

Embrace the difficulty of writing and commit to set writing times to overcome challenges.

Consistency is key in writing - time-box writing practices and avoid distractions for improved focus.

Deep dives

Embrace the Difficulty of Writing

Jerry Seinfeld emphasizes the importance of embracing the difficulty of writing. He highlights that writing is hard and writers need to accept this challenge to succeed. Seinfeld encourages writers to push through difficulties and not run away when it gets tough. He advises committing to set writing times to overcome the resistance that often comes with the writing process.

Finding the Torture You're Comfortable With

02:35

Passion for Greatness

01:35

The Only Way to Overcome Writer’s Block is to Write

03:17

Intro

2min

Jerry Seinfeld's Approach to Writing

18min

Embracing Individuality and Creative Expression

12min

The Baby Phase vs. The Officer Phase in the Creative Process

4min

Staying True to Your Creative Vision and Seinfeld's Approach to Ending His Show

4min

Exploring Jerry Seinfeld's Rules for Writing and Performing

2min

Jerry Seinfeld taught me more about writing than all my English teachers combined. People forget that comedians aren’t just jokesters — they’re writers. And with 10 Emmy Awards, 3 Golden Globes, and a TV show that’s generated over three billion in revenue, it’s safe to say that Jerry Seinfeld is a dang good one.

In this episode, I share the top ten writing lessons I’ve learned from Jerry Seinfeld over the years. You’ll learn five lessons on getting your work done, and five lessons on making your work great. And buckle up. After 50 years of refining his jokes on stage, Jerry deals out spiky writing advice like cards in a casino. If you’re ready to become a writer who stands out from the masses, then you’re in the right place. Happy listening.

WRITING EXAMPLES:

JERRY SEINFELD LINKS:

Website: https://jerryseinfeld.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jerryseinfeld

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryseinfeld

Article: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/the-scholar-of-comedy

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

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