Jimmy Soni, on Interviewing Elon Musk, Writing Biographies, Lessons from Peter Thiel, and The Art of Research
Aug 23, 2023
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Jimmy Soni, an author and speechwriter known for his insightful biographies, dives into the world of writing with rich anecdotes. He reveals the importance of 'writing upwards' to connect complex ideas with readers. Soni shares his fascination with high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, drawing parallels between discipline in writing and sports. He emphasizes the value of thorough research, mentorship, and the art of transforming ideas into compelling narratives, while also exploring the necessity of 'productive discomfort' for personal growth.
Approach writing as an athlete, emphasizing discipline, training, and the pursuit of excellence in crafting impactful stories.
Catalog potential book ideas and strive to find a unique gap in the market, offering fresh insights and valuable content for readers.
Refine writing like a sculptor, chiseling and subtracting unnecessary details to engage readers with surprise, delight, and thought-provoking moments.
Utilize voice typing tools and writing on a phone to alleviate anxiety, encourage casual writing, and unleash creativity.
Deep dives
Writing with an Athlete's Mentality
Jimmy Sony, an author and speechwriter, applies an athlete's mindset to his writing process. He draws inspiration from Robert Caro and asks himself, 'What would Caro do?' when approaching a story. Sony believes in writing like an average person trying to learn, taking the reader along the learning journey with him. He values the pleasure of finding things out and aims to make his writing reasonable and readable, even for readers unfamiliar with the subject matter. By approaching writing as an athlete, Sony emphasizes the importance of discipline, training, and the pursuit of excellence in crafting impactful stories.
Finding the Right Book Idea
Jimmy Sony maintains a Google Doc called 'Books I should write someday' to catalog potential book ideas. He adds various topics and ideas to this list, even if he doesn't know much about them. He periodically revisits the list and evaluates whether he is the right person to write each book and if it would be interesting and impactful. Sony strives to find the right book idea that fills a unique gap in the market and offers fresh insights and valuable content for readers. He metaphorically looks for 'empty spaces' on the bookshelf, where his book would sit between two existing books, offering a unique perspective and contribution to the field.
Writing as Sculpting and Chiseling
When writing, Jimmy Sony adopts a philosophy similar to that of sculptors. He believes that writers should chisel and refine their work, subtracting unnecessary details and reducing the text to its essence. He draws inspiration from Raymond Chandler, who aimed to have something important happen on every page of his novels. Sony emphasizes the importance of surprise and delight in writing, striving to engage readers by delivering gems, humor, and thought-provoking moments throughout his work. By carefully refining his writing and making deliberate choices, Sony aims to keep readers engaged and excited about each page they turn.
Overcoming Writing Anxiety with Voice Typing
Jimmy Sony shares strategies to overcome anxiety and writer's block. He suggests using voice typing tools in Google Docs to alleviate the fear of a blank page and encourage a more casual, conversational writing style. Sony describes how speaking out his thoughts and ideas using voice typing allows him to bypass the anxiety of staring at a screen and doubting his abilities. He also finds that writing on a phone can be more effective, as the form factor requires tighter sentences and reduces distractions. These techniques enable Sony to break through writing barriers and unleash his creativity.
Writing is Valued at the Company
Writing is highly valued at the company, with talented writers being seen as important as talented engineers. The emphasis on clear writing and communication was set by Peter Thiel and David Sax's product Q&A column in the weekly company newsletter showcased the importance of writing in the team's understanding of product strategy. The company's leaders, like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk, also valued the power of the written word, as seen in their personal notes and communications with the company.
The Importance of Writing Clearly
For the PayPal team, clear writing was seen as a reflection of clear thinking. Those who could write clearly were highly valued and considered to have valuable insights. This emphasis on clear communication extended to the company's writing culture, with a focus on quality writing in the company newsletter and other written materials. The goal was to make the writing accessible, engaging, and enduring, ensuring that readers in the future would find value in the content.
Creating a Writing Process
The podcast highlights the importance of having a disciplined writing process. By establishing routines and habits, such as dedicating specific timeframes for research and writing, writers can ensure progress and maintain focus. This includes structuring research by setting specific tasks and creating artificial deadlines to push oneself. Writers are encouraged to turn over every page and immerse themselves in the subject matter to provide readers with a well-informed and engaging narrative.
Receiving Feedback and Embracing Discomfort
The podcast emphasizes the significance of seeking feedback from others, whether it be from fellow writers, mentors, or editors. Feedback can help refine ideas, improve writing, and avoid analysis paralysis. Embracing a state of discomfort in the writing process can lead to growth and better end results. Recognizing the value of collaboration, the podcast encourages writers to focus not only on the creations themselves but also on the connections and collaborations formed throughout the writing journey.
A master of biographies and a professional speechwriter. If you want to write serious, research-backed non-fiction or build your writing career while working a full-time job, this episode is for you.
