ReThinking cover image

ReThinking

The art of rough drafts with George Saunders

Oct 31, 2023
George Saunders, an award-winning author celebrated for his short stories and the bestselling Lincoln in the Bardo, shares insights from his unconventional path to writing success. He discusses the importance of kindness in storytelling and how accepting feedback can elevate rough drafts. Saunders delves into navigating uncertainty in writing, emphasizing the value of constructive criticism. He also explores the significance of endings in narratives and the challenges of addressing uncomfortable ideas, all while considering AI's limitations in capturing human experience.
38:02

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Overcoming the fear of not knowing how to start and persevering in the writing journey are crucial for success as an author.
  • Acting with kindness has a lasting impact and requires engagement, challenging others, and questioning our own motivations.

Deep dives

George Saunders' Journey to Becoming a Writer

George Saunders, a renowned writer known for his short stories and novels, discusses his unconventional path to becoming a writer. From holding odd jobs to experiencing a transformative illness, Saunders shares how circumstances and personal realization led him to pursue his passion for writing. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of not knowing how to start and the significance of perseverance in the writing journey.

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