The Tim Ferriss Show

#726: Hugh Howey, Author of Silo and Wool — A Masterclass on Writing, Unorthodox Self-Publishing, and Living in The AI Age

Mar 13, 2024

Hugh Howey, a New York Times bestselling author known for his Silo trilogy and Wool, dives into the intricacies of self-publishing and navigating the traditional publishing world. He emphasizes the importance of a reader-first mindset and the power of maintaining creative control. Howey shares insights on the discipline required for daily writing and discusses the impact of AI on the publishing landscape. He reflects on the balance between optimism and existential threats in today's society, providing a thought-provoking perspective on the future of storytelling.

01:40:06

Episode guests

Hugh Howey

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Consistency is vital for writing routine; daily practice enhances skills and productivity.

Reading diverse fiction styles inspires creativity and elevates writing craft.

Negotiating publishing deals requires retaining rights and exploring print-only options.

Engaging with readers authentically on social media boosts promotion and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Deep dives

Writing Process and Collaboration

Consistency and dedication play a crucial role in maintaining a writing routine. The speaker emphasizes the importance of writing daily, sharing how this daily practice can lead to improved writing skills and productivity. Establishing a daily habit of writing, setting word count goals, and pushing yourself to write regularly can help enhance creativity and keep you in tune with the writing process. Moreover, engaging with readers and finding joy in the writing process through social media interactions can also positively impact promotional efforts and reader engagement.

Reading Beautiful Prose as Inspiration for Writing

01:35

Building Your Writing Identity

00:39

Embracing Conversational AI for a Wired Future

01:20

Patience and Persistence in Writing

01:20

Intro

5min

Navigating the Publishing Landscape

6min

Journey of a Self-Published Author

17min

Navigating Self-Publishing Success

8min

The Power of Writing Discipline and Daily Habits

4min

The Reading-Writing Nexus

13min

Collaborative Creativity in the Digital Age

17min

Navigating Optimism Amidst Existential Threats

20min

Personal Reflections and Future Conversations

2min

10.

Reflections on Growth and the Importance of Support

6min

11.

Discovering Your Perfect Mattress with Helix

2min

Hugh Howey is the New York Times bestselling author of Wool, Beacon 23, Sand, Machine Learning, Half Way Home, and more than a dozen other novels. His Silo trilogy was recently adapted by Apple TV, becoming their #1 drama of all time. Please enjoy!

Timestamps for this episode are available below. Resources from this episode: https://tim.blog/2024/03/13/hugh-howey/

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Timestamps:

[00:00] Start

[06:48] Breaking the formula with a literary sleight of hand.

[11:00] A commitment to 10 years of obscurity.

[15:02] Buying back rights and self-publishing.

[22:04] Why authors should strive for a reader-first vs. publisher-first mindset.

[24:22] Hitting the NYT Best Sellers List with a self-pub book.

[27:44] Pricing logic.

[31:00] The undersold value of worldwide rights.

[33:57] How authors can find deal leverage early on.

[37:07] Establishing a daily writing habit.

[41:34] Fiction that inspires better writing.