How I Write
David Perell
Before book sales and PR buzz, your favorite writers began with two things: the blank page and an idea.Each week on How I Write, we go behind-the-scenes with today’s top writers to uncover the meta-mechanics of writing and the lifestyle behind it. You’ll be the first to hear writers deconstruct their creative process: from banging their head on the keyboard to marking the last period of their final draft. Victory.Come discover how great writing is made. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be next.New episodes of the How I Write show go live every week on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.com/DavidPerellChannel.
Episodes
Mentioned books
49 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
Jonathan Franzen: How to Write Truly Great Characters | How I Write
Jonathan Franzen, an award-winning novelist celebrated for his psychologically rich works like The Corrections and Freedom, shares his insights on character creation. He discusses the importance of comic distance to avoid victimhood, while emphasizing self-examination to develop authentic voices. Franzen contrasts trauma dumping with crafting relatable characters, and stresses the significance of precise details over clichés. He also explores how observing everyday life fuels character depth, alongside his disciplined writing routine and the search for the perfect tone.
309 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 4min
Atul Gawande: How to Write Consistently (While Working Full Time) | How I Write
Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and bestselling author known for works like *Being Mortal*, shares insights on the writing process. He discusses how writing energizes him rather than drains him and reveals his disciplined approach of aiming for 30 hours a month. Gawande highlights the importance of storytelling in conveying complex medical truths and emphasizes the value of revision, even counting up to 22 drafts for his New Yorker pieces. He also explores how being active in medicine enriches his writing and keeps his ideas fresh.
196 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 9min
Brandon Stanton: Meet The Creator of “Humans of New York” | How I Write
Brandon Stanton, the creator of Humans of New York, shares insights from his journey as a bestselling author and street photographer. He dives into how he crafts powerful personal narratives by capturing the essence of people's stories through concise interviews. Discover his unique approach to storytelling, including the importance of empathy and the impact of editing in real time. Stanton emphasizes persistence in creative endeavors and how curiosity drives compelling narratives. A riveting conversation for any aspiring writer!
183 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 24min
David Grann: How to Write Non-Fiction That Reads Like Fiction | How I Write
David Grann, an award-winning narrative nonfiction writer known for works like "Killers of the Flower Moon," shares his secrets to crafting compelling stories. He discusses how deep archival research led him to uncover hidden murders and serendipitous discoveries. Grann emphasizes the importance of rigorous research for creating vivid scenes and connecting themes with contemporary relevance. He also reflects on the emotional journey of reporting, choosing striking details, and the art of creating suspense through chronological storytelling.
199 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 9min
Susan Orlean: Award-Winning Writer Explains Her Entire Process | How I Write
Susan Orlean, an award-winning nonfiction author, shares her intentional approach to writing that blends storytelling with in-depth research. She discusses her unique method of using index cards to structure her narratives and emphasizes the importance of strong leads to hook readers. Orlean highlights the significance of selecting compelling topics and maintaining a balance between writer passion and reader interest. She also reflects on the joy of editing and the discipline needed for long-term writing projects, comparing writing to marathon training.
367 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 8min
Stefan Sagmeister: Why Are Things Less Beautiful Today? | How I Write
Stefan Sagmeister, a Grammy-winning designer renowned for his innovative album covers, shares insights on beauty and creativity. He discusses using random prompts like a sock to inspire fresh design ideas and emphasizes the importance of handmade typography. Stefan highlights how emotional care in art fosters viewer connection and contrasts declining print quality with niche markets sustaining high standards. He also explores the balance between serving audience tastes and maintaining artistic integrity, while advocating for local-specific design over homogenization.
929 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 9min
Morgan Housel: How to Master Writing | How I Write
Morgan Housel, bestselling author of 'The Psychology of Money', shares his insights on mastering storytelling in writing. He discusses the importance of brevity and clarity, arguing that good writing should be instantly understandable. Morgan reveals how he collects vivid anecdotes and why hooks are essential for engaging readers. He critiques common writing advice and emphasizes the value of honest, personal expression. Dive in to learn about his writing journey, the role of observation, and why books still hold significance in today's digital world.
410 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 38min
Mitch Albom: Storytelling Master Shares His Secrets | How I Write
In a deep dive into storytelling, bestselling author Mitch Albom shares his secrets from a career that boasts over 40 million book sales. He emphasizes the importance of a central theme and knowing your ending before starting, revealing how to hook readers instantly. Mitch discusses the art of pacing, trimming unnecessary details, and crafting compelling character arcs. He also reflects on writing with humility, capturing universal truths, and treating writing like a disciplined job, all while keeping the reader’s curiosity front and center.
112 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 60min
Dan Wang: How He Became America’s Favorite China Expert | How I Write
Dan Wang, a renowned writer and China analyst, shares insights on blending personal experiences with deep analysis in his writing. He reveals his unique method of crafting annual letters, discussing how to capture the essence of China through textured observations. Wang critiques traditional travel writing for its self-indulgence and emphasizes the value of detailed analysis over superficial impressions. He also reflects on the impact of AI on his processes and candidly critiques China's influencer culture, threading humor and profound insights throughout the conversation.
88 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 47min
Ada Limón & Joy Harjo: Everything I Learned From The World's Greatest Poets | How I Write
In this engaging conversation, celebrated poets Joy Harjo and Ada Limón share their insights on the art of deep listening and the significance of silence in creativity. They explore how metaphor enriches truth and discuss the emotional power of poetic language in cultural anthems. Highlighting the transformative experience of nature, they reflect on how solitude shapes their voices and fosters artistic expression. Their wisdom offers a profound deeper understanding of poetry as a pathway to presence and identity.
