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
252 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 1h 36min
Tucker Max: The King of Memoir Writing | How I Write
Tucker Max, a memoir guru and author of the bestselling "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell," shares his insights on writing compelling memoirs. He emphasizes the importance of telling the unvarnished truth, showcasing humor as a vital tool for storytelling. From transforming personal struggles into relatable narratives to the healing power of writing, Tucker highlights how authentic experiences resonate deeply with readers. He also discusses crafting engaging book titles and the role of honest reflection in creating impactful stories.
277 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 1h 25min
Richard Powers: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Stanford Professor | How I Write
Richard Powers, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Overstory," shares his insights into crafting unforgettable characters. He discusses the emotional relationships between authors and their creations, likening them to personal journeys. Powers explores the intricacies of dialogue, rhythm, and narrative tension, while emphasizing the role of empathy in storytelling. He also reflects on the evolution of his writing process over 40 years, from focusing on word count to creating deeper connections with readers through nature and personal experiences.
1,077 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 49min
Sam Altman: OpenAI Founder Reveals His Writing System | How I Write
Join Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, as he shares his passion for writing and its impact on clarity and creativity. He reveals how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping traditional writing and communication methods, and discusses the evolving role of writers in a tech-driven world. Altman reflects on his personal writing journey, lessons learned from Paul Graham, and the delicate nature of nurturing fragile ideas. Discover how structured thinking and effective note-taking can elevate your writing, even in an age dominated by artificial intelligence.
786 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 22min
Robert Greene: The Blueprint for a Killer Story | How I Write
Robert Greene, bestselling author of "The 48 Laws of Power," shares his transformation from a struggling screenwriter to a storytelling maestro. He emphasizes storytelling as a tool of seduction, urging writers to connect emotionally with their audience. Greene dives into the pursuit of timeless narratives, the importance of harnessing anger in creativity, and the relationship between discipline and inspiration. He reflects on mastering the art of speech writing and the meticulous research behind crafting impactful stories that resonate across generations.
180 snips
Sep 11, 2024 • 1h 20min
Nick Bilton: The Art of Storytelling in Films, Journalism, and Murder Mysteries | How I Write
Nick Bilton, a journalist with a knack for storytelling, shares insights on captivating narratives. He dives into the essentials of storytelling, emphasizing emotion, tension, and character development. Discover how to create compelling moments that resonate with audiences, whether in screenwriting or journalism. Bilton discusses the balance between ambition and empathy, and the role of sensory details in narrative design. Plus, he reflects on lessons learned from his journalism journey, highlighting the importance of responsibility and diverse perspectives.
280 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 16min
How Peter Attia Wrote His First Book
In this intriguing discussion, Peter Attia, a medical surgeon and bestselling author of "Outlive," shares insights from his journey in writing. He introduces frameworks for transforming complex medical knowledge into engaging narratives. Peter discusses emotional challenges authors face, the importance of feedback, and how to craft timeless messages. He explores the balance between personal stories and scientific accuracy while detailing the rigorous fact-checking needed for credibility. If you're looking to turn expertise into compelling writing, this conversation is a goldmine!
430 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 33min
How Ben Thompson Built a Writing Empire
Ben Thompson, founder of the influential blog Stratechery, dives into the business of writing and how he turned his passion into a lucrative venture. He discusses the importance of crafting compelling narratives and the art of making first drafts flow smoothly under pressure. Thompson shares insights on enhancing engagement with subscribers and navigating the digital content landscape. He also reflects on the challenges of reaching a niche audience and the impact of storytelling in both writing and speech, providing listeners with a roadmap to monetize their own writing.
86 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 35min
Rob Henderson: How To Write A Memoir
Rob Henderson, author of the best-selling memoir "Troubled," shares his journey from foster care to Yale and the intricacies of memoir writing. He discusses the importance of honesty, emotional resonance, and how to balance personal truths with empathy. Henderson delves into navigating childhood trauma, overcoming coping mechanisms, and the emotional toll of revisiting painful memories. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining authenticity, simplicity in storytelling, and the hard work that fuels creativity in memoir writing.
206 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 1h 16min
The Cultural Tutor: Two Kinds of Writing (Which One Are You?)
Shian, known as The Cultural Tutor, is a prominent writer and cultural commentator with keen insights on writing styles. In this conversation, he unpacks the tension between minimalism and maximalism in writing, emphasizing how each style enriches narratives. They discuss how technology shapes individual expression, the decline of language skills, and the importance of etymology in creativity. Shian also shares lessons from Churchill's iconic speeches, illustrating how impactful word choice and structure can captivate audiences.
323 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 57min
Mark Forsyth: How to Make Your Writing Memorable | How I Write Podcast
Mark Forsyth, an author and language expert, delves into the captivating world of memorable writing. He reveals how rhetorical devices like chiasmus and antithesis elevate language, making ideas stick. Forsyth draws parallels between historical figures and modern writers, demonstrating the timeless power of rhetoric. He discusses the evolution of language influenced by technology and slang, urging writers to embrace creativity like jazz musicians. Discover the art of literary theft and the significance of revision, showcasing how structure enhances emotional resonance in writing.
