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
146 snips
Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 18min
Ava: The Emotions of Writing
Ava Huang, a talented writer celebrated for her intimate and honest prose, shares her insights into the emotional landscapes of writing. She discusses the challenge of expressing happiness compared to deeper emotions and the art of crafting relatable narratives. Ava emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of writing, the importance of consistency in practice, and how personal experiences fuel creativity. She also highlights the balance between authenticity and audience resonance, making it clear that writing is a deeply personal and transformative journey.
354 snips
Sep 20, 2023 • 1h 12min
Derek Sivers: No Wasted Words
Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby and author known for his unique insights, shares his thoughts on writing, creativity, and life. He delves into the journey of documenting wisdom in a posthumous autobiography and emphasizes the importance of mentorship in shaping our identities. Sivers discusses the delicate balance between quality and quantity in writing, calling for simplicity and clarity. He also highlights the power of connection, urging writers to reach out and express gratitude, fostering growth and community in the creative process.
446 snips
Sep 13, 2023 • 1h 18min
Kevin Kelly: On Fame, Structuring Ideas, Writing Books, and Founding Wired Magazine
Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine and a renowned tech writer, dives into the complexities of writing and creativity. He shares his preference for editing over writing and discusses the importance of originality in engaging readers. Kelly explains how collaboration fuels creativity and highlights the value of finding one's unique voice. He reflects on fame's dual edges, revealing its impact on identity. With insights from his latest book, he emphasizes writing as a tool for clarity and personal expression.
264 snips
Sep 6, 2023 • 1h 11min
Lulu Cheng Meservey: The PR Class You Didn’t Know You Needed
Lulu Cheng Meservey, EVP of Corporate Affairs at Activision Blizzard and author of the newsletter "Flack," offers a fresh perspective on corporate communication. She discusses the pitfalls of jargon and stresses the essence of relatable narratives in messaging. Lulu shares insights on handling crisis communications with a personal touch and critiques the media's reaction to new platforms like Substack. Her unique writing process highlights the value of authenticity and diverse reading, making a compelling case for clear, impactful communication.
277 snips
Aug 30, 2023 • 1h 6min
Derek Thompson: From Acting to the Eminem of Macroeconomic Analysis
Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his elegant economic and cultural commentary, dives into the multifaceted world of writing. He discusses the importance of clarity in communication and the mystical process of creativity, balancing solitude with collaboration. Derek also explores the 'moneyballification' of culture, reflecting on algorithm-driven content versus authentic creativity. He emphasizes emotional expression, the art of naming, and the joy of writing, offering insights that inspire aspiring storytellers to engage their audiences with authenticity.
221 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 1h 44min
Jimmy Soni, on Interviewing Elon Musk, Writing Biographies, Lessons from Peter Thiel, and The Art of Research
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.
489 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 1h 23min
The Cultural Tutor, on Writing Every Day, Growing a Twitter Audience, and Reading Old Books
The Cultural Tutor, an anonymous writer who soared to 1.5 million Twitter followers in just 15 months, shares his journey from humble beginnings to social media fame. He delves into the importance of daily writing habits versus productivity pressure, and how both handwriting and typing affect creative expression. The conversation touches on navigating the vast information landscape of today’s digital age, the enduring value of classic literature, and the balance between authenticity and the demands of online visibility.
199 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 1h 7min
Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok, on The Story of Marginal Revolution
Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok, co-founders of the Marginal Revolution blog, share insights from two decades of economic commentary. They discuss their contrasts in writing approaches and the intrinsic joy that fuels impactful content creation. The duo reflects on how diverse topics, including popular culture, engage audiences more effectively. They also emphasize the evolution of education through their platform, highlighting the transformative power of self-publishing and technology in making economics accessible, especially in places like India.
Aug 20, 2023 • 1min
How I Write: Podcast Trailer
Dive into the fascinating world of writing as renowned authors share their creative processes. Discover the challenges they face and the insights that fuel their craft. Each conversation unlocks unique perspectives and inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or an aspiring one, these discussions offer valuable tips and encouragement. Join in for a journey into the minds of the world's best storytellers!
