05 Nov 2025
1h 24m

David Grann: How to Write Non-Fiction That Reads Like Fiction | How I Write

Podcast cover

How I Write

David Perell interviews David Grann, the author of "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "The Wager," about his storytelling process. Grann discusses his extensive research methods, including sifting through archives and visiting locations to gain a deeper understanding of the people and settings he writes about. He emphasizes the importance of finding deeper themes in stories and the delicate balance between providing vivid descriptions and overwhelming the reader with details. Grann also shares insights into how he crafts suspenseful narratives and his experiences with having his work adapted into films, and reflects on the role of storytelling in making sense of a chaotic world.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction and Research

Part 2: Immersion and Character

Part 3: Crafting the Narrative

Part 4: Adaptation and Origins

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