Elif Shafak: How to Write a Novel | How I Write

David Perell interviews author Elif Shafak, exploring her unique perspective on writing, the role of intuition versus planning, and the importance of engaging with emotions like sadness. Shafak discusses her writing process, which involves deep immersion in the story and characters, and emphasizes the need for freedom and curiosity in the creative process. She also touches on the influence of cities, languages, and various writers on her work, as well as her views on religion, spirituality, and the cyclical nature of time. The conversation delves into the nuances of storytelling, the importance of listening, and the delicate balance between melancholy and humor in literature.