Amor Towles on the Art of Storytelling and 10 Years of A Gentleman in Moscow | Open Book with Jenna

Amor Towles reflects on the ten-year anniversary of his novel *A Gentleman in Moscow*, detailing how a chance observation of a man in a hotel lobby sparked the narrative. He distinguishes his "designing" process—filling notebooks with character and plot details—from traditional outlining, emphasizing the importance of preserving creative space by avoiding digital distractions. Towles shares his journey from a decade-long career in finance to full-time writing, driven by the fear of failing to pursue his lifelong passion. He also highlights the profound impact of his work, citing instances where his writing provided solace to a U.S. Navy officer during the pandemic and facilitated a deep conversation with former President George W. Bush regarding geopolitical shifts in Russia. Throughout the dialogue, he underscores the necessity of cultivating a writer's "muscle" through keen observation and consistent practice.