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.
Robert Greene, author of The 48 Laws of Power, details the arduous process of writing his latest book, Sublime, while recovering from a stroke that left him partially paralyzed. He defines the sublime as a transcendent experience that shatters the limiting circles of cultural conventions, urging creators to cultivate a...
Science fiction author Andy Weir treats the genre as a versatile setting rather than a rigid category, enabling the integration of diverse narrative elements like thrillers and dramas. His writing process centers on scientific accuracy and logical plot progression, often utilizing complex spreadsheets to ensure technic...
Stand-up comedy demands a rigorous, iterative process where writing is less about innate genius and more about the uncomfortable discipline of facing a blank page and constant failure. Success relies on precise structural engineering, where every word is optimized to deliver a surprise twist that feels both inevitable ...
Great storytelling relies on a rigorous, iterative process that prioritizes emotional resonance and thematic clarity. Pixar’s success demonstrates the power of a non-hierarchical, collaborative environment where early drafts are continuously refined through audience feedback. Effective screenplays require a "North Star...
Writing effectively requires "reading like a writer," which involves dissecting sentences, characters, and structural choices in enduring literature to understand why they succeed. Rather than relying on rigid manuals, writers should focus on clarity, plain language, and the power of revision to eliminate unnecessary v...
Harlan Coben, author of 38 novels, details the mechanics of writing suspenseful fiction, emphasizing that the "what if" question serves as the foundational engine for both plot and character development. Rather than viewing mystery as a rigid genre, he treats it as a flexible form that requires emotional resonance to s...
Writing requires a transition from abstract theorizing to the precise articulation of physiological responses. By mapping emotions to physical sensations—such as tingling toes or elevated heart rates—writers can bypass clichés and achieve greater narrative intimacy. This process demands "literary shapeshifting," where ...
Writing for a mass market requires balancing commercial success with the preservation of an authentic, human voice. Matt Haig, author of The Midnight Library, emphasizes that true creativity thrives on "beautiful mistakes" and emotional resonance, qualities that distinguish human art from the perfectionist nature of AI...
Writing serves as a bridge between the human imagination and the natural world, functioning as a tool for both deep attention and moral inquiry. Language often fails to perfectly capture the essence of nature, yet the beauty of the craft lies in the attempt to articulate these ephemeral moments. By shifting from "payin...
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Andrew Sean Greer examines the intersection of intuition and technical precision in the writing process. First drafts function as an ethereal, subconscious outpouring, while revision serves as a surgical process to identify repeating images, thematic "rhymes," and structural integrity. E...
Rhetorical devices serve as timeless tools to transform ordinary writing into memorable, enchanting prose. By employing techniques like polyptoton—using the same word in different grammatical forms—writers create rhythmic patterns that stick in the reader's mind, a method utilized by figures ranging from Shakespeare an...
Writing thrillers requires a blend of personal experience and rigorous research to create authentic, immersive narratives. Drawing on his background as a Navy SEAL, Jack Carr translates the visceral reality of combat and strategic decision-making into fictional scenarios, emphasizing that emotional truth resonates more...
Comedy writing relies on a structured, repeatable process rather than innate, mysterious talent. Scott Dikkers, former editor-in-chief of The Onion, demystifies humor by identifying 11 "funny filters"—including irony, hyperbole, and madcap—that transform simple observations into professional-grade comedy. Success in sh...
AI is fundamentally reshaping the creative process, acting as a powerful research assistant and "sparring partner" while simultaneously challenging the necessity of human struggle in art. While tools like ChatGPT and Claude excel at summarizing data, generating code, and overcoming writer's block, they lack the lived e...
Prolific novelist David Baldacci details his intuitive approach to storytelling, emphasizing the "big pop" technique—a method of subverting reader expectations early in a narrative to establish authorial control. Rather than relying on rigid outlines, he writes linearly, allowing characters to evolve through personal "...
Navigating the modern publishing industry requires understanding that publishers function as both creative partners and commercial distributors. While digital platforms have lowered barriers to entry, major houses provide essential services, including global logistics, professional typesetting, and targeted marketing c...
Observational writing relies on a disciplined commitment to daily journaling and a keen eye for the absurdities of mundane life. David Sedaris emphasizes that writers must cultivate a "diary guide" to capture surprising encounters, such as interactions at the post office or DMV, which provide the raw material for humor...
Pixar’s creative success stems from writing for oneself rather than specifically for children, maintaining a connection to childhood while layering in adult sophistication. Filmmaking functions as a team sport where the director’s role is to protect a core vision while fostering a meritocratic environment that encourag...
Nonfiction writing functions as a generative process of thinking where discovery occurs through the act of drafting rather than mere transcription. Effective narrative nonfiction relies on a "laundry line"—a central, chronological thread that anchors exposition and research, preventing the reader from losing interest. ...
A compelling narrative premise requires the ability to be articulated in a single sentence, providing both the reader and the writer with a clear, specific direction. Effective character development relies on "soul drama"—the internal conflicts and human truths revealed through gesture and action—rather than mere plot ...
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