How I Write
by David Perell
Latest episode
Elizabeth Gilbert: This Is What 40 Years of Writing Discipline Looks…
Elizabeth Gilbert: This Is What 40 Years of Writing Discipline Looks…
About this podcast
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
The newest 50 of 149 episodes
- Elizabeth Gilbert: This Is What 40 Years of Writing Discipline Looks Like | How I Write · 1 h 16 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Elizabeth Gilbert joins us on the show today. You might know her from books like Big Magic or Eat, Pray, Love…
- Malcolm Gladwell: The Most Useful Hour You'll Ever Spend on Storytelling | How I Write · 59 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Malcolm Gladwell is on the show today and he's one of the most influential nonfiction writers of the 21st…
- Gillian Flynn: How to Write Thrilling Stories | How I Write · 1 h 23 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Gillian Flynn is the author of one of my favorite books of all time: Gone Girl. Before the episode, I…
- Taylor Tomlinson: How to Make Your Writing More Funny | How I Write · 55 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Taylor Tomlinson is on the show today, and she is one of the world's top comedians with multiple Netflix…
- Dean Koontz: This Is What Mystical Writing Feels Like | How I Write · 1 h 13 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Dean Koontz has written more than a hundred novels and sold over 500 million copies of his books. This is my…
- Jodi Picoult: The Writing Habits Behind 50 Million Books Sold | How I Write · 1 h 15 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Jodi Picoult is on the show today, and she has published 30 novels and sold more than 50 million copies of…
- Robert Greene: The Unwritten Laws of Great Writing | How I Write · 1 h 39 minPre-order Robert Greene's latest book here: https://sites.prh.com/lawofthesublime Learn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Robert Greene is on the…
- Andy Weir: Project Hail Mary Author Teaches Writing | How I Write · 1 h 11 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Andy Weir is on the show today, and he's famous for books like Project Hail Mary and The Martian, both of…
- Mark Normand: How to Make Your Writing More Funny | How I Write · 48 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Mark Normand is on the show today to teach us how to write good comedy. He moved to New York in 2006 when he…
- Michael Arndt: Oscar-Winning Writer Teaches Storytelling | How I Write · 1 h 17 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Michael Arndt, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter, is on the show today to teach us how to write great…
- Francine Prose: This Is What a Harvard Writing Masterclass Feels Like | How I Write · 59 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Francine Prose has written more than 30 books and taught at both Harvard and Bard College. If you ask her how…
- Harlan Coben: Tough Love Advice for Every Writer | How I Write · 1 h 15 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Harlan Coben has written 38 books. If you want to write thrilling and suspenseful stories, he's the guy to…
- R.F. Kuang: Meet The Writer Who Sold Millions of Books Before 30 | How I Write · 1 h 7 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite R. F. Kuang came on the show to talk about her love for language and what it means to live like a writer. She…
- Matt Haig: How to Write a Book Millions of People Read | How I Write · 58 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Matt Haig sold more than 10 million copies of his book, The Midnight Library. I just checked on Amazon, and…
- Elif Shafak & Robert Macfarlane: Two Novelists Have an Epic Conversation | How I Write · 1 h 4 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Elif Shafak and Robert Macfarlane are two of the most dreamy and articulate writers I know. Elif has written…
- Andrew Sean Greer: Pulitzer Winner Teaches Writing | How I Write · 1 h 13 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Andrew Sean Greer won the Pulitzer Prize for his 2018 novel "Less". I had to ask him what it's like to win a…
- Mark Forsyth: 13 Techniques to Improve Your Writing | How I Write · 1 h 14 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Mark Forsyth has spent years studying how great writers piece words together. People like Shakespeare and…
- Jack Carr: Bestselling Author Shares His Entire Writing Process | How I Write · 1 h 9 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Jack Carr is a master at writing thrillers. He's a former Navy SEAL turned author who loves books and…
- Scott Dikkers: 11 Ways to Make Your Writing More Funny | How I Write · 1 h 5 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Scott Dikkers is the former editor-in-chief of The Onion, the site that brought news satire to the internet…
- What the Experts Really Think About AI | How I Write Compilation · 55 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite AI and creativity. I've asked dozens of writers for their take; some think it's a godsend, while others…
- David Baldacci: How to Write Books That Actually Sell | How I Write · 1 h 33 minLearn more about Alpha School at https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite David Baldacci, one of the most prolific writers in the world, joins us on the show today. He has written 53…
- David Shelley: How to Get Your Book Published | How I Write · 1 h 25 minThis episode is presented by Wispr Flow, a tool that turns voice notes into clear writing. I use it every day and recommend it to every writer I know. Try it for free at…
- David Sedaris: Bestselling Author Gives His Best Writing Advice | How I Write · 1 h 20 minThis episode is presented by Wispr Flow, a tool that turns voice notes into clear writing. I use it every day and recommend it to every writer I know. Try it for free at…
- Andrew Stanton: Meet The Writer Behind Toy Story 5 | How I Write · 1 h 0 minThis episode is presented by Wispr Flow, a tool that turns voice notes into clear writing. I use it every day and recommend it to every writer I know. Try it for free at…
- Michael Pollan's Best Writing Advice | How I Write · 1 h 13 minThis episode is presented by Wispr Flow, a tool that turns voice notes into clear writing. I use it every day and recommend it to every writer I know. Try it for free at…
- Andrew Hunter Murray: How to Write Fiction Incredibly Well | How I Write · 1 h 0 minThis episode is presented by Wispr Flow, a tool that turns voice notes into clear writing. I use it every day and recommend it to every writer I know. Try it for free at…
- Noah Hawley: How He Wrote Fargo | How I Write · 1 h 26 minNoah Hawley has written books, movies, and TV shows like Alien Earth and Fargo. He's been successful not just because he's a talented writer, but also because he's a consummate…
- Suleika Jaouad: NYT Bestselling Author Teaches Writing | How I Write · 58 minSuleika Jaouad says: "If you want to write a good book, write what you don't want others to know about you. But if you want to write a great book, write what you don't want to…
- Tom Segura: How to Tell Jokes | How I Write · 1 h 13 minTom Segura, a comedian known for specials like "Completely Normal" and "Sledgehammer", is also the creator of the TV show "Bad Thoughts". He's appeared on "Conan" and "The Late…
- Maria Popova: How to Write Something Truly Wise | How I Write · 58 minMaria Popova writes one of the internet's best personal blogs. Originally called "Brain Pickings", it is now known as "The Marginalian". She has published more than 6 million…
- Yann Martel: Life of Pi Author Reveals His Writing Process | How I Write · 1 h 11 minYann Martel is famous for writing "Life of Pi", which wasn't just a standout book but also an Academy Award-winning movie. What stood out to me about him is that he's strikingly…
- Anne Lamott Teaches Unforgettable Writing | How I Write · 1 h 19 minBuy Anne’s latest book, GOOD WRITING, below: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/786813/good-writing-by-neal-allen-and-anne-lamott/ Anne Lamott is famous for writing "Bird…
- Tish Rabe: How to Write Children’s Books | How I Write · 1 h 28 minThis episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at…
- David Gelb: How to Write Cinematically | How I Write · 1 h 9 minThis episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at…
- Patrick Radden Keefe: How to Write Captivating Stories | How I Write · 1 h 6 minThis episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at…
- Wright Thompson: Learn Storytelling in 63 Minutes | How I Write · 1 h 4 minWright Thompson is one of the best nonfiction storytellers in the world right now. He showed up to my place, and I immediately liked his vibe. We started talking, and it turns…
- Ocean Vuong: NYU Professor Teaches the Art of Writing | How I Write · 1 h 21 minThis episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at…
- Jon Yaged: How Book Publishing Works | How I Write · 1 h 27 minThis episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at…
- Michael Connelly: How to Write Unforgettable Characters | How I Write · 1 h 12 minThis episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at…
- Steven Pressfield: 21 Proven Methods for Writing Great Stories | How I Write · 1 h 11 minThis episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at…
- Robert Mac: Master Comedian Breaks Down 13 Jokes | How I Write · 1 h 3 minThis episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at…
- Bill Browder: How to Write a Book People Can’t Put Down | How I Write · 49 minThis episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can’t imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at…
- Diarmaid MacCulloch: Oxford Professor Breaks Down His Writing Process | How I Write · 47 minThis episode is brought to you by Basecamp, the world’s simplest, most effective project management platform. Check them out at https://basecamp.com and tell them David Perell…
- Lee Child: How to Write Strikingly Well | How I Write · 1 h 4 minThis episode is brought to you by Basecamp, the world’s simplest, most effective project management platform. Check them out at https://basecamp.com and tell them David Perell…
- Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar: How Train Dreams Became a Film | How I Write · 1 h 17 minThis episode is brought to you by Basecamp, the world’s simplest, most effective project management platform. Check them out at https://basecamp.com and tell them David Perell…
- Fareed Zakaria: Learn to Write Persuasively in 70 Minutes | How I Write · 1 h 10 minThis episode is brought to you by Basecamp, the world’s simplest, most effective project management platform. Check them out at https://basecamp.com and tell them David Perell…
- Daniel Pink: How to Write Something Truly Useful | How I Write · 53 minCheck out Sublime at https://sublime.app/?ref=perell Daniel Pink is one of the most successful nonfiction writers of the past 30 years. You've probably seen his books: "Drive,"…
- Tom Junod: How to Write Unapologetically Well | How I Write · 1 h 10 minTom Junod is famous for writing essays that have defined both people and events. He wrote a piece called "The Falling Man" for Esquire, which is the canonical piece about 9/11…
- Adrian Tchaikovsky: How to Write Absurdly Well | How I Write · 1 h 6 minAdrian Tchaikovsky came on the show to talk about how he writes fantasy and science fiction. He won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for his book, Children of Time, and has written…
- Elif Shafak: How to Write a Novel | How I Write · 1 h 22 minCheck out Sublime at https://sublime.app/?ref=perell Elif Shafak has a way of writing that's lush and enchanted. She writes about real things in the world: water, houseboats…
