How I Write

Latest Episodes:

Everything Nat Eliason Learned Writing His First Book Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Two words: Storytelling. Masterclass.

Yeah, yeah, we know — “become a better storyteller”is probably the most basic writing advice out there. But this episode is far from basic. It’s all about the storytelling advice you actually need that you didn’t get in school.

Once upon a time, Nat wrote online SEO blogs: simple, generic, and kind of boring. What he really wanted was to write a memoir: something narrative, beautiful, and exciting. But his storytelling skills didn’t match his vision. So, for two years, Nat disappeared into a cave to master the art of storytelling. He emerged with Crypto Confidential, a captivating memoir that Grammarly hates and readers love. And in this episode, he reveals the not-so-basic tactics he learned as a self-made storyteller.

Want to write stories that people actually read? This episode is for you.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://www.nateliason.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/nateliason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nat_eliason

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateliason

Newsletter: https://substack.com/@nateliason

Book: https://a.co/d/7axrA8F

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?

Click here: https://writeofpassage.com/

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Write a Book Like Ryan Holiday Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

https://www.writingexamples.com

Ryan Holiday is one of the world’s most prolific writers. He’s published sixteen books, written a daily email newsletter every day for the past eight years, has 1.7 million YouTube subscribers, and runs his own creative agency. (Reciting that list is difficult enough to remember, let alone accomplishingall of those things).

This conversation will get you off your butt as a writer. It’s 78-minutes of learning how to generate creative inertia for yourself — because that’s where Ryan thrives. He’s a no-BS writer. And by “no BS,” I mean: no coddling or making excuses for himself. He just does the work.

Generating that kind of momentum is exactly what fires me up, and exactly what I teach at Write of Passage. If you’re feeling called to write, you should join one of our programs. I’m telling you: Write of Passage will light a fire inside of you.

I recently heard a story about Ryan that sums him up in a nutshell. His editor called to congratulate him on hitting the #3 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. His book had only been out for a week. I don’t know about you, but I would be camped out by the phone, biting my nails while I waited for that call.

But Ryan? Ryan was heads-down writing, halfway done with his next book. And today, you’ll learn exactly how he generates that level of momentum.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://ryanholiday.net/

Twitter: https://x.com/RyanHoliday

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday

Newsletter: https://ryanholiday.net/reading-list/

Books: https://ryanholiday.net/books-courses/

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class at Write of Passage?

https://writeofpassage.com/weekly

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerry Seinfeld’s Rules for Writing | How I Write Podcast Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Jerry Seinfeld taught me more about writing than all my English teachers combined. People forget that comedians aren’t just jokesters — they’re writers. And with 10 Emmy Awards, 3 Golden Globes, and a TV show that’s generated over three billion in revenue, it’s safe to say that Jerry Seinfeld is a dang good one.

In this episode, I share the top ten writing lessons I’ve learned from Jerry Seinfeld over the years. You’ll learn five lessons on getting your work done, and five lessons on making your work great. And buckle up. After 50 years of refining his jokes on stage, Jerry deals out spiky writing advice like cards in a casino. If you’re ready to become a writer who stands out from the masses, then you’re in the right place. Happy listening.

WRITING EXAMPLES:

JERRY SEINFELD LINKS:

Website: https://jerryseinfeld.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jerryseinfeld

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryseinfeld

Article: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/the-scholar-of-comedy

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Addicted to Distraction | Ted Gioia | How I Write Podcast May 29, 2024

Show notes

You may know Ted as a music historian, and the go-to expert on jazz. Or, you may know him as The Honest Broker on Substack. Either way, he’s the most erudite guest this show has ever seen.

Ted gives a masterclass on the state of our culture at large. What’s up with our obsession with minimalism? Why do we value speed over beauty? Do we even realize that we’re distracting ourselves into oblivion? And, of course, what does this mean for us as writers?

This episode zooms out to look at where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. It’s an upheaval of mediocrity, a call-to-arms for the pursuit of excellence. If you’ve been wanting to reclaim the magic, the beauty, and the awe-struck wonder of the written word, this episode is for you.

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?

https://writeofpassage.com/

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://www.tedgioia.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tedgioia

Newsletter: https://www.honest-broker.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTuRY58GauTM6wHA3_PPWRw

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ted-Gioia/author/B001ITVXZS

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Writing Helped Jason Fried Build an 8-Figure Business May 22, 2024

Show notes

Get ready to swap everything you know about business-writing for an unconventional approach that actually works.

Basecamp CEO Jason Fried is one of the world’s most successful software entrepreneurs. And he’s unique for the way he challenges the tenets of Silicon Valley startups.

He’s bold like Bezos, but relaxed like Buffett. He cares less about “rising-and-grinding” and more about an honest 40-hour work week. He never white-knuckles his ideas, but shares them freely with the world. As a result, he’s transformed how Internet businesses are being built.

And it all starts with — you guessed it — getting his best ideas on the page.

His founder letters stand out (and they’re his favorite thing to write). Whenever he announces a new product, he releases a letter that does three things: builds a devoted fanbase, ramps up excitement, and sheds light on the purpose behind his products. And in this episode, you’ll learn exactly how he does it.

You’ll learn specific business-writing techniques: from storytelling to structure to word choice. You’ll learn how to find your flow, make writing easier, and use writing to start doing things in the world.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://world.hey.com/jason

Twitter: https://x.com/jasonfried

Medium: https://medium.com/@jasonfried

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002MQ13PQ

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?

Click here: https://writeofpassage.com/

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s Wrong with Writing Education? | Ana Lorena Fabrega | How I Write Podcast May 08, 2024

Show notes

From frustrated middle school teacher to Chief Evangelist at Synthesis School. From 46 email subscribers to 165,000. From hating writing to publishing her first book with a major publishing house: The Learning Game.

What made all of this possible for Ana Fabrega?

She unlearned how to write.

In this episode, Ana shares the seven writing principles you should unlearn if you want to fall in love with writing again and reach people with your ideas. Like Ana, your best ideas could have the power to impact hundreds, if not thousands, of people. You just need to share them in a way that resonates.

If you’re ready to start making an impact with your ideas, then come learn writing for the modern age.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://afabrega.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anafabrega11

Book: https://a.co/d/afR9lkc

Newsletter: https://afabrega.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msfab_learninglab/

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?

Click here: https://writeofpassage.com/

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Corcos: How Writing Helped This CEO Build a $300m+ Company May 01, 2024

Show notes

This is business writing like you’ve never seen it before.

Sam Corcos is the founder of a $300 million company called Levels. He’s built a culture of intellectual rigor by hiring excellent writers and giving them time to think on paper. But don’t get it twisted — a successful “writing-first work culture” is far more than grammatically correct Slack messages and the occasional memo.

“95% of people would not be happy working in the culture that we’ve built. And the 5% who would be have been looking for this their entire lives.” – Sam

In this episode, we go deep (and I mean, deep) into what makes business writing work. Sam reveals how to use writing to:

Create strategic memos
Solve specific problems
Make better decisions
And work twice as fast.

If you’re interested in learning how to use writing to scale businesses, this one’s for you.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: http://corcos.io/

Company: https://www.levelshealth.com/

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/samcorcos

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samcorcos

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?

Click here: https://writeofpassage.com/

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Millerd: Why Writing Is The Path For Self Discovery Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

“I’m not writing for you.”

This was Paul’s response to a scathing critique that came early in his writing career. Since then, Paul’s book, The Pathless Path, has sold over 50,000 copies and has spurred thousands of writers to forge their own path forward — scathing critiques and all.

Writing isn’t about building the biggest readership possible. It’s about connecting with the readers who care. It’s about broadcasting a signal for the kinds of people you want to attract. And in this episode, you’ll learn how to find these people.

Paul shares his story from corporate cog to free-spirited wanderer, from blogger to author, from intellectual loner to leader of a thousands-strong community. Flow. Space. Surprise. The joy of finding out. These are just a few phrases Paul uses to describe how he writes.

So, what about you? Who are you writing for? If you’re ready to write with a heart on fire and find the people who care, this episode is for you.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://pmillerd.com

Twitter: https://x.com/p_millerd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathlesspaul

Substack: https://substack.com/@paulmillerd

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmillerd/

Book: https://amzn.to/4aBxEUZ

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?

https://writeofpassage.com

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steph Smith: How to Make Your Writing Stand Out Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

There is an intrinsic interestingness inside of you. But, you’re probably suppressing it. Welcome to 96-minutes of learning how to use your interestingness to stand out online.

Speaking of standing out, Steph Smith:

Hosts a16z, a top five technology podcast
Taught herself to code and launched multiple websites that hit #1 on Product Hunt
Sold over $220k in her book launch for Doing Content Right
Grew The Hustle’s Trends product to millions
And led HubSpot’s Creator Program.

(Safe to say that she knows what she’s talking about.) And now, Steph reveals everything she’s learned about creating unforgettable work on the Internet.

Millions of people mirror what you do — your job, hobbies, routines — but how you do it is another story. Come learn how to follow your compass of interestingness and stand out online.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://stephsmith.io/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephsmithio

Blog: https://blog.stephsmith.io/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesmith93

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?

Click here: https://writeofpassage.com

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brie Wolfson: How Writing Builds Billion-Dollar Companies | How I Write Podcast Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Writing is thinking, which means it’s like lighter fluid for business growth.

Brie has played major roles at writing-rich companies like Stripe, and her expertise on writing-first culture is now used by giants like Amazon and Basecamp.

As she says: “Reality has a surprising amount of detail.” Writing illuminates all the interesting details worth pursuing. And as a result, companies who prioritize writing operate with impressive speed, intention, and rigor.

In this episode, Brie shares years of hard-won wisdom to expose how great writing sets companies apart. She explores the balance of writing vs. taking action; she breaks down the editing process better than a modern-day Maxwell Perkins; and she sheds light on the secret to great writing: your zone of obsession.

If you want to learn how to do the best writing of your life, and grow your company while you’re at it, this episode is for you.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://www.briewolfson.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zebriez

Stripe Press: https://press.stripe.com/

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

Want to learn more about the next class Write of Passage?

Click here: https://writeofpassage.com/

PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470