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How I Write

David Perell
Writing
Storytelling
Writing Process
Creativity
Character Development
Artificial Intelligence
Creative Writing
Copywriting
Poetry
Love
Crypto Confidential
Creative Process
Youtube
Emotional Writing
David Foster Wallace
Memoir Writing
Education
The Pathless Path
Comedy
China

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 fin... more

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Latest Episodes

This 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 mercury.com

Tish Rabe has written more than 200 children's books. She's written f... more

This 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 mercury.com

David Gelb directed 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi' and 'Chef's Table', which ... more

YouTube

This 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 mercury.com

Patrick Radden Keefe is going to teach us how to write narrative nonf... more

YouTube

Wright 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 out we both love Guinness Zero. So we cracked open a beer, and we just tal... more

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Recent Guests

Patrick Radden Keefe
Staff writer at The New Yorker and author of multiple non-fiction books
The New Yorker
Episode: Patrick Radden Keefe: How to Write Captivating Stories | How I Write
Wright Thompson
Non-fiction storyteller and journalist
ESPN
Episode: Wright Thompson: Learn Storytelling in 63 Minutes | How I Write
Ocean Vuong
Poet, novelist, and NYU professor
New York University
Episode: Ocean Vuong: NYU Professor Teaches the Art of Writing | How I Write
John Yaged
CEO of Macmillan
Macmillan
Episode: Jon Yaged: How Book Publishing Works | How I Write
Michael Connelly
Crime novelist known for Harry Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer
Author (Bosch, Mickey Haller)
Episode: Michael Connelly: How to Write Unforgettable Characters | How I Write
Steven Pressfield
Author and storyteller
Author (Arcadian, The Legend of Arcadia)
Episode: Steven Pressfield: 21 Proven Methods for Writing Great Stories | How I Write
Robert Mac
Guest on the show discussing how to write comically well and teaching comedy writing
Comedian, Writer, Educator
Episode: Robert Mac: Master Comedian Breaks Down 13 Jokes | How I Write
Elif Shafak
Author of over 21 books and President of the Royal Society of Literature
Episode: Elif Shafak: How to Write a Novel | How I Write
John Lennox
Mathematician and Author
University of Oxford
Episode: John Lennox: AI, God & Writing | How I Write

Host

David Perell
Host of How I Write

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 328 ratings
  • More women?

    Honestly, I didn’t dock stars for it, but the impression one gets of writers today—looking exclusively at who is being interviewed on this podcast—is that they’re 85%+ men. This is not true if you look at the numbers. The choice to have a woman here or there on the podcast, every once in awhile, sends an odd message. That being said, the content is solid. And I do wonder if the audience that this podcast is aimed at would care about the gender disparity?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lrrrrr88
    United States2 months ago
  • Good guests, annoying host

    Annoying and self-regarding host, constantly adding little midwit comments. He’d do better to shut up and let the guests hold the floor.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Swede Levov
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Writers

    Best podcast for writers!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Think with Ink
    Mexico4 months ago
  • Great series

    Consistent, insightful, practical information. In-depth interviews on different aspects of and approaches to writing

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Spanglaw
    United States5 months ago
  • Inspiring

    Love this pod, it’s well done, diverse, and useful. Thanks!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    taylortizzay
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners note high-quality conversations and practical takeaways for writing and storytelling.
Many reviews highlight motivation and inspiration from the host and guests alike.
Writers praise the show for smart, actionable craft insights and deep interviews with diverse guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#126
United States/Education
Apple Podcasts
#107
United Kingdom/Education
Apple Podcasts
#214
Canada/Education
Apple Podcasts
#85
Australia/Education
Apple Podcasts
#148
Italy/Education
Apple Podcasts
#154
Germany/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Patrick Radden Keefe: How to Write Captivating Stories | How I Write
Q: How has your understanding of structure evolved during reporting and writing?
I outline eight to nine beats before diving deep, then refine structure as I accumulate material, allowing nonlinear narratives that still guide readers through clear, purposeful turns.
Patrick Radden Keefe: How to Write Captivating Stories | How I Write
Q: How do you approach writing around a subject who won't talk to you?
Write around the person by talking to others who knew them, using interviews, documents, and related sources to build a fuller, truer picture even without direct access.
Ocean Vuong: NYU Professor Teaches the Art of Writing | How I Write
Q: What is the role of the teacher in developing a student's distinctive voice?
The teacher should focus on recognition of each writer's patterns and tendencies, offering tailored feedback that helps students discover what makes their voice unique rather than forcing conformity to a single standard.
Robert Mac: Master Comedian Breaks Down 13 Jokes | How I Write
Q: How do you go from a spark of an idea to a finished joke?
Start with a vivid trigger, write it down, then free-write around it, look for patterns, and continually revise until the setup is tight and the punchline lands with a clear, surprising payoff.
Steven Pressfield: 21 Proven Methods for Writing Great Stories | How I Write
Q: What is the all-is-lost moment and why is it important?
The all-is-lost moment occurs about three-quarters of the way through the narrative, when everything seems doomed, and it is followed by an epiphanal moment where the hero experiences a breakthrough and a shift that leads toward the resolution.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About How I Write

What is How I Write about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on the craft and discipline of writing, featuring in-depth conversations with acclaimed authors and storytellers. Episodes typically dissect processes like structuring narratives, developing voice, and crafting memorable characters, often tying these craft topics to practical routines, research methods, and the realities of writing for different media. A recurring strength is how guests connect technique to lived practice, offering actionable tips and behind-the-scenes insights that cater to serious writers, students, and professionals alike. A branded element appears in sponsor reads, suggesting a balance between content and creator business tools. The mix of authors across genres and formats makes the program valuable fo... more

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Which podcasts are similar to How I Write?

These podcasts share a similar audience with How I Write:

1. Deep Questions with Cal Newport
2. Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin
3. Conversations with Tyler
4. The Daily Stoic
5. On Being with Krista Tippett

How many episodes of How I Write are there?

How I Write launched 3 years ago and published 117 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on How I Write?

Recent guests on How I Write include:

1. Patrick Radden Keefe
2. Wright Thompson
3. Ocean Vuong
4. John Yaged
5. Michael Connelly
6. Steven Pressfield
7. Robert Mac
8. Elif Shafak

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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