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.
Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
Francine Prose: This Is What a Harvard Writing Masterclass Feels Like | How I Write
Learn 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
Sep 16 58 min
Harlan Coben: Tough Love Advice for Every Writer | How I Write
Learn 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 g
Sep 9 1 h 15 min
R.F. Kuang: Meet The Writer Who Sold Millions of Books Before 30 | How I Write
Learn 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 wri
Sep 2 1 h 07 min
Matt Haig: How to Write a Book Millions of People Read | How I Write
Learn 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 Amazo
Aug 26 57 min
Elif Shafak & Robert Macfarlane: Two Novelists Have an Epic Conversation | How I Write
Learn 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 ha
Aug 19 1 h 04 min
Andrew Sean Greer: Pulitzer Winner Teaches Writing | How I Write
Learn 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 t
Aug 12 1 h 13 min
Mark Forsyth: 13 Techniques to Improve Your Writing | How I Write
Learn 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
Aug 5 1 h 14 min
Jack Carr: Bestselling Author Shares His Entire Writing Process | How I Write
Learn 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
Jul 29 1 h 09 min
Scott Dikkers: 11 Ways to Make Your Writing More Funny | How I Write
Learn 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 in
Jul 22 1 h 05 min
What the Experts Really Think About AI | How I Write Compilation
Learn 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 othe
Jul 20 55 min
David Baldacci: How to Write Books That Actually Sell | How I Write
Learn 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 wri
Jul 15 1 h 33 min
David Shelley: How to Get Your Book Published | How I Write
This 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
Jul 8 1 h 25 min
David Sedaris: Bestselling Author Gives His Best Writing Advice | How I Write
This 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
Jul 1 1 h 20 min
Andrew Stanton: Meet The Writer Behind Toy Story 5 | How I Write
This 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
Jun 24 1 h 00 min
Michael Pollan's Best Writing Advice | How I Write
This 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
Jun 17 1 h 13 min
Andrew Hunter Murray: How to Write Fiction Incredibly Well | How I Write
This 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
Jun 10 1 h 00 min
Noah Hawley: How He Wrote Fargo | How I Write
Noah 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 cons
Jun 3 1 h 26 min
Suleika Jaouad: NYT Bestselling Author Teaches Writing | How I Write
Suleika 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 wa
May 27 58 min
Tom Segura: How to Tell Jokes | How I Write
Tom 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 "Th
May 20 1 h 13 min
Maria Popova: How to Write Something Truly Wise | How I Write
Maria 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 mil
May 13 57 min
Chart trend
Position in the Education chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#85#168JunJulAugSep
#55
all-time peak
57
days in the top 100 since May 2025
Chart positions
Where How I Write ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 23, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
I generally don't like writing podcasts because they are shallow and all repeat the same advice. Every podcast I've heard come out gives me good quality, detailed recommendations that I can apply. It also rejuvenates my interest in writing. Love it!
The Sam8877393615 · Feb 2025
Smart interviewer. Smart guests. Great questions. Informative. Insightful. As a writer I have learned so much listening to David’s podcast.
fushbs · Nov 2024
I LOVE this podcast. I haven’t felt this inspired to create and produce meaningful work in a long time. Thank you, Dave and the Write of Passage team, for delivering flawlessly!
freedmwolf · Oct 2023
It’s rare to see a concept get revealed and know it’s going to be big. I held out to make sure it was steak and not just sizzle. It more than checks out.
If you are a writer or a creative personality - you will benefit from listening to this growing library. It praises the benefits of writing in public - but it also just shows how important writing is for everyone. Save some time for reflection.
I know this is overly glowing - and before you ask “did you get paid to write this?” - no, I just want this timestamped review here. Inked approval from someone who listens to A LOT of podcasts.
MER803 · Oct 2023
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of How I Write, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
