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Education · David Perell

How I Write

by David Perell

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.

Chart trend

Position in the Education chart (US), last 90 days.

#55
all-time peak
0
days in the top 3 since May 2025

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

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
56 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

Yann Martel: Life of Pi Author Reveals His Writing Process | How I Write

Yann 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 str

May 6
1 h 11 min

Anne Lamott Teaches Unforgettable Writing | How I Write

Buy 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 writi

Apr 29
1 h 19 min

Tish Rabe: How to Write Children’s Books | How I Write

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 https://me

Apr 22
1 h 28 min

Chart positions

Where How I Write ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 2, 2026).

#141 ▼ 6 Education US

What listeners say

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

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About How I Write on Reason.fm

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.

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