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Paul Harding: A New Way To Think About Writing | How I Write

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Jun 11, 2025

Guest

Paul Harding

Paul Harding, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for his novel Tinkers, delves into the wonders of writing without conventional plots. He emphasizes the power of observation and authenticity, encouraging aspiring writers to connect deeply with their craft. Harding shares his emotional journey to winning the Pulitzer and discusses the significance of language and character depth in storytelling. He advocates for thoughtful writing that challenges readers, merging rhythm and narrative to create rich, engaging literature.

01:28:52

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Episode notes

Pulitzer Surprise Moment

Paul Harding won the Pulitzer Prize unexpectedly while preparing for class.
The moment was surreal, changing the trajectory of his life and career instantly.

Forgiveness Beats Revenge

Forgiveness is rarer and more powerful than revenge in human narratives.
Literary and biblical examples highlight the transformative power of choosing forgiveness over retaliation.

Literature as Experience

Great literature creates an experiential, immersive engagement, not mere data.
Readers often revisit books multiple times, discovering new meaning with each pass.

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The Art of Observation in Writing

04:12 • 15min

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The Journey to a Pulitzer: Surprises and Reflections

18:52 • 5min

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The Art of Ambitious Writing

23:41 • 16min

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The Art of Language: Etymology and Meaning

39:20 • 4min

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Character Depth in Storytelling

43:30 • 12min

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The Complexity of Betrayal and Revenge in Literature

55:19 • 4min

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The Art of Thoughtful Writing

59:32 • 18min

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Rhythm and Narrative: The Creative Dance

01:17:20 • 12min

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I interviewed Paul Harding, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his very first novel Tinkers. Unlike most novelists, he’s not really interested in plots, and only halfway interested in characters. So what is he interested in? He’s focused on describing the wonders and mysteries of life, teaching us how to see, hear, and feel more vividly, and how to translate those sensations onto the page.

Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. Follow me Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel X: https://x.com/david_perell

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