The James Altucher Show Steven Pressfield | Writing Lessons from the Master
In this engaging conversation, bestselling author Steven Pressfield shares insights from his latest memoir, *Govt Cheese*, filled with humor and honesty about his unconventional journey. From his struggles as a struggling writer to the breakthrough that made *The Legend of Bagger Vance* publishable, he discusses the vital role of mentorship and the five stages of creative development. Pressfield also reflects on overcoming rejection, the art of storytelling, and how writing emerges from personal experience and the influence of advertising.
01:15:42
Strong Heroes Don't Ask Questions
- Heroes should never be unsure or ask weak questions.
- Their drive must propel the story forward, even when investigating.
From Novels to Screenplays
- Inspired by a colleague's book, Pressfield began writing.
- After three unpublished novels, he transitioned to screenwriting, seeking a new avenue for his writing.
Killing the Ego
- Pressfield's biggest writing breakthrough was overcoming his ego.
- He learned to surrender to the story and serve the reader, not his own validation.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Memoirs of a Writer
02:15 • 7min
The Reluctant Hero's Journey
08:59 • 18min
The Journey of a Writer: Mentorship and Mastery
26:50 • 6min
Navigating Rejection and Embracing the Creative Journey
32:33 • 13min
The Art of Storytelling in Hollywood
45:28 • 23min
Inspiring Reads for Aspiring Writers
01:08:02 • 2min
Television's Evolution and Writer Challenges
01:09:46 • 6min
#65839
Counting Out in London and Paris
George Orwell
George Orwell's "Counting Out in London and Paris" is a collection of essays and articles that offer a glimpse into the author's early life and experiences.
The pieces explore themes of poverty, social injustice, and the challenges of living in urban environments.
Orwell's sharp observations and clear prose provide a vivid picture of life in 1930s London and Paris.
The collection showcases his early development as a writer and his commitment to social commentary.
It's a valuable resource for understanding Orwell's evolution as a writer and his enduring concerns about social and political issues.
#2857
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The Moviegoer
Walker Percy
Walker Percy's "The Moviegoer" is a philosophical novel that explores themes of alienation, meaning, and the search for authenticity in modern society.
The story follows Binx Bolling, a young stockbroker in New Orleans, as he grapples with existential questions and the search for meaning in his life.
Percy's writing is characterized by its wit, intelligence, and insightful exploration of human nature.
The novel blends elements of Southern Gothic and existentialism, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative.
It's a story about finding one's place in the world and the challenges of living a meaningful life.
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The Fablemans
Steven Spielberg
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Cryptic
Steven Pressfield
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Consider This
Moments in My Writing Life after Which Everything Was Different
Chuck Palahniuk
Chuck
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Jesus' Son
Denis Johnson
Denis Johnson's 'Jesus' Son' is a collection of short stories narrated by an unnamed heroin addict navigating life's bleak realities.
The stories explore themes of addiction, redemption, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
Johnson's prose is characterized by its stark realism and lyrical beauty, creating a unique atmosphere of both despair and hope.
The collection's fragmented narrative structure mirrors the narrator's fractured state of mind, while subtle references to religious imagery hint at the possibility of spiritual awakening.
Despite its dark subject matter, 'Jesus' Son' offers a profound exploration of human resilience and the enduring search for connection.
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A Moveable Feast
Ernest Hemingway
In 'A Moveable Feast', Hemingway recounts his life in Paris during the 1920s, detailing his experiences as a young, unknown writer.
The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the city, its nightlife, and the literary figures he encountered, including James Joyce, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.
Hemingway reflects on his poverty, his writing, and his personal relationships, all set against the backdrop of Paris's vibrant cultural scene.
The memoir was written during the last years of Hemingway's life and published posthumously in 1964 by his widow, Mary Hemingway.
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The Godfather
Mario Puzo
Published in 1969, 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo is a crime novel that follows the story of the Corleone family, one of the Five Families of the New York Mafia.
The novel spans from the early life of Vito Corleone to the rise of his youngest son, Michael, as the new Don. The story explores themes of loyalty, power, and violence as the family navigates internal conflicts, external threats, and the transition of leadership.
Michael, initially reluctant to join the family business, becomes deeply involved after an assassination attempt on his father and eventually succeeds Vito as the head of the family.
The novel is known for its realistic portrayal of organized crime and its impact on the characters' personal lives.
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The Things They Carried
Tim O'Brien
A collection of interconnected short stories exploring the psychological and emotional toll of the Vietnam War on soldiers.
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The sun also rises
Ernest Hemingway
Originally published in 1926, 'The Sun Also Rises' is Ernest Hemingway’s first novel and a classic example of his spare but powerful writing style.
The novel follows a group of young American and British expatriates as they wander through Europe in the mid-1920s, capturing the moods, feelings, and attitudes of the cynical and disillusioned Lost Generation.
The story centers around Jake Barnes, a World War I veteran and journalist, and Lady Brett Ashley, as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain.
The novel portrays an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions, reflecting the existential disillusionment characteristic of the Lost Generation.
#535
• Mentioned in 58 episodes
The Old Man and the Sea
Ernest Hemingway
The novella tells the story of Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman who has gone 84 days without catching a fish.
Determined to break his unlucky streak, Santiago ventures far into the Gulf Stream, where he hooks a giant marlin.
Over the course of three days, he battles the marlin, showing respect and admiration for the fish.
Despite eventually killing the marlin, Santiago's catch is devoured by sharks on his journey back to shore.
The story highlights Santiago's endurance, his deep connection with nature, and the themes of struggle, dignity, and the indomitable human spirit.
#14601
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Post Office
Charles Bukowski
Post Office is a semi-autobiographical account of Charles Bukowski's years working as a carrier and sorter for the United States Postal Service.
The novel follows Henry Chinaski, Bukowski's fictional alter ego, as he navigates the mundane and often brutal world of postal work.
Chinaski's life is marked by his three true pleasures: women, booze, and racetrack betting.
The book is a gritty and humorous portrayal of Chinaski's struggles with his job, his personal life, and his constant battles with hangovers, sadistic bosses, and certifiable coworkers.
#4416
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
Government Cheese
Steven Pressfield
#30
• Mentioned in 316 episodes
The War of Art
Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield
In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors.
The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.
#4803
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Hunger
A Memoir of (My) Body
Roxane Gay
In 'Hunger: A Memoir of (my) Body,' Roxane Gay delves into her personal struggles with food and body image, using her own emotional and psychological experiences to explore broader societal anxieties over pleasure, consumption, appearance, and health.
The memoir recounts her childhood, including a devastating act of violence that significantly impacted her life, and her journey towards self-care and healing.
With candid vulnerability, Gay discusses the tensions between desire and denial, self-comfort and self-care, and what it means to be overweight in a society that often marginalizes larger bodies.
The book is a powerful exploration of food, feminism, trauma, and the quest for visibility and acceptance.
#1708
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
The Legend of Bagger Vance
Steven Pressfield
In the Depression year of 1931, on the golf links at Krewe Island off Savannah's windswept shore, golf legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen meet for a mesmerizing thirty-six-hole showdown.
They are joined by a local unsung opponent, the troubled war hero Rannulph Junah, who is guided by his caddie and mentor, the mysterious and charismatic Bagger Vance.
Vance holds the secret of the Authentic Swing and his mysterious powers guide the play, leaving a lasting imprint on the lives he touches.
The story is a sports fable that reveals that, in life as well as golf, the real battle is not with outside opponents but with oneself.
#592
• Mentioned in 54 episodes
Gates of fire
Steven Pressfield
Gates of Fire tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of Xeones, a wounded Greek soldier who recounts his life and the events leading up to the battle.
The novel explores Spartan culture, the rigorous training regimen known as the *agoge*, and the heroic stand of the Spartans against the overwhelming forces of the Persian Empire.
The story is framed as a series of interviews between Xeones and members of the Persian court, detailing the battle and its aftermath, as well as the personal and philosophical aspects of Spartan warfare and culture.
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This Side of Paradise
F. Scott Fitzgerald
This Side of Paradise chronicles the life of Amory Blaine from his childhood through his early twenties.
The novel is divided into three sections: 'Book One: The Romantic Egotist,' 'Interlude,' and 'Book Two: The Education of a Personage.
' It follows Amory's experiences at Princeton University, his service in World War I, and his subsequent struggles with love, identity, and social class.
The book is known for its experimental narrative structure, which includes poetry, letters, and stream-of-consciousness sections.
It reflects the themes of the 'Lost Generation,' exploring the disillusionment and moral ambiguity of the post-war era.
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The Road
Tom Stechschulte
Cormac McCarthy
The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth.
The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets.
The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders.
Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness.
The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope.
Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future.
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Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit
Steven Pressfield
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The Knowledge
How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch
Lewis Dartnell
This book serves as a quick-start guide for survivors of a global catastrophe, detailing the necessary knowledge to restart civilization.
It covers a wide range of topics including agriculture, food and clothing production, material science, medicine, power generation, transportation, communication, and chemistry.
Dartnell emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamental principles of science and technology and the scientific method to rebuild an advanced technological society.
The book is designed to help survivors navigate the immediate aftermath of a disaster and eventually rebuild a functioning society.
#20577
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Authentic Swing
Shawn Coyne
Steven Pressfield
In 'The Authentic Swing', Steven Pressfield delves into the story behind his historical golf novel, 'The Legend of Bagger Vance'.
The book explores Pressfield's writing philosophy, his experiences growing up around golf, and how he drew inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita to create the novel.
It also discusses the concept of the 'authentic swing', which metaphorically represents finding one's true self and creative voice.
The book provides insights into Pressfield's writing process, his decision to set the novel in the Southern United States in the 1920s, and the themes of identity and creativity that are central to his work.
#486
• Mentioned in 62 episodes
Turning pro
tap your inner power and create your life's work
Steven Pressfield
In 'Turning Pro,' Steven Pressfield provides a practical and inspirational guide for entrepreneurs and creatives to shift from an amateur mindset to a professional one.
The book is divided into three parts: the first describes the addictive nature of the amateur, the second paints a vision of what it means to be a pro, and the third focuses on cultivating professionalism.
Pressfield emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear, self-doubt, and procrastination, and adopting habits such as discipline, regularity, and a constant striving for excellence.
He also discusses the concept of 'shadow careers' and the need to align one's work with their true calling for authentic fulfillment.
Steven Pressfield's newest book, Govt Cheese a memoir, must jump to the top of your reading list. Both gut-wrenching and laugh-out-loud funny, his brutally honest story is a compelling page-turner. Steven's writing career spans many genres and formats, but it almost never materialized. From US Marine to advertising copywriter, schoolteacher, tractor-trailer driver, bartender, oilfield roustabout, mental hospital attendant, migrant fruit-picker, and hack screenwriter, his debut novel - The Legend of Bagger Vance - was 30 years in the making before it was published (later to become a major motion picture). Never content with one format, his non-fiction book The War of Art has now sold over a million copies globally & his historical fiction novel Gates of Fire is on the required reading list at West Point.James and Steven touch upon all manner of concepts & credos during today's conversation, among them:What role does advertising play in an author's toolkit? (00:06:10)After writing 3 unpublished novels and 9 failed screenplays, what kept Steven motivated? (00:15:17)Did Steven ever consider suicide? (00:16:43)What breakthrough made Steven's books "publishable"? (00:19:13)The 5 stages of creative development: Desire, Craft, Soft Skills, Finishing, and Killing the Ego (00:29:43)The importance of mentorship (00:31:43)What did Steven learn from re-writing a porn script? (00:47:04)James' two classes of humans: "Writers" & "Birdwatchers" (00:56:02)Belief in the other all-knowing dimension (01:02:08)------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book Skip the Line is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook
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