#220: Soman Chainani — The School for Good and Evil

Feb 8, 2017

Soman Chainani, a detailed planner, filmmaker, and New York Times best selling author, discusses topics such as the importance of technique in tennis, creating 'School for Good and Evil', managing relationships and social media, the impact of 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara, the decision to take on student debt for film school, book recommendations and investments, AO Biome for skin, the power of laughter, and improving fashion sense with Trunk Club.

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ANECDOTE

10-Year First-Round Tennis Streak

Soman went ten years without losing a first-round tennis match because he felt he'd 'paid the entry fee' through preparation.
When he shifted creative focus to writing, his tennis streak ended, illustrating energy trade-offs.

ANECDOTE

Professor's Bias Shamed Then Motivated Him

A Columbia professor misattributed Soman's fairy-tale treatment to a female classmate and reacted with visible shock.
That encounter left Soman embarrassed and later motivated him to reclaim and pursue the idea seriously.

ADVICE

Prioritize Passionate Fans Over Initial Reach

Build passionate fans, not just many casual readers; passionate fans become your marketing army.
Prioritize deep engagement over raw initial reach to protect adaptations and launches.

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