How I Write Susan Orlean: Award-Winning Writer Explains Her Entire Process | How I Write
231 snips
Oct 29, 2025 
Susan Orlean, an award-winning nonfiction author, shares her intentional approach to writing that blends storytelling with in-depth research. She discusses her unique method of using index cards to structure her narratives and emphasizes the importance of strong leads to hook readers. Orlean highlights the significance of selecting compelling topics and maintaining a balance between writer passion and reader interest. She also reflects on the joy of editing and the discipline needed for long-term writing projects, comparing writing to marathon training.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Interviewing Herself To Find A Narrative
- Susan hired a journalist friend to interview her as if she were a subject.
- That exercise unlocked seeing herself as an interesting character for the memoir.
Passion Sold Her First Book Contract
- Susan sold a Saturday-night-in-America book because her enthusiasm convinced the publisher.
- She learned that burning passion matters more than a marketable but uninspired idea.
Be Brutal: Edit Yourself Relentlessly
- Moving from possessiveness to ruthless self-editing improves writing quality.
- Computers enabled Susan to experiment and become a tougher editor of her own work.
