The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

The bestselling author of 11 books, including the eighties defining Bright Lights, Big City, Jay McInerney, took a break to chat with me about his new book, the writing process, and some timeless tips from his mentor, Raymond Carver.Vanity Fair called Mr. McInerney “Our modern-day Fitzgerald,” and his most recent book — Bright, Precious Days — is described as “… a sexy, vibrant, cross-generational New York story — a literary and commercial triumph of the highest order.”The author is a renowned short story writer, screenwriter, and actor, who has lived in New York for three decades and rubbed elbows with a laundry list of literary lions, including his mentors Tobias Wolff and Raymond Carver.In addition to fiction, Jay writes a highly regarded wine column for Town & Country magazine, and has written several essay collections on wine.The author most recently joined the Prince Street podcast as a culinary and arts correspondent and has interviewed director Francis Ford Coppola, author Stephanie Danler, and celebrity chefs including Eric Ripert, to name a few.Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please subscribe in iTunes to automatically see new interviews, and help other writers find us.In Part Two of the file Jay McInerney and I discuss: The Author’s Astute Anatomical Analogy for Writer’s Block How a Short Story Became a Series of Bestselling Novels Why Writers Need to Stretch the Boundaries of Their Genres The Big City as Creative Muse Some Timeless Advice from Raymond Carver on the Importance of Discipline The Show Notes JayMcInerney.com Bright, Precious Days: A novel – Jay McInerney Prince Street Podcast Jay McInerney: why Gatsby is so great Jay McInerney on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bestselling author of 11 books, including the eighties defining Bright Lights, Big City, Jay McInerney, took a break to chat with me about his new book, the writing process, and some timeless tips from his mentor, Raymond Carver.Vanity Fair called Mr. McInerney “Our modern-day Fitzgerald,” and his most recent book — Bright, Precious Days — is described as “… a sexy, vibrant, cross-generational New York story — a literary and commercial triumph of the highest order.”The author is a renowned short story writer, screenwriter, and actor, who has lived in New York for three decades and rubbed elbows with a laundry list of literary lions, including his mentors Tobias Wolff and Raymond Carver.In addition to fiction, Jay writes a highly regarded wine column for Town & Country magazine, and has written several essay collections on wine.The author most recently joined the Prince Street podcast as a culinary and arts correspondent and has interviewed director Francis Ford Coppola, author Stephanie Danler, and celebrity chefs including Eric Ripert, to name a few.Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please subscribe in iTunes to automatically get new interviews, and help other writers find us.In Part One of the file Jay McInerney and I discuss: Why It’s Not a Bad Thing to Be Compared to Your Betters How to Incorporate Your Passions into Your Writing Why You Need to Sit at Your Desk Every Day and Listen to the Voices in Your Head The Author’s Process of Discovery at the Level of Language How the Right Soundtrack Can Inspire Your Writing The Show Notes How Bestselling Author Jay McInerney Writes: Part Two JayMcInerney.com Bright, Precious Days: A novel – Jay McInerney Prince Street Podcast Jay McInerney: why Gatsby is so great Book Excerpt: Jay McInerney on Joy Division’s Heyday Jay McInerney on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The instant national bestselling author of the acclaimed debut novel Sweetbitter, Stephanie Danler, stopped by the show to chat with me about her not-so-overnight success as a rising literary star.Ms. Danler signed a six-figure deal with Knopf for her first book, the coming-of-age story of a young woman transplanted into New York City’s upscale, cutthroat restaurant world.Bestselling author Jay McInerney called Sweetbitter “… a stunning debut novel, one that seems destined to help define a generation,” and the book has been compared to Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential.Before returning to her love of writing, and earning an MFA in Fiction from The New School in NY, Ms. Danler spent much of her life working in the food and wine industry.Stephanie has also written essays for The Paris Review, Vogue, Literary Hub, and Travel + Leisure.Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please subscribe in iTunes to automatically see new interviews, and help other writers find us.In Part Two of the file Stephanie Danler and I discuss: The Dichotomy of Procrastination and Deadlines Why Relationships Are Important to Writers On the Deconstruction and Sanctity of Creativity How Great Writers Leave ‘Blood on the Page’ Some Great Advice on Why You Just Need to Finish The Show Notes How ‘Sweetbitter’ Author Stephanie Danler Writes: Part One Sweetbitter: A novel – Stephanie Danler StephanieDanler.com with Links to Essays by Stephanie Danler This is Water – David Foster Wallace Stephanie Danler on Instagram Stephanie Danler on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The instant national bestselling author of the acclaimed debut novel Sweetbitter, Stephanie Danler, stopped by the show to chat with me about her not-so-overnight success as a rising literary star.Ms. Danler signed a six-figure deal with Knopf for her first book, the coming-of-age story of a young woman transplanted into New York City’s upscale, cutthroat restaurant world.Bestselling author Jay McInerney called Sweetbitter “… a stunning debut novel, one that seems destined to help define a generation,” and the book has been compared to Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential.Before returning to her love of writing, and earning an MFA in Fiction from The New School in NY, Ms. Danler spent much of her life working in the food and wine industry.Stephanie has also written essays for The Paris Review, Vogue, Literary Hub, and Travel + Leisure.Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please subscribe in iTunes to automatically see new interviews, and help other writers find us.In Part One of the file Stephanie Danler and I discuss: Why You Should Write What You Know and Love The Unglamorous Yet Rewarding Work of Promoting a New Book Why Cultural Artifacts Are Great for Research An Author’s Careful Balance of Daily Beverage Consumption Why the Old Rules of Productivity Shouldn’t Apply to Writers The Show Notes How ‘Sweetbitter’ Author Stephanie Danler Writes: Part Two Sweetbitter: A novel – Stephanie Danler StephanieDanler.com with Links to Essays by Stephanie Danler One Writer on Loving and Letting Go of Her Drug-Dependent Father – Stephanie Danler for Vogue Stephanie Danler on Instagram Stephanie Danler on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of Wired magazine, Kevin Kelly, stopped by the show to chat with me about his journey from travel journalist to famed futurist.Mr. Kelly’s storied and winding career has taken him around the world in search of visions of the new digital frontier.Kevin is a renowned TED speaker and author of multiple bestsellers including his latest, The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future, a title that offers an optimistic roadmap of how new technologies will shape humanity.Dubbed “the Most Interesting Man in the World” by Tim Ferris, Mr. Kelly began writing on the internet near its inception and never looked back. He has taken gigs including Editor for the Whole Earth Review, and presently Senior Maverick at Wired magazine, a magazine he co-founded in 1993, and where he served as Executive Editor until 1999.Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please click “subscribe” to automatically see new interviews, and help other writers find us.In Part Two of the file Kevin Kelly and I discuss: Why the Author Can’t Write on the Road The Importance of Delegation as a Writer The Cool Tools Kevin Kelly Uses to Get Words on the Page A Futurist’s Expansive Definition of Creativity How Lateral Thinking Can Improve Your Writing Why Steven Spielberg Asked Mr. Kelly to Predict the Future The Show Notes Kevin Kelly’s Personal Website The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future – Kevin Kelly 1,000 True Fans The Act of Creation – Arthur Koestler Oblique Strategies Writer Emergency Pack – John August Kevin Kelly on Google+ Kevin Kelly on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of Wired magazine, Kevin Kelly, stopped by the show to chat with me about his journey from travel journalist to famed futurist.Mr. Kelly’s storied and winding career has taken him around the world in search of visions of the new digital frontier.Kevin is a renowned TED speaker and author of multiple bestsellers including his latest, The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future, a title that offers an optimistic roadmap of how new technologies will shape humanity.Dubbed “the Most Interesting Man in the World” by Tim Ferris, Mr. Kelly began writing on the internet near its inception and never looked back. He has taken gigs including Editor for the Whole Earth Review, and presently Senior Maverick at Wired magazine, a magazine he co-founded in 1993, and where he served as Executive Editor until 1999.Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please click “subscribe” to automatically see new interviews, and help other writers find us.In Part One of the file Kevin Kelly and I discuss: How an Amateur Photographer Became a Bestselling Author and Digital Visionary The Future of Artificial Intelligence How a Technologist Keeps His Finger on the Pulse of the Future Why You Should Write to Understand Your Ideas The Importance of the Incubation Phase for Writers The Show Notes How Wired Magazine s Senior Maverick Kevin Kelly Writes: Part Two Kevin Kelly’s Personal Website The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future – Kevin Kelly 1,000 True Fans Cool Tools Website Kevin Kelly on Google+ Kevin Kelly on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another guest segment of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ where we pick the brain of a neuroscientist about the elements of great writing. This week’s show covers some possible origins and solutions to an ailment known only to writers.Research scientist Michael Grybko, of the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington, returned to help me pinpoint the mysteries of writer’s block from a scientific standpoint.If you missed the first three installments of The Writer’s Brain — on How Neuroscience Defines Creativity, Empathy, and Storytelling — you can find all of them in the show notes and on writerfiles.fm.Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please click “subscribe” to automatically see new interviews, and help other writers find us.In Part Two of the file Michael Grybko and I discuss: 3 Symptoms of Writer’s Block and How to Cure Them How Your Emotions Have a Profound Effect on Your Creativity Why Achieving Small, Attainable Goals Rewards Your Brain How Changing Work Venues Boosts Your Productivity Hemingway’s Personal Tricks for Getting Words on the Page The Importance of Regular Rituals for Eliminating Doubt The Show Notes Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind The End of Reflection – Teddy Wayne How To Concentrate Automatically Without Even Trying Seven Tips From Ernest Hemingway on How to Write Fiction Around the Writer’s Block: Using Brain Science to Solve Writer’s Resistance 8 Strange Rituals of Productive Writers Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another guest segment of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ where we pick the brain of a neuroscientist about the elements of great writing. This week’s show covers some possible origins and solutions to an ailment known only to writers.Research scientist Michael Grybko, of the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington, returned to help me pinpoint the mysteries of writer’s block from a scientific standpoint.If you missed the first three installments of The Writer’s Brain — on How Neuroscience Defines Creativity, Empathy, and Storytelling — you can find all of them in the show notes and on writerfiles.fm.Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please click “subscribe” to automatically see new interviews, and help other writers find us.In Part One of the file Michael Grybko and I discuss: Why Writers Argue about the Definition of Writer’s Block What Happens When Your Creativity Dries Up How to Find Your Most Productive Writing Time Why Writers Need to Unplug to Recharge How an ‘Incubation Phase’ Can Improve Your Writing The Show Notes How to Beat Writer’s Block – Maria Konnikova This Is Your Brain on Writing – New York Times Famous Writers’ Sleep Habits vs. Literary Productivity, Visualized – Maria Popova Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning blogger, publishing consultant, and author Jane Friedman, took a moment to talk with me about her writing process and the business of scribes. Ms. Friedman is a digital media strategist with over 20 years in publishing, the co-founder and editor of The Hot Sheet, an “… essential publishing industry newsletter for authors,” as well as the author of the book Publishing 101, an astute collection of essential insights for first time authors. In addition to her work as an accomplished blogger and former publisher of Writer’s Digest, Jane teaches about the current state of publishing and authorship as a professor at both the University of Virginia, and for The Great Courses. Her expertise on new media and technology best practices for authors has been featured by NPR s Morning Edition, The Washington Post, the National Press Club, The Authors Guild, Publishers Weekly, PBS, and many others. She is hard at work on her forthcoming book, The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press, 2017). Join us for this two-part interview, and if you re a fan of the show, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews with your favorite authors, and help other writers find us. If you missed the first half you can find it right here. In Part Two of the file Jane Friedman and I discuss: Why You Should Do Your Hardest Tasks First A Thought on the Ephemeral Nature of Creativity How to Develop Your Voice as a Writer Why Discipline Can Take Your Writing from Good to Great One Very Important Tip on Creating a Sustainable Career Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes JaneFriedman.com Publishing 101: A First-Time Author’s Guide to Getting Published, Marketing and Promoting Your Book, and Building a Successful Career, by Jane Friedman The Great Courses: How to Publish Your Book The Hot Sheet: Essential Publishing Industry Newsletter for Authors Alain de Botton Roxane Gay Kevin Kelly Jane Friedman on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning blogger, publishing consultant, and author Jane Friedman, took a moment to talk with me about her writing process and the business of scribes. Ms. Friedman is a digital media strategist with over 20 years in publishing, the co-founder and editor of The Hot Sheet, an “… essential publishing industry newsletter for authors,” as well as the author of the book Publishing 101, an astute collection of insights for first time authors. In addition to her work as an accomplished blogger and former publisher of Writer’s Digest, Jane teaches about the current state of publishing and authorship as a professor at both the University of Virginia, and for The Great Courses. Her expertise on new media and technology best practices for authors has been featured by NPR s Morning Edition, The Washington Post, the National Press Club, The Authors Guild, Publishers Weekly, PBS, and many others. She is hard at work on her forthcoming book, The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press, 2017). Join us for this two-part interview, and if you re a fan of the show, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews with your favorite authors, and help other writers find us. In Part One of the file Jane Friedman and I discuss: Why There’s No Such Thing as an ‘Aspiring Writer’ How Changing Venues Can Improve Your Focus Why You Need to Address Your Greatest Fears to get Words on the Page How to Harness the Cloud for Your Word-Processing Listen to The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience below ... Download MP3 Subscribe by RSS Subscribe in iTunes The Show Notes How Publishing Consultant, Educator, and Author Jane Friedman Writes: Part Two JaneFriedman.com Publishing 101: A First-Time Author’s Guide to Getting Published, Marketing and Promoting Your Book, and Building a Successful Career, by Jane Friedman The Great Courses: How to Publish Your Book The Hot Sheet: Essential Publishing Industry Newsletter for Authors Jane Friedman on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices