Jocko Willink and Sebastian Junger — The Tim Ferriss Show

TL;DR

A writer shares insights into his writing process, including the importance of research, the visuality of structure, and the necessity of embracing failure.

Transcript

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Key Insights

• 🧗 The writer's journey as a writer started through tree climbing, where he learned discipline and presence.
• ✊ Research is a crucial component of the writing process, providing the ammunition necessary to write with power and knowledge.
• 🦻 Structure is a visual process, with successful writers using diagrams and visual aids to arrange their ideas effectively.
• ❓ Embracing failure and learning from it is essential for personal and creative growth.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the writer develop his writing style?

The writer's reading habits and appreciation for lean, efficient language helped shape his writing style. He analyzed both his favorite and least favorite books to understand what elements he found compelling or repelling.

Q: What were some influential mentors or influences for the writer?

The writer mentioned John McPhee as a mentor through his works and the visuality of his structure. MC, as the writer affectionately called him, mapped out his stories using diagrams and symbols, which greatly impacted the writer's approach to structure.

Q: What is the writer's writing process like?

For journalism, the writer begins by conducting extensive research, highlighting key quotes and information. He then arranges these assets into general topics, visually mapping out the structure of the piece. Fiction writing, on the other hand, is more intuitive and dependent on inspiration and visualization.

Q: Did the writer have a daily routine for writing?

The writer does his best writing when something is due. He focuses intensively during that time period, typically early in the morning, to complete the task at hand.

Q: What advice does the writer have for aspiring journalists?

The writer advises reading extensively, critically analyzing literature that resonates or falls short. Studying anthropology provides valuable tools for understanding different cultures. Above all, aspiring journalists should have a deep curiosity and hunger for knowledge about the world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The writer starts his career by working as a tree climber, using his time in the trees to focus on being present and developing discipline.

• He discovers his passion for writing after researching and writing a thesis on Navajo long-distance running.

• The writer's process involves thorough research, highlighting key information, and organizing ideas visually to create a compelling narrative.

• He emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and learning from it to grow as a writer and a person.