Live from Quantico
I’m usually reluctant (not to say, mortified) to run an interview of myself, particularly in this space. I don’t want anything to go here that smacks of ego—and an interview, no matter how well-intentioned, always bears some elements of that stuff. But this particular sitdown came out pretty good, I think. It passes the “Will it be of use to someone who gives up the time to watch it?’ test. So, friends, if you’ll bear with me … this’ll be today’s post.
I did the interview at the Marine Corps Association in Quantico, when I was there last month on a book tour. Rob Rubrecht, MCA’s Marketing Director is the off-camera interviewer. We talked about the writing process, about specific books, and about creativity and artistic discipline in general.
Here it is:
DO THE WORK
Steve shows you the predictable Resistance points that every writer hits in a work-in-progress and then shows you how to deal with each one of these sticking points. This book shows you how to keep going with your work.
THE AUTHENTIC SWING
A short book about the writing of a first novel: for Steve, The Legend of Bagger Vance. Having failed with three earlier attempts at novels, here's how Steve finally succeeded.
NOBODY WANTS TO READ YOUR SH*T
Steve shares his "lessons learned" from the trenches of the five different writing careers—advertising, screenwriting, fiction, nonfiction, and self-help. This is tradecraft. An MFA in Writing in 197 pages.
TURNING PRO
Amateurs have amateur habits. Pros have pro habits. When we turn pro, we give up the comfortable life but we find our power. Steve answers the question, "How do we overcome Resistance?"
Great interview, thank you for sharing those creative insights.
Appreciate this post.
I enjoyed this interview. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Mr. Pressfield, I just wanted to thank you for giving away copies of The Warrior Ethos to Marines. My brother is retired Air Force, and I love how you honor those who serve our country in the military. I know success didn’t come to you overnight, and you are one of the few hugely successful authors (and people) who never puts himself before his fans and readers. You always respect people and have been so gracious with your time over the years, and that’s one of the big reasons why your fans are so devoted to you. Thank you again for all that you do for service people and for your fans, of whom I proudly count myself as one.
Hi Steve,
Thanks a lot for this.
I hope you don’t allow your reticence (=Resistance) to prevent you from sharing these riches with us!
Thank you for posting your interview! I have to say, meeting you at Fort Bragg, and watching this just now, I don’t think you need to worry about smacking us with your ego. You seem incredibly humble – simply in love with your craft.
You shared great insights here – and I can’t wait to dive into The Profession!
i’m impressed by the excellent of information on this web site. There are a lot of very good resources the following. i’m absolutely sure i will stop by this location yet again shortly.