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The Mindset Behind An Unforgettable Novel (Amor Towles Interview)
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Sign Up for "Writing Examples" and Learn From The Best Writing of All Time: https://www.writingexamples.com Amor Towles is our modern day F. Scott Fitzgerald. Sure, he’s a critically acclaimed, award-winning novelist (ever heard of “A Gentleman in Moscow”?) but not because he’s cracked the publishing algorithm. Rather than scheming how many books he can sell or how many critics he can impress, his #1 goal is to fulfill his covenant with his reader. “They’ve invested in my art, and I owe it to them.” Towles' work oozes sensory detail and psychological richness. While most writers would describe writing as “creative” or “free-spirited,” he describes it as “accurate” and “careful.” Every sentence he writes serves a larger truth. In this episode, Towles gives one of the most detailed breakdowns of his writing process that we’ve had so far on How I Write. You’ll learn the step-by-step process for how Towles drafts each novel; specifically, how outlining your work can free up your creative, poetic side. You’ll learn how to write descriptively — without bogging down your reader in indulgent details. You’ll learn how to master craft through repetition; how to approach your first draft versus your second; how to influence your writing with reading; and how to create art that serves a broader purpose. Ultimately, you’ll learn how to tell exceptional stories from one of today's most exceptional storytellers. WRITE OF PASSAGE: Want to learn more about the next class for Write of Passage? Click here: https://writeofpassage.school PODCAST LINKS: Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:40 Descriptive writing 00:10:00 Pacing of a novel 00:12:45 Premise of a novel 00:13:30 A Gentleman in Moscow 00:22:55 Trope of artists and writers 00:27:10 Career advice 00:29:30 What makes good descriptiveness 00:38:20 Writing class 00:45:00 Consuming and Deconstructing 00:48:35 Editing drafts and getting feedback 00:51:00 Admired writers 01:00:10 Manifestos 01:03:30 "Opening for doors" 01:05:15 Short stories ABOUT THE HOST: I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. How I Write is a podcast by Write of Passage // Production by Adam Soccolich
Segments Timeline
The Art of Descriptive Writing
Amor Towles emphasizes the importance of making readers feel as if they are living the experience within the book. He discusses how he uses symbolism and outlines to reduce analytical thinking, allowing for poetic surprises in his writing. This segment highlights the feedback loop between description and perception, showcasing how layered language can convey deeper truths.
"one of the most important things is make the reader feel like they're living the experience in the book where does that symbolism come from they wrote down the key elements of a gentleman Moscow in a ..."
The Power of Vocabulary
Towles shares insights on the richness of vocabulary in writing, particularly how different languages and dialects influence his work. He explains how he absorbs various vocabularies from different cultures and contexts, which helps him evoke specific feelings and settings in his narratives. This segment underscores the significance of language in creating authentic characters and environments.
"for this conversation because I feel like more than anyone I've ever interviewed the number of things that I have to learn from you is so big and the place I want to start is with your ability to desc..."
Exploring Different Voices
In this segment, Towles discusses the importance of listening to various voices and dialects as a writer. He contrasts the language of aristocracy with that of everyday life, illustrating how different settings require different vocabularies. This exploration of language diversity enriches his storytelling and reflects the American cultural melting pot.
"guess way of thinking about it too is that um you know baseball has its own vocabulary uh the city streets have a vocabulary Finance has a vocabulary uh there's ethnic vocabularies Italian American or..."
Research and Authenticity
Towles explains his approach to research when writing, particularly for his novel 'Lincoln Highway.' He shares how reading contemporaneous literature helps him capture the essence of a specific time period. This segment highlights the importance of authenticity in writing and how understanding different narratives can inform a writer's voice.
"to constantly be applying different vocabularies to different purposes uh because you think it will better evoke uh the situation you're in in the case of a gentleman Moscow the main character count r..."
The Emotional Landscape of Writing
In this segment, Towles reflects on the emotional depth required in writing. He discusses how to evoke feelings in readers through careful pacing and description, ensuring they feel present in the story. This exploration of emotional engagement emphasizes the writer's role in crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.
"forbiddenness that when I look at societally if you're not from that there's almost a distance that people have and I've noticed that it's only in very particular places where I've really been able to..."
Crafting a Compelling Premise
Towles shares his process for developing a novel's premise, using 'A Gentleman in Moscow' as an example. He describes how a simple idea can evolve into a rich narrative through detailed planning and outlining. This segment illustrates the importance of a strong foundation in storytelling and how initial concepts can lead to profound narratives.
"been written uh around 1954 that were all set in about that time so planning o Connor's uh first collection of short stories uh A Good Man is Hard to Find I I read um James Baldwin's first novel uh Go..."
Visualizing Scenes
In this segment, Towles discusses how he visualizes scenes in his novels. He explains the process of imagining characters and settings in detail, which helps him write more vividly. This technique of mental visualization is crucial for creating immersive experiences for readers, allowing them to feel as if they are part of the story.
"care of the kids that whole generation was he really depicted that for the first time uh kind of in in the development of American culture and then fenio Connor is writing uh Gothic tales in the South..."
The Balance of Description
Towles elaborates on the balance required in descriptive writing. He emphasizes that descriptions must be vivid yet concise, allowing readers to visualize settings without feeling overwhelmed. This segment highlights the delicate art of crafting descriptions that enhance the narrative while maintaining reader engagement.
"Melancholy but it's not a sad kind of melancholy and then you use that sentence and then for the rest of the piece you talk about how in a city the Solitude The Melancholy is actually nice because it'..."
Pacing and Reader Engagement
In this segment, Towles addresses the challenge of pacing in writing. He discusses how to maintain reader interest through careful editing and the importance of creating a sense of urgency, even in slower sections. This exploration of pacing reveals the intricacies of keeping readers engaged throughout a literary work.
"fiction but one of the most important things is to make the reader feel like they're living the experience in the book to some degree that they feel present and uh and as a result become interested in..."
The Role of Editing
Towles shares insights on the editing process, emphasizing its importance in refining a manuscript. He explains how to approach editing with a fresh perspective, ensuring that the writing remains compelling. This segment underscores the necessity of editing as a distinct skill set that complements the writing process.
"extremely important when I was writing that that to lay out the geography of the hotel early to give people a vivid sense of the key rooms early because once i' done that then as events unfold the rea..."
The Genesis of 'A Gentleman in Moscow'
Towles recounts the inspiration behind 'A Gentleman in Moscow,' detailing how a simple idea blossomed into a full narrative. He shares the initial thoughts that sparked the story and how they developed into a complex tale. This segment highlights the creative process and the evolution of ideas in writing.
"that pacing what I found when I've done video editing in the past is that my perception of the speed that a video needs to be at is very different in my 50th run through the video as a consumer's perc..."
The Spark of Inspiration
Amor Towles shares the moment of inspiration for 'A Gentleman in Moscow,' detailing how a hotel stay in Geneva sparked the idea of an aristocrat under house arrest. He describes the rapid development of the novel's premise and the initial scaffolding of key events, emphasizing the importance of setting and character in his writing process.
"I started with a guy gets trapped in a hotel for a long period of time and then right away I was like oh it could be set in Russia he could be an aristocrat he could be sentenced to house arrest in a ..."
Visualizing Scenes
Towles elaborates on his method of visualizing scenes in 'A Gentleman in Moscow.' He discusses how he imagines character interactions and settings in detail, allowing him to write more vividly. This segment highlights the importance of mental imagery in the writing process and how it informs his narrative style.
"key events of the novel okay but then what happens is that uh if it really grabs me as it did in that case I'll start to fill notebooks and the notebooks I'll be asking myself you know okay there's go..."
The Art of Outlining
In this segment, Towles explains his outlining process before writing. He emphasizes that having a clear structure allows him to focus on the poetic aspects of writing, freeing his creative side. This approach contrasts with the common perception of writing as a purely spontaneous act, showcasing Towles' disciplined methodology.
"the conversation start to imagine that in Greater detail I see the food coming I see the waiter all these various elements and uh and then I in Notebook I'll start to write that scene and uh write it ..."
Balancing Structure and Creativity
Towles discusses the balance between analytical and creative thinking in writing. He explains how thorough preparation allows him to engage his poetic instincts during the writing process. This segment reveals the duality of his approach, where structure supports creativity rather than stifles it.
"your question which is that is that I don't walk I don't sit there with a blank page and not without a sense of where I'm going and start to try to investigate it as I go right is I am sitting down sa..."
Crafting Poetic Narratives
Amor Towles reflects on how his understanding of character influences the narrative voice in 'A Gentleman in Moscow.' He illustrates how the Count's perspective shapes the details and humor in the story, emphasizing the importance of character-driven writing in creating engaging narratives.
"start to get the poetic surprises of unanticipated ways of putting something or or actually you know he's going to look not at this he's going to look at that or she's not going to say this she's goin..."
The Power of Empathy in Writing
In this segment, Towles discusses the significance of empathy in his writing process. He explains how stepping into the shoes of his characters allows him to express thoughts and feelings that resonate with readers. This approach highlights the emotional depth and relatability of his narratives.
"that's a beautiful answer that's a beautiful answer one of so so so then what comes to mind is there's a there's a short paragraph I want to say it's two or three sentences early in a gentleman in Mos..."
Debunking the 'Tortured Artist' Trope
Towles addresses the stereotype of the 'tortured artist,' contrasting it with his own structured and disciplined approach to writing. He reflects on the historical context of this trope and shares insights from his peers, emphasizing that many successful writers maintain a balanced and productive lifestyle.
"when you have a detail like that that's something that's coming out of bringing that voice to life so meaning that I've begun to understand the count understand how he thinks uh understand sort of uh ..."
The Reality of the Writing Process
In this segment, Towles shares insights into the daily routines of successful writers. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and discipline in the writing process, suggesting that inspiration often comes from dedicated time spent at the desk rather than waiting for a muse.
"that you're like oh yeah this is perfect he'll say you know he'll be he'll be really focused on The Temper of of the coffee you know because that's what suits his personality so as I say sometimes you..."
Navigating the Path to Authorship
Towles reflects on his journey to becoming a full-time writer after a successful career in finance. He discusses the choices writers face regarding when to pursue their craft seriously, emphasizing that each individual's path is unique and should align with their personal circumstances and aspirations.
"my children I wouldn't mention it to a friend what's happened is that I have imagined for a moment that I am this person who I am not who has a different background and has a different personality I h..."
The Routine of Inspiration
Amor Towles discusses the importance of establishing a writing routine to foster inspiration. He emphasizes that writers should not wait for inspiration to strike but instead sit down at their desks consistently. By doing the work regularly, writers can uncover valuable ideas and refine their craft through dedication and discipline.
"morning you know and and the vast majority punch the clock so you know they'll say I am at my desk at fill in the blank you're a 8 to 12 guy yeah I'm kind of an 8 to2 guy so when it's 8 8:30 you know ..."
Choosing Your Path as a Writer
Towles reflects on his journey as a writer, sharing insights about the decision to pursue writing full-time versus maintaining a career while writing. He acknowledges that each writer must find their own path, whether starting young or transitioning later in life, and highlights the varied experiences of successful authors like Lee Child and Colson Whitehead.
"out of that and then your job is to kind of weed out take the fine things and magnify them and take the sloppy stuff and set it aside you know um but It ultimately is is time at the desk there's a lot..."
Descriptive Writing: Beyond the Cliché
In this segment, Towles explores the art of descriptive writing, emphasizing the need to go beyond clichés. He illustrates how a child's perspective can bring scenes to life in a unique way, using the example of a young girl observing her mother in the kitchen. Towles argues for focusing on specific, vivid details that resonate with the emotional truth of the moment.
"there's a lot of variables in there you know uh so it's it's hard to know which is the the right thing for different people but but there's there's plenty of artists that I know uh a talented successf..."
Layering Emotion in Narrative
Towles discusses the importance of layering emotional depth in storytelling. He explains how a writer can convey complex feelings through subtle cues in a scene, even if the characters are unaware of the underlying tensions. This approach enriches the narrative and allows readers to uncover deeper meanings upon reflection.
"feel this when I read David Foster Wallace like if my brain David's perels 100 David Foster wall say goes to like 500 and I even feel it now when I'm on a boat because I read his cruising out shipping..."
Crafting Authentic Scenes
In this segment, Towles elaborates on the process of crafting authentic scenes by focusing on the characters' perspectives. He emphasizes the significance of accurately portraying emotions and experiences, suggesting that writers should consider how historical and social contexts influence their characters' actions and feelings.
"frozen peas Frid a The Beatles it's 1964 everything I expected yes so you take a step back and say well what instead of that instead of putting in these landmarks that tell us where we are and what to..."
The Iterative Process of Writing
Towles shares his iterative approach to writing, where the first draft is a personal exploration of ideas. He explains how he later shifts his focus to the reader's perspective during the editing phase, ensuring that the final product is engaging and fulfills the covenant with the reader.
"the perspective of the child you wouldn't mention frigidere and Bird's eyee and you know the Beatles it would be this other stuff now we can add make this more interesting in and by saying well let's ..."
Teaching the Craft of Writing
Towles reflects on the challenges of teaching writing, acknowledging that while he hasn't taught formally, he recognizes the value of practice and repetition in mastering the craft. He discusses the importance of understanding various elements of writing and how workshops can help aspiring writers develop their skills.
"that bring it to life in this Vivid way you'd actually have to write the scene very differently with a different language and a different Tempo a different tone depending upon which of the two things ..."
The Role of Experience in Writing
In this final segment, Towles emphasizes the significance of personal experience in writing. He encourages young writers to trust their unique perspectives and experiences, suggesting that these insights can enrich their storytelling and resonate with readers on a deeper level.
"suits this destination that you're going to bring to life but then you through the editing and the re-editing you refine that and make sure that you're getting it closer and closer to where you want i..."
The Importance of Practice in Writing
Amor Towles emphasizes the significance of practice in mastering the craft of writing. He discusses how teaching can illuminate the elements of craft, but ultimately, it's the act of writing repeatedly that builds command over plot, setting, dialogue, and other essential components. Towles believes that young writers should explore diverse perspectives to enhance their skills and understanding of narrative.
"in school I am the wrong person as this question so and and that is because uh there are many very talented accomplished writers even here in the city who do what you say meaning that you know Michael..."
Exploring Different Perspectives
In this segment, Towles advocates for young writers to experiment with various perspectives and characters. He explains how writing from different viewpoints—such as age, gender, and social class—can deepen a writer's understanding of craft and enrich their storytelling. This practice helps writers learn to evoke different settings and emotions, enhancing their descriptive abilities.
"you begin the process of exposing yourself to how other people talk about your work analyze your work which is fine you know um but but mostly you're you're you're you're learning elements of craft th..."
The Malleability of Description
Towles discusses the malleability of descriptiveness in writing, illustrating how different characters perceive the same object in unique ways. He challenges the notion that descriptions are fixed, emphasizing that context and character background influence how settings are described. This segment highlights the importance of training oneself to see and convey the nuances of description in storytelling.
"Upper East Side you know or you were writing about you know a kid uh you know from uh you know the east east side of Chicago um you know who's you know you know single p parent family or whatever and ..."
Reading with a Writer's Eye
Amor Towles shares how becoming a writer changes the way one consumes literature. He reflects on his early experiences with reading and how they shaped his desire to write. As he progressed, he began to analyze texts critically, gaining insights into structure and style that informed his own writing process. This segment underscores the reciprocal relationship between reading and writing.
"works and what doesn't now tell me about the flip side of this which is how you consume differently because this to me is the fun part about getting into the game in anything whether it's I played gol..."
The Role of Feedback in Writing
In this segment, Towles discusses the importance of feedback in the writing process. He explains how he shares his drafts with trusted readers who provide thoughtful critiques. This practice helps him refine his work and gain new perspectives. Towles also mentions his long-standing reading group, where he and friends analyze novels, further enhancing their understanding of narrative techniques.
"The Hardy Boys and you're reading Ray brury and then you're reading you know sci-fi and you're reading a of the Christi Mysteries and you know all these kinds of things and James Bond Ian Fleming and ..."
Learning from Literary Giants
Towles reflects on the value of reading classic literature and how it informs contemporary writing. He discusses the importance of studying deceased authors, as their works have stood the test of time. This segment highlights how engaging with a diverse range of literary voices can inspire writers and help them develop their unique style while learning from the successes and failures of others.
"and that you know those are the people I will turn to um the group that you mentioned which is a separate thing is 20 years ago I uh three friends and I began a book group in essence and and we've bee..."
Admiring Craftsmanship in Writing
Towles shares insights on how he and his peers analyze the craftsmanship of other writers, particularly focusing on narrative techniques. He discusses the fluidity of perspective in writing, using Roth as an example. This segment emphasizes the importance of studying and appreciating the technical aspects of writing to enhance one's own storytelling.
"know and and and and underworld even better you know uh you know Philip Roth was a little bit like that for us you know we we we read uh Roth's work and and his work just gets stronger and stronger ov..."
The Poetic Element in Narrative
Amor Towles explores the relationship between poetry and prose, discussing how poetic sensibilities can enrich narrative writing. He reflects on the balance between poetic language and clarity in storytelling, emphasizing the need for readers to feel settled in a narrative before introducing more complex, poetic elements.
"group will definitely do that I mean we'll talk about themes and the characters and the bigger things more often but but we will interrupt so someone will say wait a second I just want to you know whe..."
The Power of Manifestos
In this segment, Towles expresses his admiration for manifestos, highlighting their energetic and assertive nature. He discusses how manifestos can inspire action and convey strong opinions, drawing parallels between artistic and political manifestos. This exploration reveals how the urgency of manifestos can influence narrative writing.
"I am a a reader of poetry but not a great one and I have you know I've read poetry over the course of my life I love Whitman I love Dickinson uh I I love um TS Elliot you know there's a variety of poe..."
Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life
Towles shares a personal anecdote about a concert experience that inspired a story in his upcoming collection. He illustrates how small, everyday moments can spark creative ideas and lead to compelling narratives. This segment emphasizes the importance of observation and imagination in the writing process.
"large population of 19y olds are at risk of Revolution you know because you know nothing and then all of a sudden somebody comes in with some super strong opinion and now you're like I know everything..."
Opening Doors to Creativity
In this segment, Towles discusses the metaphor of 'opening doors' in the creative process. He describes how initial story ideas can lead to a multitude of possibilities, akin to exploring a mansion with many rooms. This concept highlights the richness of storytelling and the potential for narratives to evolve in unexpected directions, showcasing the dynamic nature of creativity.
"that happened to me I mean I was with my wife in Carnegie Hall the guy sitting next to me had the you know was was recording the concert and and it and it spoiled the concert for me and like all that ..."
New York: A Melting Pot of Passions
Towles reflects on New York City as a melting pot not just of cultures, but of passions and professional pursuits. He explains how the city's vibrant atmosphere attracts individuals from various fields, creating a unique texture that influences his writing. This segment underscores the significance of place in storytelling and how the diverse ambitions of New Yorkers enrich the narrative landscape.
"with this what is that hotel on the Upper East Side it's I think it's called like the meline room there's the jazz club and it's the hand painted like friend in the Carlile Hotel yes exactly the caril..."
The Ever-Changing Landscape of New York
In this concluding segment, Towles elaborates on the dynamic nature of New York City, where the same spaces host new generations of dreamers. He draws parallels between the historical continuity of places like the King Cole Bar and the ever-evolving stories of the people who inhabit them. This reflection encapsulates the essence of New York as a backdrop for storytelling, emphasizing its role in shaping narratives across time.
"that's nice who is this woman what is this club why is it the hand painted walls and that's the door for me yeah yeah it's very funny you know it's a funny thing man it's a funny thing let's finish of..."