How to be the most interesting writer in Fiction | Amor Towles

The James Altucher Show

A Note from James:

I have to say, this next guest has recently become one of my all-time favorite writers, presenting a very different style from what I'm accustomed to. I started reading one of his books, and it turned out to be "Table for Two," which includes some short fiction and a novella titled "Even Hollywood." At the time, I didn't know it was the sequel to his first novel, ""Rules of Civility."

He also wrote "A Gentleman in Moscow," one of the best books I've ever read. In fact, by the time this podcast is released, it will have been adapted into a TV series starring Ewan McGregor, which looks amazing. All of his books rank among the best fiction I've ever encountered.

I highly recommend "A Gentleman in Moscow," "Table for Two," "Rules of Civility," and "The Lincoln Highway." the latter of which I'm currently reading post-podcast. I hope to speak with Mr. Towles again, as I now have questions about "The Lincoln Highway." He was incredibly open about his writing process, which differs significantly from those of other writers I've discussed in my ten years of conversations. It was such a pleasure to delve into his experiences and how he crafts his books.

I can't express enough how much I admire Amor Towles, author of "A Gentleman in Moscow" and the upcoming collection "Table for Two." I also recommend checking out the TV series adaptation of "A Gentleman in Moscow."

Amor Towles' Books:

"Rules of Civility"

"A Gentleman in Moscow"

"The Lincoln Highway"

"Table for Two"

Episode Description:

This discussion with Amor Towles offers a profound insight into his unique approach to writing, character creation, and thematic exploration across his notable works, including 'A Gentleman in Moscow' and 'Rules of Civility.' The conversation sheds light on Towles' years-long process of developing three-dimensional characters, reflecting on the societal roles and individual identities within his narratives.

Towles discusses the influence of his investment background on his disciplined approach to writing, and the cultural impact of his work, including television adaptations. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, identity, resilience, and the authenticity of his characters, illustrating the nuanced interplay between an individual's role within society and their journey. Additionally, Towles shares insights on the contrasting crafts of novel and short story writing, and his transition from a career in finance to becoming a celebrated author, highlighting the ever-relevant nature of his thematic concerns in historical and contemporary contexts.

Episode Summary:

00:00 Introduction to a Favorite Writer and His Works

02:35 Diving Deep into the Writing Process with Amor Towles

04:41 Exploring Character Development and the Art of the Novel

17:03 The Craft of Writing: From Concept to Language

28:53 The Richness of Language and the Writer's Knowledge

38:24 Exploring the Art of Writing: Insights and Metaphors

39:41 Character Development and the Power of Subconscious Creativity

42:36 The Revision Process: Crafting and Refining a Story

46:54 Navigating Historical Contexts and Character Perspectives

57:52 The Complexity of Social Classes and Personal Identity

01:04:40 Interconnected Stories and Characters Across Novels

01:13:10 Exploring the Creative Process Behind a Novella

01:13:47 The Noir Tradition and Writing Style

01:15:43 The Unique Appeal of Short Stories

01:17:10 Experimenting with Narrative Perspectives

01:20:50 The Art of Surprise in Short Stories

01:23:24 Personal Reflections in Writing

01:28:57 Adapting Novels for Television

01:33:10 The Aspirational Nature of 'A Gentleman in Moscow'

01:35:06 Patience and Process in Writing and Investing

01:42:20 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects

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