Introduction
Steven Pressfield's "Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t" is a no-nonsense guide for aspiring writers who want to create work that people will actually read and enjoy. With blunt honesty and hard-earned wisdom, Pressfield shares insights from his decades of experience as a novelist, screenwriter, and advertising copywriter.
The book's provocative title encapsulates its core message: nobody cares about your writing unless you make it exceptionally good and compelling for the reader. Pressfield argues that to succeed as a writer, you need to overcome your ego, master the fundamentals of storytelling, and always put the reader's needs first.
Through a series of short, punchy chapters, Pressfield covers the essential elements of good writing across multiple genres. He offers practical advice on crafting engaging stories, developing memorable characters, structuring narratives effectively, and infusing your work with meaningful themes. Along the way, he shares colorful anecdotes from his own career struggles and eventual breakthroughs.
While the book's tone is often humorous and irreverent, its lessons are serious and valuable for any writer looking to improve their craft and find an audience. Pressfield's central argument is that good writing is ultimately about serving the reader, not indulging the writer's own impulses. By internalizing this mindset and following the book's guidance, aspiring authors can dramatically increase their chances of creating work that people will actually want to read.
Key Ideas
1. Nobody wants to read your writing unless it's exceptionally good
Pressfield opens the book with a harsh but important reality check: most people simply don't care about your writing and have no interest in reading it. This applies whether you're working on a novel, screenplay, blog post, or any other form of writing.
He explains that we grow up with the false notion that there's a built-in audience for our work, since teachers and classmates were required to read our writing in school. But in the real world, people are busy and have countless options for how to spend their time. They won't read your work unless you give them a compelling reason to do so.
This means that to succeed as a writer, you need to create work that is truly exceptional. Mediocre or even "pretty good" writing simply won't cut it in today's competitive landscape. You need to put in the hard work to make your writing clear, engaging, and valuable to readers.
Importantly, Pressfield notes that "good" writing doesn't necessarily mean flowery prose or highbrow literature. Rather, it means writing that captures and holds the reader's attention. This could be through suspense, humor, beautiful imagery, or simply conveying useful information in a clear and compelling way.
The key is to always keep the reader in mind, rather than writing solely for yourself. Instead of indulging your own interests or trying to show off your cleverness, focus on creating something that will genuinely benefit or entertain your audience.
2. An apprenticeship can teach valuable lessons and build industry connections
Pressfield shares his own difficult journey as an aspiring screenwriter in Hollywood. After five years of writing nine different scripts, all of which were rejected, he realized he needed to change his approach.
He ended up taking on an apprenticeship of sorts, partnering with an established screenwriter named Stanley. While the arrangement was often frustrating - Stanley would show up hours late to writing sessions and take credit for Pressfield's work - it ultimately proved invaluable.
Through this experience, Pressfield learned the ins and outs of crafting a successful screenplay and navigating the Hollywood system. He gained insight into what producers and studios were looking for. And perhaps most importantly, he made connections in the industry that would help advance his career later on.
The lesson here is that breaking into the writing business is extremely difficult, and it often requires paying your dues through less-than-ideal situations. An apprenticeship or mentorship, even if it feels unfair at times, can provide crucial knowledge and relationships that will serve you well in the long run.
Pressfield encourages aspiring writers to seek out these types of opportunities, whether formal or informal. Look for chances to learn from more experienced writers, even if it means doing unglamorous work or not getting full credit at first. The skills and connections you gain will be worth it as you build your career.
3. All good writing needs a strong concept, whether in advertising or literature
One of the key elements that separates successful writing from mediocre work is having a strong central concept. This applies across genres, from advertising to fiction.
In advertising, the concept is what turns a mundane product into something special and memorable. Pressfield gives the example of Avis Rent-a-Car, which was struggling to compete with industry leader Hertz. Their brilliant concept was to turn their second-place status into an advantage, claiming "We Try Harder" because they can't rest on their laurels like the #1 company. This simple idea made Avis stand out and gave customers a reason to choose them.
Similarly, in literature and storytelling, a strong concept helps focus the narrative and make it compelling. Pressfield points to Homer's Iliad as a classic example. Rather than trying to tell the entire 10-year story of the Trojan War, Homer zeroes in on just a few days and the central drama of Achilles' anger. This tight concept allowed him to craft a timeless epic that still resonates today.
When developing your writing, spend time honing in on a clear, intriguing concept before you start putting words on the page. Ask yourself: What's the core idea that will grab people's attention? What makes this story or message unique and memorable? Having a strong concept will guide the rest of your writing process and help ensure your work connects with readers.
4. Identifying the problem or theme is crucial for both advertising and fiction
Building on the importance of concept, Pressfield emphasizes how crucial it is to clearly define the central problem or theme in your writing.
In advertising, the first step is to identify why a product isn't selling. Sometimes the product itself is flawed, in which case even the best ad campaign won't help. But often, there's an opportunity to reframe the product in a way that solves a problem for consumers.
Pressfield gives the example of 7UP positioning itself as the "Uncola" to stand out from Coca-Cola and other traditional sodas. By defining the problem as consumers wanting an alternative to cola, 7UP was able to carve out a distinct identity and boost sales.
In fiction writing, defining the theme serves a similar purpose of focusing the story. The theme is the core idea or message that runs throughout the narrative. For instance, Pressfield points to the TV show Breaking Bad, where the central theme of transformation guides the entire series. Whenever the writers got stuck, they could return to this theme to get back on track.
Having a clear problem or theme gives your writing a strong foundation to build upon. It helps you stay focused and ensures all elements of your work are serving a purpose. As you develop your writing, continually ask yourself: What problem am I solving? What's the core theme I'm exploring? Let the answers to these questions shape your work.
5. Reading widely and writing regularly helps develop your authentic voice
Many aspiring writers struggle to find their unique voice and end up producing work that feels inauthentic or derivative. Pressfield offers two key practices to help overcome this challenge: reading extensively and writing consistently.
Reading widely, especially the classics in your chosen genre, helps expose you to different styles and techniques. Pressfield shares how he immersed himself in great literature like Tolstoy and Flaubert to develop his own voice. By studying the masters, you internalize the rhythms and structures of good writing.
At the same time, it's crucial to keep writing regularly to hone your skills. Pressfield suggests focusing on personal letters to friends as a way to tap into your natural voice. When writing to people we know well, we tend to drop pretenses and write in a more authentic, conversational style. This can then be applied to other forms of writing.
The author also emphasizes the importance of patience in developing your voice. Real wisdom and authenticity often come with age and life experience. Young writers frequently fall into the trap of producing self-indulgent work because they haven't lived enough to have deep insights to share. As you mature and face life's challenges, your writing will naturally gain more depth and resonance.
The key is to keep reading and writing consistently over time. Your unique voice will emerge gradually as you practice your craft and accumulate life experiences to draw from.
6. Most stories follow a three-act structure, with exceptions for epics
Pressfield explains that the vast majority of successful stories, whether in film, literature, or even advertising, follow a classic three-act structure. This time-tested format helps ensure that narratives are engaging and satisfying for audiences.
The three acts typically break down as follows:
- Act One: Hook the audience and set up the story
- Act Two: Build tension and conflict
- Act Three: Resolve the conflict in a climactic finale
This structure can be seen in everything from Shakespeare's plays to modern blockbuster films. It provides a framework for introducing characters, escalating drama, and delivering a satisfying conclusion.
However, Pressfield notes that there are exceptions to this rule, particularly for epic stories. He gives the example of director David Lean's approach to films like Lawrence of Arabia. For these sprawling narratives, Lean used a structure of 8-12 segments, each almost like a mini-movie within the larger story.
The lesson here is to understand the rules of storytelling before you try to break them. For most writing projects, following the three-act structure will serve you well. But if you're tackling an especially complex or lengthy narrative, you may need to adapt the format while still maintaining an overarching structure that guides the audience through the story.
7. Each act serves a specific purpose in engaging the audience
Pressfield dives deeper into how each act of the three-act structure serves a crucial role in crafting an engaging narrative:
Act One is all about hooking the audience and kicking off the plot. You need to quickly draw readers in while also establishing the key elements of your story. Pressfield uses the example of Silver Linings Playbook, which introduces the main character's mental health struggles and sets up his fateful meeting with the female lead all within the first act.
Act Two focuses on developing conflict, often by highlighting the antagonist or villain. This is where you raise the stakes and create tension to keep the audience invested. In The Dark Knight, for instance, the second act is where the Joker takes center stage as Batman's nemesis.
Act Three delivers the climax and resolution. This is where all the threads come together for a final confrontation or revelation. In a romantic comedy like Bridget Jones's Diary, the third act is where the miscommunications are cleared up and the couple finally gets together.
Understanding the purpose of each act helps you structure your story for maximum impact. As you write, continually ask yourself if each section is fulfilling its role in moving the narrative forward and keeping the audience engaged.
8. Complex characters and important themes attract great actors
For screenwriters hoping to attract A-list talent to their projects, Pressfield emphasizes the importance of creating truly memorable characters and exploring meaningful themes.
Top actors like Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, or Jennifer Lawrence are drawn to roles that allow them to showcase their range and tackle weighty subjects. They want characters with depth, nuance, and internal conflicts to explore.
Pressfield points to films like Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, and Out of Africa as examples of projects that attracted major stars because they offered rich, layered characters grappling with profound themes.
The lesson here is to aim high with your character development and thematic exploration. Don't settle for one-dimensional characters or superficial storylines. Dig deep to create complex individuals facing meaningful challenges. Consider the big questions and ideas you want your story to wrestle with.
Even if you're not writing screenplays, this advice applies to all forms of storytelling. Readers are drawn to characters and themes they can connect with on a deeper level. By putting in the work to develop these elements, you greatly increase the chances that your writing will resonate with audiences.
9. Nonfiction follows similar rules to fiction and relies on strong themes
Many writers assume that nonfiction works like textbooks or biographies don't need to be as engaging as novels or screenplays. Pressfield strongly disagrees, arguing that nonfiction can and should be just as compelling as fiction.
He shares how he approached his nonfiction book The War of Art, about the creative process, with the same storytelling techniques he would use for a novel. The key is finding a central theme or narrative thread to tie the information together.
For example, if you're writing a biography of an early American settler, don't just recite a chronological list of events. Instead, focus on a theme like "the pursuit of the American dream" and show how each experience relates to that central idea. This gives the story cohesion and keeps readers invested.
The same principles of structure, pacing, and character development used in fiction can be applied to nonfiction. Your goal should be to present information in a way that captivates readers and makes them want to keep turning pages.
By treating nonfiction with the same care and creativity as fiction, you can transform even seemingly dry topics into engaging reads that leave a lasting impact on your audience.
Practical Advice for Writers
Throughout the book, Pressfield offers numerous practical tips for improving your writing and increasing your chances of success. Here are some key pieces of advice:
Write every day: Consistent practice is crucial for developing your skills and voice. Make writing a daily habit, even if it's just for 30 minutes.
Read voraciously: Expose yourself to great writing in your genre and beyond. Analyze what makes certain works effective and try to apply those lessons to your own writing.
Focus on clarity: Prioritize clear, straightforward communication over flowery language or complex structures. Make sure your readers can easily follow your ideas.
Know your audience: Always keep your intended readers in mind. What do they care about? What problems can you solve for them? Tailor your writing to their needs and interests.
Embrace revision: Accept that your first draft will likely need significant work. Be willing to revise and rewrite multiple times to refine your ideas and language.
Seek feedback: Share your work with trusted readers and listen to their honest reactions. Use their input to identify areas for improvement.
Study structure: Understand classic storytelling structures and how to apply them effectively in your work.
Develop your characters: Invest time in creating multi-dimensional characters with clear motivations and internal conflicts.
Find your theme: Identify the core idea or message at the heart of your work and ensure all elements support that theme.
Persevere through rejection: Understand that rejection is a normal part of the writing process. Use it as motivation to improve rather than getting discouraged.
Overcoming Common Writing Challenges
Pressfield addresses several common obstacles that writers face and offers strategies for overcoming them:
Writer's block: Instead of waiting for inspiration, sit down and start writing anything. The act of writing itself often breaks through mental barriers.
Self-doubt: Recognize that all writers struggle with insecurity. Focus on the work itself rather than worrying about your abilities.
Lack of time: Make writing a priority by scheduling dedicated time for it, even if it means waking up earlier or cutting out other activities.
Perfectionism: Accept that your first draft won't be perfect. Give yourself permission to write badly at first, knowing you can improve it later.
Lack of ideas: Keep a journal to capture random thoughts and observations. Practice looking at the world with curiosity to spark new ideas.
Difficulty finishing projects: Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Set deadlines for yourself and find an accountability partner if needed.
Fear of criticism: Remember that not everyone will like your work, and that's okay. Focus on writing for your ideal readers rather than trying to please everyone.
Comparison to other writers: Instead of feeling intimidated by great writers, study their techniques and use them as inspiration to improve your own craft.
Lack of confidence: Build confidence through consistent practice and small successes. Celebrate your progress along the way.
Difficulty finding your voice: Experiment with different styles and genres. Your unique voice will emerge over time as you continue writing.
The Importance of Perseverance
A recurring theme throughout the book is the critical role of perseverance in achieving writing success. Pressfield emphasizes that rejection and failure are inevitable parts of the writing journey, but they shouldn't deter you from pursuing your goals.
He shares his own story of struggling for years before finding success, including the five years he spent writing unsuccessful screenplays. The key, he argues, is to view these setbacks as learning experiences rather than personal failings.
Pressfield encourages writers to develop a thick skin and a growth mindset. Instead of giving up when faced with criticism or rejection, use it as motivation to improve your craft. Analyze what's not working in your writing and make conscious efforts to address those weaknesses.
He also stresses the importance of playing the long game. Success in writing rarely comes overnight. It often takes years of consistent effort and improvement before breaking through. By committing to the process and continually honing your skills, you greatly increase your chances of eventually finding an audience for your work.
The Writer's Mindset
Beyond specific techniques and strategies, Pressfield emphasizes the importance of developing the right mindset as a writer. He advocates for several key attitudes:
Professionalism: Treat writing as a serious pursuit, not just a hobby. Show up consistently and put in the work, even when you don't feel inspired.
Humility: Be willing to learn and improve. Don't let ego prevent you from seeing the flaws in your work or accepting constructive criticism.
Service to the reader: Always keep your audience's needs and desires in mind. Write to provide value to them, not just to express yourself.
Patience: Understand that developing your skills and finding success takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results.
Resilience: Learn to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward despite obstacles.
Curiosity: Maintain a sense of wonder about the world. Always be learning and seeking new experiences to inform your writing.
Discipline: Develop strong work habits and stick to them, even when motivation is low.
Authenticity: Strive to find your unique voice and perspective rather than imitating others.
Courage: Be willing to take risks in your writing and put your work out into the world despite fears of judgment.
Commitment to craft: View writing as a lifelong pursuit of mastery rather than a means to an end.
By cultivating these attitudes, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges of the writing life and continue improving over time.
Conclusion
"Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t" serves as both a wake-up call and an empowering guide for aspiring writers. Pressfield's blunt, no-nonsense approach cuts through the romanticism often associated with writing to deliver practical advice for creating work that will actually engage readers.
The book's central message is that good writing is ultimately about serving the audience, not indulging the writer's ego. By internalizing this mindset and applying the book's lessons on storytelling, structure, and craft, writers can dramatically improve their chances of success.
Pressfield emphasizes that becoming a great writer is a lifelong journey requiring dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to continually learn and improve. While the path may be challenging, he provides a roadmap for navigating the obstacles and steadily enhancing your skills.
Ultimately, "Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t" is a call to action for writers to raise their standards, focus on their readers' needs, and commit to the hard work of creating truly exceptional writing. For those willing to heed its advice, the book offers a valuable blueprint for transforming from an aspiring writer into a successful author whose work people genuinely want to read.