All Of It: How to Write, According to New York Magazine

Hosted by Alison Stewart | Released on February 12, 2025

In this engaging episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, listeners delve into the art and craft of writing with Genevieve Smith, the Executive Editor of New York Magazine. The episode centers around New York Magazine's newly launched newsletter, Night School, which offers six-week courses aimed at enhancing various aspects of writing. The inaugural course, "How to Write," serves as the focal point of the discussion, providing valuable insights for aspiring writers, professionals, and anyone interested in honing their writing skills.

Introducing Night School

Alison Stewart kicks off the conversation by highlighting the launch of Night School and its first offering, "How to Write." She explains that the course is designed to cater to a broad audience, from novelists to individuals looking to craft more effective emails. Stewart emphasizes the interactive nature of the program, encouraging listeners to participate by sharing their writing challenges through calls and texts.

The Philosophy Behind Writing Well

Genevieve Smith underscores the intrinsic link between writing and thinking, stating, "To me, writing well is thinking well. It is about clarity of thought and clarity of observation" (04:22). She elaborates that writing serves as a conduit for clear communication, allowing individuals to articulate their observations and thoughts effectively. Smith emphasizes that writing is not just a skill but a mode of thinking that enhances one’s ability to perceive and interact with the world.

Common Writing Pitfalls and Solutions

When discussing common obstacles in writing, Smith identifies three primary pitfalls:

1. Lack of Clear Purpose: Many writers focus on topics without a coherent story or message. Smith advises, "You have to know what you wanna say, right? Not just the thing you're interested in, but what are you trying to tell us about that thing" (05:12).

2. Over-Editing During the Writing Process: As highlighted by a caller, excessive self-editing can hinder the flow of writing. Smith shares strategies from writers like Emily Gould and Allison Davis, who recommend separating the drafting and editing phases to maintain creativity and fluidity.

3. Navigating Social Media’s Impact on Writing: Addressing the influence of platforms like Twitter, Smith acknowledges the craftsmanship involved but cautions against the potential for shallow thinking. She remarks, "It's kind of led to a bit of shallow thinking, and you can get that one perfect sentence, but how does that sentence connect to the next sentence and the next sentence?" (07:52)

Listener Calls: Real-World Writing Challenges

The episode features several listener calls, each presenting unique writing challenges:

• Susan from Red Bank struggles with crafting witty Instagram comments. Smith advises embracing one's unique voice and using admired writing styles as inspiration without attempting to mimic them exactly (06:30).

• Barbara from Rye faces perfectionism while writing her family history, leading to slowed progress. Smith recommends adopting a diary-like approach to allow freedom in expression before refining the text (09:31).

• Robert from Atlantic Highlands questions the ethics of using AI in writing his first book. Smith acknowledges AI as a useful tool for idea generation but cautions against relying on it for original creativity, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human ingenuity in storytelling (12:10).

• Kathy from Long Branch shares her method of overcoming writer's block through journaling, with Smith endorsing the technique and highlighting the importance of getting words onto the page without immediate concern for structure or grammar (16:18).

• Tina from Oceanport seeks advice for her teenage daughter discouraged by fears that AI will render writers obsolete. Smith passionately defends the enduring necessity of human-driven journalism and storytelling, asserting that AI cannot replicate the nuanced observation and connection inherent in genuine journalism (24:39).

Navigating Idea Generation and Story Length

Smith delves into the process of generating viable ideas, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and critical questioning. She shares insights from her writers, Lane Brown and Joy Shan, who derive inspiration from personal frustrations and persistent questions about seemingly mundane topics (15:43). Additionally, when discussing story length, Smith advises that the scope of an idea should determine its expansion, noting, "It's really a question of does your idea sustain that right if we're plotting it out and how many sections are in this and what are the big points" (23:32).

The Role of Workshops and Editing

Addressing the value of writing workshops, Smith affirms their efficacy in fostering writer development, particularly through the collaborative relationship between editors and writers. She highlights the critical role editors play in refining ideas and ensuring clarity, stating, "The relationship between editors and writers... can help you point out what's missing" (22:05).

Practical Writing Tips

Concluding the episode, Smith offers practical advice for crafting effective emails. She emphasizes clarity and the strategic placement of essential information, recommending the "inverted pyramid" structure commonly used in journalism. Smith suggests, "Put all the information up at the top. If you've got extra, that is where journalists are doing" (27:01).

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It serves as a comprehensive guide for writers at all stages, blending expert advice with real-world applications. Through insightful discussions and relatable listener interactions, Genevieve Smith provides a nuanced exploration of the writing process, the challenges writers face, and the strategies to overcome them. Whether you're penning a novel, crafting an email, or simply looking to improve your writing prowess, this episode offers valuable takeaways to enhance your literary journey.

For more insights and to participate in future Listening Parties, visit wnyc.org/events.