Today, Debbie Weil talks to good friend and bestselling author Thomas E. Ricksabout writing. This episode will appeal to listeners even if you're not a word nerd or put writing a book at the top of your bucket list.
Tom is a military history columnist for the New York Times and author of seven books, the last five of which have been New York Times bestsellers. His best known book is "Fiasco: the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2003 - 2005," which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2007. His most recent book, published in November 2020, is "First Principles: What America's Founders Learned From the Greeks and Romans, and How That Shaped Our Country."
He was a war correspondent and a member of Pulitzer Prize-winning teams covering the military for both the Wall Street Journal (2000) and the Washington Post (2002).
As Debbie puts it, he's the "real deal" when it comes to writing serious books. Tom is currently working on his eighth book, a military appreciation of the Civil Rights Movement. Tom and his wife Mary Kay, also an author, are Debbie's good friends and neighbors in Maine.
Today, they talk about what drives Tom to write: is it for money, for recognition, to win another Pulitzer prize, to connect with his readers, the writing itself? His answer is a good one. They address the big questions: how long does it take him to write a book, how does he choose his topics, what is his advice for would-be book writers, and more.
Debbie and Tom also get into the nitty gritty of his writing process. He takes us through a day in the life of Tom Ricks which includes bringing tea to Mary Kay in the morning and making lunch most days for the two of them. Despite how prolific he is, Tom does not write for 8 hours a day.
He is witty and passionate on the topic of writing, as well as being honest and revealing, and this is a wonderful conversation.
Mentioned in this episode or useful:
Note from Debbie
I hope you enjoyed this podcast. Would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than sixty seconds, and it really makes a difference in attracting new listeners and upcoming guests. I might read your review on my next episode!
My newsletter: sign up for occasional updates and get my free writing guide at http://eepurl.com/qGTP
Connect with me:
- Debbie
We Are Looking For a Sponsor for Season 4
If you are interested in reaching a smart and thoughtful audience of midlife, and older, listeners, contact Debbie Weil.
Media Partners
Support this podcast:
Credits:
