Ep. 156: LISTENER CALLS: My Process for Writing New Yorker Articles

Schedule

Cal Newport shares his ideal schedule for writing New Yorker articles, emphasizing efficiency and minimal disruption to his other responsibilities. He typically writes on Thursday or Friday mornings, finishes on Sunday, and polishes on Monday or Tuesday. This schedule allows him to balance his academic duties and writing commitments. However, he admits that adjustments are often necessary when unexpected events arise, requiring additional writing sessions to stay on track 1.

My ideal schedule, I then do a morning writing session later in the week. So Thursday or Friday morning where I try to get maybe half the article done, and then I do a Sunday morning session, and that's when I try to finish basically the article.

--- Cal Newport

Newport's email management strategy also plays a role in maintaining his schedule. By compartmentalizing his email accounts, he reduces distractions and focuses on his writing tasks 2.

   

Writing Process

Newport's column writing process involves a structured weekly cycle alternating between writing and production weeks. During writing weeks, he outlines articles while walking back from the bus stop and begins drafting in evening sessions, which he calls "happy hour writing sessions" 3. These sessions are crucial for breaking the initial barrier of starting a piece, as he notes the difficulty in opening a New Yorker article.

In a perfect world, I write the first paragraph. There is a huge break to seal effect to getting those first sentences down.

--- Cal Newport

For his twice-monthly columns, Newport relies on pre-existing knowledge and scheduled interviews, as time constraints limit extensive new research. He plans interviews and background reading well in advance to ensure a smooth writing process 4.