# How To Start Writing (w/ Anna Quindlen & John Dickerson) Encore

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-to-with-mike-pesca-514226/how-to-start-writing-w-anna-quindlen-john-dickerson-encore
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-to-with-mike-pesca-514226/how-to-start-writing-w-anna-quindlen-john-dickerson-encore.md
Podcast: [How To! with Mike Pesca](https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-to-with-mike-pesca-514226)
Published: 2026-02-10T23:16:00+00:00
Episode link: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.libsyn.com/64aa8e49-9b03-4c77-acab-15d1eaa269a1/260210_FS_HT_mixdown.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2016

## Resource

You've probably heard about the importance of journaling, putting thoughts on paper to help process the daily vicissitudes of life. But it's easy to stall once you see a blank page or get self conscious about what exactly you're writing. On this episode of How To!, we bring together Anna Quindlen , bestselling novelist and author of the new book Write For Your Life , and John Dickerson , co-host of Slate's Political Gabfest, CBS News reporter, author and veteran journaler. They share their wit and wisdom on how to start writing about your personal life — and how to keep it going amid all the distractions. (And stay tuned after the credits for an exclusive sneak peek of Anna Quindlen's next novel). If you liked this episode, check out " How To Write a Bestseller " and " How To Get Your Book Published ."

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## Transcript

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