Renowned author and journalist Michael Pollan employs a distinctive nightly ritual of reading novels to enhance his writing, a habit he shared during an interview with David Perell. This practice, he asserts, is crucial for shaping his prose and fostering creativity, particularly during the drafting phase of his non-fiction works.
According to a clip from the interview, shared by David Perell, Pollan explained, > "The last thing you read at night programs how you think the next day." He elaborated on this, stating, > "I start reading novels while I'm writing. What you read before you go to bed influences what comes out the next day. You're internalizing cadences, and you're thinking more about metaphor than information." This approach allows him to immerse himself in literary style rather than factual content.
Pollan, a Knight Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley with a Master's degree in English literature, intentionally avoids consuming new information related to his current subject once he enters the drafting mode. He noted, "Once I'm in drafting mode, I don't want to take in more information on the subject. It's just gonna throw me off." This strategy helps maintain focus on narrative and linguistic quality, which he believes is often superior in fiction.
His writing philosophy emphasizes the importance of storytelling, structure, and the strategic use of metaphor to persuade readers. Pollan, who was an editor for many years at Harper's Magazine before becoming a full-time writer, teaches these principles to his students. He believes that by internalizing the rhythms and metaphorical thinking found in novels, he can elevate the artistry and impact of his own non-fiction.
This unconventional yet disciplined habit underscores Pollan's commitment to the craft of writing beyond mere information dissemination. By consciously programming his mind with literary cadences, he cultivates a deeper engagement with language, ensuring his work is not only informative but also compelling and artfully constructed.
