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Freakonomics Radio · August 26, 2026 · 42:42

"I Trust Almost Anyone More Than Myself" | Better in Person

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jennifer Egan discusses her creative process, revealing that her confidence comes not from believing in her first drafts but from trusting her ability to revise extensively — sometimes over 35 drafts. She explores the role of luck in a writing career, the importance of trusting editors and early readers over her own initial judgment, and how sustaining a long career requires embracing uncertainty rather than seeking formulaic success.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

Confidence Through Revision
Jennifer Egan explains that her confidence as a writer doesn't come from initial inspiration but from knowing she can fix bad writing through relentless revision.
Outsourcing Judgment to Trusted Readers
Egan trusts her editors and early readers more than she trusts her own judgment about her work, especially in early drafts.

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