ABOUT

How to write a book very slowly

The making of Why Are We Yelling?

Covers the 2016-2020 portion of my life from the perspective of writing a Why Are We Yelling? about the art productive disagreement.

0 in 2016

A long-running obsession with cognitive biases unfolds.

My second son, Louie, is born.

I publish the Cognitive Bias Cheat Sheet.

The Cognitive Bias poster is made.

An editor reaches out.

First call with an editor.

I get an intro to an agent. First call with an agent. Trump is elected President.

I sign with the agent.

My first idea bombs.

I'm asked to make it personal.

I'm stuck. I'm unstuck.

1 in 2017

Book proposal is making progress. I publish the Cognitive Bias Cheat Sheet, Simplified.

Tentative book title: Thinking is Hard.

Slow progress.

Good feedback from agent.

Slow progress.

Mixed feedback from agent.

I spin in circles on the overview.

New working title: Arguing is Hard

🌪 Email subject line: I'm still here!

My grandfather passes away. Good feedback from agent.

Another iteration of the proposal is discussed.

2 in 2018

Book proposal finalized.

Portfolio responds and wants to talk. Call with Portfolio.

I get a verbal offer from Portfolio. I learn a lot about book contract-ese.

Draft contract is shared. Book writing begins in earnest.

Final contracts are sent to sign.

Book outline is approved.

I miss my first deadline.

I turn in the first 2 chapters.

Editor likes them. Phew.

I launch a Patreon page.

I turn in chapters 3-6.

Title brainstorms recommence! I quit my day job to focus on the book full-time.

I toss the whole book in the trash and start over.

Attempt #2. Feedback is mixed.

Fall 2019 schedule is shared. California fires force us out of town.

Attempt #3.

The book goes up on Amazon.

Attempt #4

3 in 2019

First cover designs shared.

A 90% complete first draft is submitted! Second round covers shared.

2nd draft turned in.

Pocket Biases app.

Export edition.

3rd draft turned in.

🎂 Niko's 9th birthday! I turn in the final manuscript!

I record the audiobook

I launch the book website

Book is published!