WFS 434 - John Gierach on Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers, McGuane and Hemingway

Presented by: Trxstle

John Gierach, the author of the book Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers, is back on the podcast to dig back into some of his amazing books.

We find out from John what makes a good guide. We also learn about how much a fly rod loves a dry fly, what rejection feels like, and how he deals with writer’s block.

Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers Show Notes with John Gierach

1:53 – We had John in the podcast in episode 047.

3:21 – We look back on the previous books he had published.

4:32 – He talks about his book that just came out titled All the Time in the World.

5:52 – John describes his process of writing a book.

9:23 – We talk about his book titled Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers.

12:56 – He takes us on his trip to Colorado last September.

15:34 – He explains how he prefers to include conservation issues in his books.

17:33 – He talks about Thomas McGuane and Ernest Hemingway. He also shares a bit about the latter’s book titled Big Two-Hearted River.

20:20 – He tells about what makes a great fishing guide in his opinion.

29:35 – I ask him about his interesting notes from his book Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers which is how much a fly rod loves a dry fly. He also tells about the first ever written mention of fly fishing anywhere.

34:10 – He shares his struggles back then and how he dealt with rejection when he was just starting out as a writer.

36:44 – He gives tips on how to know what story will create an impact on readers.

38:44 – I mention our episode with Lane Forrer. John also talks about the true success of writing and how to be a good writer.

40:49 – He shares his take on impostor syndrome.

42:43 – He gives advice on what to do when a publisher rejects your book.

44:35 – He shares his take on writer’s block.

45:15 – He talks about his friend Paul who died from cancer. He shares more about this in his book Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers.

50:53 – He mentions the quote “It takes an old man to appreciate it, but it takes a kid to think it’s important.” and how it also applies to writing and fishing.

51:34 – He explains what his quote means about how vanity has lost its grip on him over time.

52:49 – He mentions a quote from Nick Lyons’ book.

54:31 – He gives his opinion on the book and movie A River Runs Through It.

56:07 – He tells about his planned trip.

58:19 – He talks about the techniques he uses when fishing for trout.

59:46 – I ask him about his spey game.

1:01:55 – He talks about fly fishing being like a con game.

1:03:40 – He shares his plans and some upcoming events for his latest book.

Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/434