JRE #1942 - Mark Greaney

16-Feb-23

Joe Rogan Podcast: #1942 – Mark Greaney

This podcast features Mark Greaney, the New York Times bestselling author of the “Gray Man” novels. Rogan and Greaney discuss Greaney’s writing process, his inspiration, and the challenges of writing in a genre that often involves violence and high-stakes action. They explore the process of adaptation from book to film and discuss the creative differences that arise. The podcast also dives into topics such as the importance of hard work and perseverance, the nature of fame, and the power of the human mind and body.

Here are some key topics covered in the podcast, along with four-point summaries:

1. The Nature of Writing and Inspiration:

Greaney believes in creating a product that people can use for escapism, particularly during difficult times.
He draws inspiration from other authors, particularly Jack Carr, and has a blue-collar approach to writing.
Greaney emphasizes the importance of life experience in his writing and acknowledges the value of hard work and perseverance.
He encourages readers to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and to find their own path.

2. The “Gray Man” Series and Adaptation to Film:

Greaney’s “Gray Man” series features a highly skilled, yet morally ambiguous assassin.
The “Gray Man” movie, while entertaining, is a Hollywoodized version of the books and sacrifices some of the gritty realism.
Greaney acknowledges the value of the movie as a commercial for his work, but emphasizes the distinct experience of reading his books.
He discusses the challenges of casting the character of Court Gentry, considering various actors and the importance of finding the right physical presence.

3. The Writing Process and Creativity:

Greaney writes “out of the seat of his pants” but uses notes and outlines to guide his process.
He believes in starting to write and letting the story unfold organically, finding the story within the story.
Greaney recognizes the importance of editing and revising, acknowledging that “every first draft is shit.”
He draws inspiration from other prolific authors like Stephen King and Tom Clancy, appreciating their dedication and output.

4. The Role of Critics and Fan Feedback:

Greaney acknowledges that critics often have a different perspective on his work than his fans, and he ultimately prioritizes the enjoyment of his readers.
He believes that professional critics often lack the talent or experience to contribute meaningfully to the genre and can be overly negative.
Greaney values the insights and opinions of passionate readers, even when they disagree with his choices, acknowledging the opportunity for growth.
He emphasizes the importance of fan engagement and the power of reader reviews in shaping the narrative around his work.

5. The Influence of Military and Special Operations:

Greaney has spent considerable time training with firearms and interacting with military personnel, gaining a deep understanding of their world.
He incorporates real-world tactics and procedures into his writing, balancing realism with fictionalized elements to create compelling narratives.
Greaney acknowledges the classified nature of much of the information surrounding special operations and emphasizes the importance of responsible research.
He highlights the extraordinary abilities and resilience of military personnel, emphasizing their unique character and commitment.

6. The Nature of Fame and Dealing with the Public:

Greaney discusses the unexpected challenges of fame, including the constant influx of messages and requests, and the need to protect himself and his family.
He shares anecdotes of people who believe they know him or have influenced his work, highlighting the sometimes bizarre interactions that come with notoriety.
Greaney acknowledges the importance of staying grounded and connected to his own values, despite the pressures of the public eye.
He emphasizes the need to set boundaries and prioritize his own work and wellbeing, even when faced with overwhelming demands.

7. The Importance of Physical and Mental Health:

Greaney discusses his own journey with health challenges, including back surgery and a struggle with opioid pain medication.
He emphasizes the importance of exercise, physical therapy, and proper nutrition in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Greaney delves into the benefits of cold therapy, heat therapy, and nootropics for enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being.
He advocates for taking care of both physical and mental health as essential for creativity and a fulfilling life.

8. The Power of the Human Mind and Body:

Greaney highlights the incredible feats of endurance and resilience demonstrated by individuals in both real-life and fictional settings.
He discusses the power of the mind to overcome physical limitations, drawing inspiration from individuals like David Goggins, who push the boundaries of human potential.
Greaney recognizes the importance of mental strength and determination in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles.
He emphasizes the transformative power of human will and the ability of the mind to guide the body to extraordinary achievements.

9. The Global Landscape and International Conflict:

Greaney delves into the complexities of international relations, particularly focusing on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
He discusses the role of Russian foreign intelligence and the potential for corrupt actors to influence events.
Greaney highlights the human cost of war and the devastating impact on individuals and families.
He underscores the importance of understanding the geopolitical context in which his fictional narratives unfold.

10. The Future of the “Gray Man” Series:

Greaney acknowledges that finding new and compelling storylines for the “Gray Man” series will become more challenging as the character ages.
He expresses his desire to continue writing compelling and realistic action-packed narratives, incorporating real-world events and geopolitical tensions.
Greaney plans to explore other genres, including romantic suspense, and has a new series featuring a different protagonist in development.
He remains dedicated to creating engaging and thought-provoking fiction, drawing inspiration from the world around him and the extraordinary people he encounters.

Memorable Quotes:

“I have a blue collar, like, philosophy about writing. Like, I like generating a product that people can use if their flights delayed or you know, they’re snowed in or whatever, and I get people emailing me all the time. It’s like, hey, I read your book when my mom was sick and I was at the hospital and, you know, I I like that, you know, that it serves a sort of physical purpose. You know? Like, it’s a it’s an it’s an instrument. It’s not just an idea. It’s a great instrument of escapism.” – Greaney emphasizes the practical value of his writing and the power of stories to provide comfort and distraction during difficult times.
“I think the best inspiration you could give to someone is just your own success.” – Greaney believes that his own journey and accomplishments serve as the best example for aspiring writers, rather than giving specific advice.
“It’s a tricky process, and it doesn’t always work out. But the problem is you’re only hearing from the people where it does work out.” – Greaney acknowledges the realities of pursuing a writing career, highlighting the importance of perseverance and recognizing that not every success story is shared.
“People can hate my books a million different reasons, and and that doesn’t make them wrong.” – Greaney embraces the subjectivity of art and acknowledges the validity of different opinions, even when they differ from his own.
“I think we’re better served by the unprofessional by the actual person who’s just an intelligent person who is a fan of the work, who reads the book, and then can write a little Amazon review or some other critique about it. That’s where or tweet about it. That’s what I think is more valuable.” – Greaney expresses his preference for reader reviews over professional critiques, valuing the insights and opinions of passionate fans.

JRE #1942 – Mark Greaney