David Eggers is an author, publisher, and founder of nonprofit publishing company McSweeney’s. He first became widely known for A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and went on to write acclaimed books including What Is the What, A Hologram for the King, and The Circle. Beyond his writing, he co-founded 826 Valencia, a nonprofit organization that provides writing and tutoring programs for young people. Most recently, he released Contrapposto in June 2026, a novel about friendship, love, and the lifelong pursuit of art. 0:00 Dave Eggers 16:36 Knowing the Form: Book vs. Short Story 21:12 826 Valencia & Teaching Young Writers 35:06 Working With Editors 40:00 McSweeney's & the Literary Object 51:07 Music, Ritual & the Writing Day 59:09 Favorite Bookstores & Libraries 1:05:00 Morning Rituals & Finishing the First Book 1:11:07 The Daily Practice 1:26:11 Mentors & Teachers 1:33:09 Art in Water & Fighting Book Bans 1:39:39 Free Speech & Why Rules Kill Writing