The Mind of Bill Bryson: From Writing Rituals to Vaporising Pet Peeves
Celebrated author Bill Bryson has opened up about his writing process, personal annoyances and unexpected talents in a remarkably candid interview. The American-British writer, best known for his witty travelogues and scientific explorations, shares insights that will resonate with writers and readers alike.
The Art of Discovery and Writing Process
When asked about his top travel tip for visitors to Australia, Bryson emphasised the importance of exploration on foot. "Get out and walk!" he insists, explaining that wandering without maps or preconceptions allows for genuine discovery. "If you turn a corner in Sydney and suddenly see the Harbour Bridge, you feel as if you've discovered it yourself," he describes, highlighting the exhilaration of stumbling upon hidden cafes and unexpected corners.
This spirit of discovery extends to his writing process, which Bryson admits feels unfamiliar each time he begins a new project. "Every single time I've ever written a book, it always feels as if I've never done this before," he reveals. The author places enormous importance on finding the perfect opening, explaining that he cannot proceed until he establishes the right tone, rhythm and voice.
Bryson's writing ritual involves two cups of coffee before settling at his desk to work "no matter what." As for celebrating completion? "Just finish it and then drink a lot of red wine," he quips.
Revised Edition Revelations and Grammar Gripes
The author recently released an updated version of his bestselling A Short History of Nearly Everything, two decades after the original publication. What most astonished him during the revision process? The number of moons in our solar system has roughly doubled since he first wrote the book. "About 100 new moons have been discovered," Bryson notes, explaining that many qualify as moons despite being essentially "big rocks" that faithfully orbit planets.
When it comes to language, Bryson admits to being a stickler for proper grammar, particularly when it comes to his grandchildren's speech. "I drive my grandchildren absolutely crazy," he confesses, "because I will not let them say 'me and Brian went to the store.'" He considers such grammatical errors "the verbal equivalent of having a tattoo on your head" and cannot abide them.
This extends to unsolicited advice, which Bryson particularly dislikes receiving. "Something that always annoys me is when people say, 'Do you mind if I give you a piece of advice?'" he shares. "My answer always is, 'Yes, I do very much mind.'"
Secret Talents and Unusual Confessions
Beyond writing, Bryson reveals an unexpected proficiency: "I am the world's best raker." The author takes great satisfaction in tidying his large garden, employing a two-rake method he's perfected. "It's totally mindless, so I can listen to podcasts or audio books," he explains, adding that it provides good exercise and the pleasure of seeing a job well done.
More surprisingly, Bryson confesses to a lifelong habit of pretending to vaporise people he dislikes with imaginary X-ray vision. "Ever since I was a little boy, I have genuinely pretended to be able to vaporise people that I don't like," he admits, citing examples like holding doors open for people who don't say thank you. At 73, he recognises this isn't "a worthy way of going through life" and is trying to be more generous to his fellow humans.
When contemplating historical dinner guests, Bryson would choose Shakespeare and Isaac Newton but worries about the practicalities. "You'd be spending the whole dinner explaining to them why they're not dead any more!" he observes, noting the awkwardness of eventually sending them back to their graves.
Bryson's political frustrations emerge when discussing nemeses, citing "the whole current United States administration" and particularly the enablers surrounding Donald Trump. "It's not just that they're doing things that I don't agree with politically," he clarifies, "it's that there's so much malice and vindictiveness attached to all of it."
A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0 by Bill Bryson is available now through Penguin, with the author scheduled to tour Australia and New Zealand in February 2026.
