5 Minutes For Books

Writing Places

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I think I’ve told you this before, but one of the (many) perks of contributing to 5 Minutes for Books is discovering books and genres that I might not have read otherwise. Case in point: memoir. I admit that prior to this gig I’d read little or no memoir whatsoever. Now it’s fast becoming one of my favorite categories of books.

Writing Places: The Life Journey of a Writer and Teacher by William Zinsser only enhanced my love for the genre. Like many of you, I’ve read—and been challenged by–Zinsser’s On Writing Well so I was excited for the opportunity to read his reflections of his writing life. Zinsser heeds his own advice on writing well and the clarity and beauty of his words (and the occasional bit of humor) are enough to recommend this book. But that’s not all. Zinsser’s writing places, the various jobs and titles he’s held in the course of his long career, make for an interesting and fascinating glimpse into the writing world—what it was and what it now is.

For example, I found his depiction of his first job, writer for New York Herald Tribune in 1946, absolutely fascinating. The hectic pace, the clamoring phones, the pounding typewriters—all crammed together in one gloriously chaotic space. A marked contrast to today’s world of computer monitors, internet and email.

Memoir often inspires me and Zinsser’s Writing Places certainly falls into that category. After reading it, I wanted to carve out my own writing place and see if I couldn’t create something timeless, something beautiful out of my own journey. I haven’t, but still I was inspired.

What about you? As the kids head back to school, as we experience the sense of anticipation that often accompanies fall, would you like a little inspiration to discover your own writing places? Or maybe memoir intrigues you as well?

As part of our Back to School Giveaway, we have a copy of Writing Places for one of our readers who comments on this post (U.S. addresses only).

Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes….

This is part of the 2009 Back-to-School Giveaway. We’d love it if you helped spread the word!

  1. Leave a comment on this post as your entry.
  2. This contest is open to U.S. residents only. One entry per person.
  3. New giveaways will be posted through August 26. Winners will be announced August 31.
  4. Check out the list of the other giveaways in the 2009 Back-to-School Giveaway at the main post.

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Comments

  2. Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance

    jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

  3. I read 2 of Zinsser’s books about 20 years ago and kept them – found them very valuable on how to write. I look forward to reading his memoir.

  20. I have always said that I wanted to write a book. In fact had a really good start a few years back and had interest from an editor. This would be a fascinating read.

  22. I love memoirs, and this one looks interesting! It’s great to see how others have approached life and the lessons they’ve learned!

  35. I think one thing that inspires me to write is a good book. Maybe this is one that will? Free time helps, as well.

  39. I love reading about writers! This sounds like a great addition to any writer’s library.

  40. Please enter me. Writing Well is already part of my library.
    avonleajules(at)gmail(dot)com

  41. This sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for this great contest!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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