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On Writing Well Audio Collection (Abridged): Audio Collection Audiobook
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(4.00) - 6,787 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The classic works on the art of nonfiction writing are now in a complete package for your listening pleasure.
This expanded CD collection presents William Zinsser's On Writing Well, the classic teaching book that has sold more than 1 million copies, together with a new 90-minute section that tells you how to write a memoir.
Based on a course that Zinsser taught at Yale, On Writing Well has long been praised by writers, teachers and students for its sound advice, its clarity and the warmth of its style. It's for everybody who wants to learn how to write or who needs to do some writing to get through the day. Whether you want to write about people and places, science and technology, business, sports or the arts, this is the definitive guide to the craft of nonfiction.
Part II of this collection—on memoir, personal history and family history—tells you in helpful detail how to write the story of your life: who you are, who you once were, and what heritage you come from. Throughout, Zinsser refers to the work of many successful memoir writers, including Frank McCourt, Annie Dillard, Russell Baker and Eudora Welty, to demonstrate how they solved the problems of selection, compression, focus and tone that every memoir writer struggles with.
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"When I first bought On Writing Well I wondered why it wasn't called Writin' Good and now I know. Thanks to William Zinsser, I didn't have to get into his writing class at Yale only to be told my writing needed a clean-up. From the early chapters I was able to put into practice his tips to clearly communicate while maintaining and developing my own style. Plus, his writing samples were just fun to read! Other than fellow nerds, who would have thought that reading about writing could be both enjoyable and useful?"
— Perelandra (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Zinsser’s classic belongs on every writer's shelf. It's full of practical, no-frills advice on the basics of writing nonfiction: clarity, simplicity, brevity and humanity.”
— AudioFile
On Writing Well Audio Collection Listener Reviews
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" A superb book on writing. This should be mandatory reading for anyone who writes. It's also a pleasure to read. "
— David, 2/16/2014 -
" I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was full of common sense, clear instruction, humor, and humility. Zinsser took away a lot of the mystery and fear behind writing (which is there, at least for me) and brought the whole process down to earth. I can't wait to start over and read it again. "
— Minna, 2/13/2014 -
" I wrote a mini textbook once on feature writing, and Zinsser provided me a great deal of inspiration. "
— Maureen, 2/10/2014 -
" This is a good book for aspiring non-fiction writers. The author relates many illustrative examples and blends this with a breezy conversational style and a touch of humor. "
— Barbara, 2/8/2014 -
" Inspires the craft of and passion for writing. This will go on my reread list. "
— Laura, 1/27/2014 -
" Love this book, not only for advice on improving writing, but for understanding more about the written word. "
— Kathy, 1/17/2014 -
" A great guide to nonfiction writing. Most important things: 1) write every day, 2) write succinctly, 3) remember that language is constantly changing, 4) and despite the latter, the principles of grammar amount to everything in nonfiction writing. "
— Ronald, 1/14/2014 -
" Great book that helps focus the mind of the writer. This should be read by anyone looking to improve their writing skills and sharpen the appreciation and understanding for the art of writing effectively and correctly. "
— Matthew, 1/12/2014 -
" Excellent guide for those who want to improve their non-fiction writing skills. "
— Leigh, 12/13/2013 -
" Grammar nom nom nom. "
— Erin, 12/8/2013 -
" One of my favorite required reads from journalism school! "
— Dana, 12/2/2013 -
" As another text for Creative Writing, this one wasn't quite as entertaing as the other I just reviewed. There are pearls of wonderful wisdom hidden throughout. You just have to get through the dry parts to find them. "
— Tiffany, 7/23/2013 -
" I believe all writers should have this book in their bookcase to reference and re read it at least once a year just to keep the rules, grammer, and word useage fresh in their minds. "
— Amy, 7/7/2013 -
" a must read for anyone looking to clean up their writing. Zinsser spells out the do's and dont's in a simple, pithy way and instantly makes anyone who reads this book a stronger, more effective writer. "
— Belisa, 4/29/2013 -
" Clear, engaging, and so, so wise. I think of it as the bible of writing guides: it doesn't just teach; it inspires. William Zinsser, I'm a believer! "
— Pearl, 6/18/2012 -
" If you aspire to write anything, read this. "
— Alicia, 5/30/2012 -
" This is a great writing guide. "
— Stephanie, 5/20/2012 -
" A rare instructional type book that actually reads like a real book and is helpful nonetheless. "
— Jmswtsn, 4/14/2012 -
" I enjoyed this no nonsense book by a well-known author on his approach to writing. "
— Rick, 2/7/2012 -
" I recommend this book to anyone who says they want to write. The book which I have read and also listened to in audio (love audio books) is well written and plain and direct to the point. Good reading. "
— Lyn, 2/1/2012 -
" And essential book for learning how to write, how to appreciate (the act of) writing and the written word - clean and clear prose, and that which is not; and how to do both with intelligence and relaxed compassion. "
— Rodney, 8/8/2011 -
" This is a must for all writers...a wealth of information, insight, and instruction. Loved it and will refer back to it often...(-: "
— Rhonda, 6/14/2011 -
" Wonderful. As an ESL student this book helped me improve my writing. I still read it from time to time. "
— Cammy, 6/10/2011 -
" need to study this type of writing so that it sticks... "
— Carina, 5/22/2011 -
" This is an excellent book written by one of the gurus of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of reading it. I have copious notes in the margins! "
— Geneal, 5/13/2011 -
" Anyone with a pretense to writing should read this. His prose is clear, his insights lucid, his stance compelling. "
— Brett, 5/1/2011 -
" How come I did not know about this fabulous book earlier. Brilliantly humorous and yet full of good information! "
— Antje, 4/28/2011 -
" Not only was this book extremely informative and helpful, but it is written very well. Imagaine that. "
— Diana, 4/6/2011 -
" I read this book about six years ago and still recall its lucid writing style and cogent advises for writing well. "
— Qi, 3/14/2011 -
" This is a book I have never stopped reading, and re-reading, and re-reading, and . . . . "
— Jonathan, 2/10/2011 -
" Essential. I read and re-read. "
— Bridget, 2/5/2011 -
" I've owned this book for years now and am glad I finally read it. Zinsser's writing makes reading about writing interesting and entertaining. This book is perfect for anybody who wants to learn more about writing or improve their own writing. <br/> "
— Pamela, 2/4/2011 -
" I wish I had read this book a long time ago. "
— Amanda, 1/28/2011 -
" Excellent book for anybody who loves (or is interested in) writing non-fiction. Zinsser's style is very engaging, humorous and clear. Great stories too! I highly recommend this book. "
— Thomas, 1/23/2011 -
" Clear, engaging, and so, so wise. I think of it as the Bible of writing guides: it doesn't just teach; it inspires. William Zinsser, I'm a believer! "
— Pearl, 1/14/2011 -
" Great general instruction for anyone who wants to improve their writing. "
— J.E., 1/13/2011
About William Zinsser
William Zinsser has been a mentor for countless people who want to write with clarity and confidence. A writer, editor, and teacher, his eighteen books range in subject from writing to music to baseball to American travel. His classic On Writing Well has sold almost 1.5 million copies. He now teaches at the New School and at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and is a writing advisor for various organizations. He holds honorary degrees from Wesleyan University, Rollins College, and the University of Southern Indian and is a Literary Lion of the New York Public Library. He lives in his home town with his wife.