HarperCollins On Writing Well CD Audio Collection

William Zinsser, unbeknown to him, has been my writing tutor since my first attempts at writing for publication. Since then I have published articles in The Saturday Evening Post, Naval History, Birds and Blooms, and many other publications. Every writer can benefit from Zinsser's clear and encouraging advice. This audio collection (part of which I purchased years ago on cassette tape) brings Zinsser's soft-spoken, motivational instruction into our intimate study, as though he were sharing with a small group of eager, aspiring writers. Everyone who writes anything--a letter, an e-mail, a blog, a report, an article, or a book--should read Zinsser's On Writing Well and listen to these CDs at least once a year, if only to clear away the 'clutter' and relieve some of the literary agony in the world.

This book, now more than 25 years old, is all a writer needs. A decade ago, I read it and have since written two books, both published by an imprint of Random House. William Zinsser says his work is intended for writers of non-fiction, but his advice will work just a well in journalism, poetry, novels, short stories, academic papers and even business memos. Get it, read it or (as I have now done) listen to Zinsser on CD. Amazon ratings run to five stars but this is a rare case when only 10 will do! What Happens After Mugabe?: Can Zimbabwe Rise from the Ashes

This writing guide is very process oriented towards writing well. It's very matter-of-fact advice that leaves you feeling accomplished. When I first read a paper back edition of this audiobook back in 1994. The comfort, and direction of the book were still same inspiring and helpful. I haven't become a famous writer, but it did improve my writing over all. I gained confidence and fluidity in my writing that made my writing clearer more precise, and elegant. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to improve their writing without getting bogged down in grammar rules, and proper writing styles. Clutter and techno-speak do not make a writer better. If you can cut the chaff, you're writing and your life will be better.

I do not like being tricked into buying a short summary of a great book. I have read the great "On Writing Well" several times and was delighted to see what appears to be the book on tape. They lied, Amazon has done this stuff to me on several occasions,

As a self-professed Zinsser fan, I may not be the most objective reviewer of this "book on tape". Recorded some time ago (he frequently references this "tape", Zinsser sounds just like I thought he would. Friendy. Sincere. And very interested in helping the listener be a better writer of non-fiction. Or as he puts it, better at "putting your thinking on paper". An added bonus, which I did not expect, was his discourse on writing a memoir, which, as he points out, is very different from writing an autobiography. Good stuff. A couple of hours well spent with a comforting voice and a friendly teacher.