Tag Archives: William Zinsser

Day 203: Susan and Willie

Posted on July 22, 2015 | Leave a comment
A favorite quote of mine. I wrote to William Zinsser on Day 22. His wife replied to me saying that Mr. Zinsser was blind and unable to read or write. Sadly Zinsser died about two months after I wrote to him. He was 92.

A favorite quote of mine. I wrote to William Zinsser on Day 22. His wife replied to me saying that Mr. Zinsser was blind and unable to read or write. Sadly Zinsser died about two months after I wrote to him. He was 92.

Susan and Willie are both volunteers at the Street Sense Writers Group. I sat in on one of their workshops today and was blown away! If you are in DC on a Wednesday morning, swing by and check them out between 10:30 and noon.

Another handcrafted envelope - this time I used part of a Trader Joe's bag.

Another handcrafted envelope – this time I used part of a Trader Joe’s bag.

Dear Susan & Willie,

Being with you and the members of the writing group today inspired me and filled my heart with rapture. Thank you for being so generous with your time and talent – you’re creating something beautiful that you should be extremely proud of.

I look forward to joining you again,
Reed

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Posted in You're Awesome!

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Day 22: Mr. Zinsser

Posted on January 24, 2015 | Leave a comment
Photo: pauldrybooks.com

Photo: pauldrybooks.com

It’s scary to write to someone who is internationally known and respected as an expert on writing, but that is what I’m doing today. I’m sending a letter to William Zinsser, author of On Writing Well and former Yale professor. The aforementioned book changed my view of writing more than any other book – and as you might expect, it’s impeccably written.

I half expect to get my letter returned to me, marked up in red pen by the 92-year-old writing authority, showing me how I could have improved my letter. That would be wonderful!

Zinsser-2

Mr. Zinsser,

Monogramed stationery from Crane & Co.

Monogramed stationery from Crane & Co.

No book on writing has impacted me more than On Writing Well. You’ve inspired me to always be true to myself and what I want to say – challenging me to examine whether every word is doing new and useful work. Thank you – not only for helping me to become a better writer, but also for influencing so many other writers whose work I read.

With admiration and respect,
Reed Sandridge

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Posted in Thank-yous

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