‘On Writing Well’ author Zinsser to visit campus Nov. 9-10

Nationally recognized writing expert William Zinsser will visit campus Nov. 9-10 in a series of presentations for faculty and students in areas as diverse as English and engineering.

Complete schedule of events and more information about Zinsser

He will facilitate a public discussion Tuesday, Nov. 9, titled, “Crossing Boundaries: A Conversation with William Zinsser,” at 4:30 p.m., Tripp Commons, Memorial Union. He will also talk with three engineering classes, meet with the Writing Center Fellows, and have breakfast with a group of faculty.

Among Zinsser’s most famous works is “On Writing Well,” a book used in English, journalism and communications courses around the country. In it, he outlines four principles for improved writing: clarity, simplicity, economy (brevity) and humanity. The book is in its sixth edition and has sold nearly a million copies. He is the author of more than 15 books, is a former writing instructor at Yale and served as a master to one of its residential colleges.

Student Ellen Kretz, a freshman taking a basic engineering communication course, originated the idea to have Zinsser visit campus. She wrote to him after choosing his essay “College Pressures” for a critical analysis assignment. They exchanged letters, and Kretz’s instructors saw great potential in having Zinsser meet with students here.

“Zinsser is a gifted writer who inspires students to be true to their dreams and use writing as a learning tool along the way,” says Sandra Courter, adjunct assistant professor of engineering professional development, and director of the Engineering Learning Center. “He urges them to take risks, work hard, and not be afraid to fail.”

Among the topics Zinsser will emphasize is how to use writing as a means to learn about any subject. That’s the theme of his popular book, “Writing to Learn.” The themes in the book prove valuable to engineering students learning the importance of writing in their field, says Courter.

“This book captures writing of people who are not writers, including engineers and scientists. He talks about writing, thinking and learning as being a part of the same process, each enhancing the other.”

Zinsser’s visit is made possible through grants from the College of Engineering, UW–Madison Teaching Enhancement Grant Program and the University Lectures Committee. Principal sponsor is the College of Engineering Learning Center; other sponsors include the Writing Center, the School of Journalism, the University Health Service, and the Departments of English, Agricultural Journalism, and Communication Arts.