Part III: Chapter 14 Writing About Yourself: The Memoir Summary

Zinsser urges writers to stop being afraid of writing about themselves. Something in American culture stops writers, and he thinks this is probably an attitude that writers must please the writing teachers. The point is for the writer to please self first, and if the memoir is done well, this will also please the reader.

One can go too far the other way while writing about self. Every little detail is never good writing, but focusing in and being selective with the material can bring out a successful memoir. The overall subject should be of interest too, and Zinsser has found that the memoirs of immigrants to the United States sparks his interest. This gives him insight into these people's experiences and impressions.

Memoirs can be about any life...