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WSIRN Ep 13: Memoir, creativity, talent, and more memoir with Ed Cyzewski

It’s Tuesday, which means a new episode of What Should I Read Next!

Today I’m talking with Ed Cyzewski, the author of several books including Pray, Write, Grow, Creating Space, Write without Crushing Your Soul, and A Path to Publishing.

What Should I Read Next #13: Memoir, creativity, talent, and more memoir with Ed Cyzewski

Ed and I dive deep into the memoir genre for this episode. We also discuss creativity, artistic talent, and how chronic fatigue from sleepless nights (hello, toddlers) can really put a damper on your reading life.

Connect with Ed Cyzewski on his blogfacebooktwitter, and instagram.

Books discussed in this episode:

Some links are affiliate links. More details here.

The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning
All Is Grace by Brennan Manning
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
When We Were on Fire by Addie Zierman
The New York Regional Mormom Singles Halloween Dance by Elna Baker
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
‘Tis: A Memoir by Frank McCourt
Girl Meets God: On the Path to a Spiritual Life by Lauren Winner
Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis by Lauren Winner
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
100 Days in the Secret Place by Gene Edwards
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy, and Women’s Work by Kathleen Norris
The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
The Little Book of Talent by Daniel Coyle
The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
The Liar’s Club by Mary Karr

Also mentioned in this episode: 

• Modern Mrs Darcy’s daily kindle deals
The Contemplative Writer

19 comments

Leave A Comment
    • Ed Cyzewski says:

      I’m so sorry I didn’t respond to your comment (and the rest of them sooner). I forgot that there could be options on the page with the recording. Whoops!

      But thank you for commenting. I was afraid the first comment would be some accusation of being a cultural Philistine or literary hack. 🙂

  1. Gwen Jorgensen says:

    I like this list, and have read many, and should read more. I would also add ‘Acedia’ , by Kathleen Norris

  2. Hazel says:

    I thoroughly enjoyed the interview with Ed, thank you. It does mean, however, that my wishlist is longer now! Ah well… ?

  3. Dawn says:

    Sigh… I love Brennan Manning. It all started with The Ragamuffin Gospel for me. All is Grace just wrecked me, in the best way. This was a great episode.

    • Ed Cyzewski says:

      Yes! All Is Grace was a “wonderful” last book from him. Have you read Furious Longing of God? It’s the perfect peak where his message and craft are refined to their peak, but his mind is still quite strong. All Is Grace doesn’t have the same sharp edge to his writing.

  4. Susan says:

    I went back and listened to this after the update podcast. This has been my favorite podcast so far! I also hated Wild and didn’t like Angela’s Ashes (completely agreed with his assessment). I randomly picked up Mary Karr’s memoir book at the library right after it came out in the new reads section, and like you said to Ed, while I didn’t always agree with her, it was an insightful read about memoirs (but it didn’t actually inspire me to read her memoirs). I plan to read your other two suggestions for Ed — thanks!

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