Anna Quindlen

Anna Quindlen is a literary powerhouse whose voice resonates deeply with readers around the globe. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and bestselling columnist, she has captivated audiences with her candid prose, relatable narratives, and astute observations on contemporary life.

With a career of over thirty years, Quindlen’s impact on literature and journalism is profound. Her works—comprising nine novels, 10 nonfiction titles, and two children’s books—have collectively sold nearly 13 million copies and have been translated into 19 languages. Her storytelling deftly navigates universal themes such as family dynamics, personal identity, and the complexities of the human experience, making her a cherished figure in modern literature.

What really matters in life? What truly lasts in our hearts and minds? Where can we find community, history, and humanity? In her 2022 book, Write for Your Life, the answer is clear: through writing. This is a book for what Quindlen calls “civilians,” those who want to use the written word to become more human, more themselves.

Write for Your Life argues that there has never been a more important time to stop and record what we are thinking and feeling. Using examples from the past, present, and future—from Anne Frank to Toni Morrison, from love letters written after World War II to journal reflections from nurses and doctors today—Write for Your Life vividly illuminates the ways in which writing connects us to ourselves and to those we cherish. Drawing on her personal experiences, not just as a writer but as a mother and daughter, Quindlen makes the case that recording our daily lives in writing is essential.

When we write, we not only look, we see; we not only react but reflect. Writing gives you something to hold onto in a changing world. “To write the present,” Quindlen says, “is to believe in the future.”

Quindlen’s journey began as a reporter at the New York Post, where she honed her skills in capturing authentic dialogue—a talent she attributes to years spent listening to real people. She later joined the New York Times, where her column “Public & Private” earned her the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 1992, making her only the third woman to achieve this honor. For a decade, Quindlen also wrote popular bi-weekly pieces for Newsweek. Her columns have consistently provided insightful commentary on social issues, earning her recognition as one of America’s most astute chroniclers of modern life.

In addition to her extensive writing career, Quindlen is a sought-after speaker who engages audiences with behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative process. She has received numerous accolades, including honorary degrees from over twenty institutions and induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

“Part of Quindlen’s gift is that you don’t just read about these characters; you inhabit them… Luminous with life, hope, and the power of love.” — People (A Book of the Week Pick)

James Strock is a bestselling author of four books on service, politics and leadership, including Theodore Roosevelt on Leadership: Executive Lessons from the Bully Pulpit and Disrupt Politics: Reset Washington.