 A Broom of One’s Own:
Words on Writing, Housecleaning,
and Life
Publication Date – Harper Perennial, a division of HarperCollins – April, 2008
As the author of two novels, Nancy Peacock was used to seeing her name in print.
However, she didn't expect her name to be in The National Enquirer, along with
the headline: “Here’s One for the Books: Cleaning Lady is an Acclaimed Author.”
After she got over the shock of seeing herself depicted as a “writing maid,” she
knew she had to write about it.In the essays that make up A Broom of One’s Own, Peacock explores what it means
to be a writer, and provides advice on subjects such as inspiration, craft, and
criticism. Through hilarious anecdotes about the houses she cleans, Peacock also
offers insight into issues of class and stereotypes, and describes how her job
affects her acceptance of herself as a writer. With its warmth and wit, A Broom
of One’s Own is an encouragement to all artists--however they make a living. |
Advance Praise for
A Broom of One’s Own
“Nancy Peacock has written an instant classic, filled with wisdom, humor and
insight. Her radical observations on class, gender, and literature make this one
of the most original and valuable books about writing ever published.”
Lee Smith – author of On Agate Hill
“ A Broom of One’s Own is a book that embraces the wisdom of uncertainty, common
sense, humor, and simplicity, a book that is written with a clarity that is
inspirational. Nancy Peacock’s words ring true and real. If you write, have a
place to live, and hope to be more alive than your surroundings seem to allow,
then you’ll love this book.”
Clyde Edgerton – author of Lunch at the Piccadilly. Visit
ClydeEdgerton.com
“A Broom of One’s Own is one of the most honest books
I’ve ever read, by one of the most honest writers I
know. It’s as if Nancy Peacock scrubbed her way down to
where people (including herself) really live, and found
in the simple business of housecleaning, clues to what’s
most important in our lives, whether we’re writers or
just folks. It’s a funny, wise, poignant journey with
mops and buckets, pen and paper.” - Robert Inman,
author of Captain Saturday. Visit
Robert-Inman.com
“Leading a double life as a writer and professional house cleaner Nancy Peacock
brings new meaning to the words “soap opera.’ Her accounts of lowly battles with
dust bunnies and bathtub rings soar into wry meditations on the writing life,
the dignity of manual labor, and the poignant human stories that emerge from the
dust and detritus of other people’s houses and lives.” Henry Wiencek – author of
The Hairstons
“After reading this inspiring collection of essays, I wanted to clear out every
closet, mop every floor, and get to my desk – to write. Nancy Peacock shows it
like it is, in unadorned, powerful prose that mirrors her sturdy beliefs. Those
who hire house cleaners should read this book to learn how not to behave. And we
can all learn, in these never-preachy stories, how to live with more integrity
and less stuff.”
Carol Henderson – author of Losing Malcolm: A Mother’s Journey Through Grief
“Nancy Peacock’s book is sure to offer inspiration to talented and struggling
writers everywhere – and more than that, to anyone who has ever chased a dream
while trying to hang onto who they really are. Peacock writes with honesty and
heart, with a stylish simplicity that’s ironic and wry and right on the money.”
Frye Gaillard – author of Cradle of Freedom: Alabama and the Movement that
Changed America
“Witty, wise, and wickedly honest. A Broom of One’s Own sweeps away pretension
about the writer’s life. This is an entertaining and heartening romp through the
daily life of a successful working writer. And incidentally, it will teach you
all you’ll ever want to know about how much your housecleaner knows about you!”
Pat Schneider – author of Writing Alone and With Others
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