Date of Birth: May 25, 1935
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: September 16, 2016
Biography
William Patrick Kinsella, widely recognized as W. P. Kinsella, was a Canadian novelist and short story writer best known for his works centered around baseball, particularly his novel “Shoeless Joe,” which was adapted into the famous film “Field of Dreams.” Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Kinsella’s writing often reflected his love for the sport, blending elements of magic realism and heartfelt narratives. His career was marked by a prolific output of novels and short stories that explored themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition. Kinsella earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Victoria and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. His writing career began in earnest in the late 1970s, and he published numerous works over the following decades, including “The Iowa Baseball Confederacy” and “Box Socials.” Kinsella’s unique narrative style and his ability to weave intricate, emotional tales garnered him a dedicated readership and critical acclaim.
5 Interesting Facts about W. P. Kinsella
1. W. P. Kinsella’s novel “Shoeless Joe” was the basis for the 1989 film “Field of Dreams,” starring Kevin Costner.
2. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1994 for his contributions to literature.
3. Kinsella was also an avid poker player and participated in various tournaments.
4. Despite being a prominent figure in baseball literature, Kinsella did not play the sport himself.
5. Kinsella’s writing often featured indigenous characters and themes, though his depiction of these subjects has been a point of contention.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from W. P. Kinsella
1. “If you build it, he will come.”
2. “Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.”
3. “The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the smell of freshly cut grass—baseball is more than a game; it’s a state of mind.”
4. “Writers write not because they want to, but because they have to.”
5. “Every writer has to find their own voice, and once they do, they need to stay true to it.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, W. P. Kinsella’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
W. P. Kinsella had two daughters, Erin Kinsella and Shannon Kinsella.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: W. P. Kinsella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._P._Kinsella
3. [IMDb: W. P. Kinsella](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0455902/
4. [Order of Canada: W. P. Kinsella](https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-4101
5. [Obituary: The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/books/wp-kinsella-dead.html
