WRITING MAGIC: Creating Stories that Fly
by Gail Carson Levine
HarperCollins
ISBN-10: 0060519606
ISBN-13: 9780060519605
Ages 10-up
176 pages

If you like to write or want to like your writing better, then get your hands on a copy of Gail Carson Levine's WRITING MAGIC. Levine manages to dispel worries by leading the fretful writer down an enjoyable path to exploration and creativity. Well-organized and imaginative, the book is loaded with thoughtful moments about what it takes to write fiction and how aspiring writers can bolster their efforts toward publication.

The style and tone of the book are clear and concise, though even adults can appreciate the no-frills arrangements and insights. Brief but information-packed, each chapter explains the components of good fiction, then provides readers with fun and brain-boosting ideas for writing exercises. From start to finish, Levine artfully paints a portrait of a successful fiction writer. Readers will find interesting, thought-provoking words of wisdom aimed at helping them become more satisfied with their attempts at writing fiction.

WRITING MAGIC is full of encouragement as well. The book evolved out of Levine's writing workshops for children. She also draws from her experiences with adult writing critique groups and her writing partner with whom she trades work for comments and constructive criticism. The chapter on writers' groups includes tips for both giving and receiving comments about someone's writing. There is a right way and a wrong way to help a work in progress without destroying the writer's ego, and Levine is very clear about the boundaries of critique.

"Writing is a skill, and the more we do it, the better we get at it. I expect to be learning to write till I die. There's always more to learn, and that may be the best thing about being a writer," says Levine. Another great thing about this profession is how generous some writers like Levine are with their ideas, methods and encouragement. Authors sharing their experiences is a win-win-win for the writer, the publisher and the reader. It makes for good writing and good reading, and creates good books like WRITING MAGIC.

   --- Reviewed by Joy Held

Click here now to buy this book from Amazon.com.