Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly

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Eden, January 6, 2011 (view all comments by Eden)
I. Love. This. Book.

Writing Magic is not the type of book on writing that tells you how to write. It is more a book of writing prompts and exercises. Mrs. Levine doesn't tell you how to write, she just gives you advice and examples of things like writing in the third person, or writing details in your stories.
One of my favorite chapters is Writers' Groups and Other Helpers. It is about being involved in writers groups, or just letting others see your writing. As a writer I know how it is to let others see your writing. You worry if they will like it, you worry what people will say, etc. There is nothing wrong with helpful criticism, but there are times when a lot of criticism is not helpful and just plain mean. I've experienced that myself. What she says on how to deal with them not so helpful helpers is great advice.

The book also talks about finding your own voice in writing and gives you prompts to help you. I've started writing a story with one of the prompts in the book and it is fun and great practice. There are many different prompts and writing exercises to pick from.

But, you don't have to do the prompts or exercises. It is just a great book to read about writing. The way Mrs. Levine writes about writing, about connecting with your story, characters, details and just believing in yourself, is quite positive and inspiring. I think a lot of discouraged writers could use this book to give them some hope. Writers need positive and inspiring books like this because so many other books, web sites, people, often discourage writers and tell them they have hardly a chance of making it. This is definitely not one of those books. And I also like The Writer's Oath in the first chapter of the book.

I've been writing for a long time and probably didn't need to read this, but I am glad I did. I feel that I've taken a lot from reading it. I highly, highly recommend this book for writers or those who want to start writing.

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lovewriter, October 24, 2009 (view all comments by lovewriter)
I wish this book had been around when I was a kid! This is perfect for any student wanting to learn how to write better and have fun at the same time.

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gardeninmypocket, November 20, 2008 (view all comments by gardeninmypocket)
As an aspiring writer I found this book to be so much more helpful than any other writing book out there, for me at least. I know that this was aimed towards more the young adult populace but I found it to be very encouraging and helpful. She gently yet firmly helps you how to become a writer, giving out tips and ideas, encouraging you to write "junk" (random words or sentences) if you ever got stuck. Step by step she helps you write out and flesh out your ideas, to not feel disheartened by criticism but using it to your advantage. Reading this book helped me to let go of my writers block and now because of it I feel like I can write forever!

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Product Details

ISBN:

9780060519605

Author:

Levine, Gail Carson

Publisher:

HarperCollins Publishers

Author:

by Gail Carson Levine

Subject:

Fiction

Subject:

Authorship

Subject:

Composition & Creative Writing - Fiction

Subject:

Language Arts - Composition & Creative Writing

Subject:

Children s 9-12 - language Arts

Subject:

Children s All Ages - Language Arts

Subject:

Fiction -- Authorship.

Subject:

General-General

Copyright:

2006

Edition Description:

Paperback

Publication Date:

20060931

Binding:

TRADE PAPER

Grade Level:

from 5

Language:

English

Pages:

176

Dimensions:

7.54x5.30x.39 in. .27 lbs.

Age Level:

10-14