Writer to Writer

September 29, 2014
“Have fun, and save what you write!” Those words close out nearly every chapter of this valuable writing guide, a companion to Levine’s Writing Magic (2006), and they form the heart of the author’s advice. Levine describes this book as the “greatest hits” of her blog, where she has discussed the craft of writing since 2009 (and where the exclamatory advice above closes out her posts). Chapters explore finding inspiration (and time to write), character- and plot-building, and writing poetry, among other topics. (Walking readers through the publication process, Levine notes, “We writers rely on the eagle eyes of copy editors! However, I still try to get the nitty-gritty right myself, and so should you.”) Questions from visitors to Levine’s blog are used as springboards, and Levine is generous in sharing her struggles, tactics, and experience. Ages 8–up. Agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown.

Starred review from November 1, 2014

Gr 5-8-In this follow-up book to Writing Magic Creating Stories That Fly (HarperCollins, 2006), fantasy author Levine doles out realistic and helpful guidance to aspiring authors. This title is an extension of her blog, and Levine provides her audience with the common nuts and bolts of the profession, offering this advice: writers write, they keep writing, and they save everything they write to use again. Levine's tone is conversational and upbeat and her suggestions easy to follow, tinged with an underlying sense of encouragement that will bolster readers. She discusses common difficulties, warning young people not to get hung up on minutiae and letting them know that confronting challenges is a surmountable part of the craft. The chapters are based on questions that have been posted to her blog and address how to develop characters and backstory, come up with plot twists and flashbacks, and create mystery and tension. Each chapter ends with appealing and doable exercises. Levine urges her audience to cast away self-criticism and to write and rewrite, underscoring that this is an enjoyable, important process. An engaging and valuable addition.-Patricia Feriano, Montgomery County Public Schools, MD

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