Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly

I love this book! So practical, so friendly, so helpful.

Perhaps the most honest and concise introduction to fiction writing – at least for the young adults bitten by the writing bug. With only cursory knowledge of who Gail Carson Levine was, I purchased the book on her professional contribution and was pleasantly surprised by her effective and intimate approach to writing. While somewhat patronizing to the pre-teens it is intended to, it is nevertheless a worthy read by anyone who would like to get into writing short stories.Writing Magic is writing and advice guide by fantasy author Gail Carson Levine who combines her professional and personal writing experience. Best known for her first published book, Ella Enchanted, was written after a series of published works which adds to her credibility. Across 30 chapters and little less than 200 pages, Mrs. Levine takes the reader across the world of writing (primarily for entertainment) providing simple explanations to important elements of a good story such as character building, world-building, conflict, dialogue, writer's block, etc. Accompanying each chapter is comparable writing prompts to encourage the reader to just simply write, and hopefully start on a long journey of writing for fun.Despite not being in the demographic the book was intended for, I still found it a unique challenge to keep up. While there is a perceptible childish prose to the book that may annoy more ‘serious’ readers like myself, the concise descriptions and writing prompts stood out for how deceptively simple they were to a writer like myself. Usually, I stick to professional writing like the type you are reading but once in a while I do to into forays in fictional writing, that for various reasons, goes unfinished. Now I am seriously thinking about going back - the writing prompts challenge the reader on almost every aspect of writing but going outside the comfort zone. Perhaps the greatest advice offered is the encouragement to just keep writing – expressed in response to writer’s block and the self-criticism, you just have to keep writing sometimes. I know it can be a long, difficult, and monotonous chore there is a unique satisfaction in finishing a paragraph, a page, and ultimately a book.Well, no doubt I have probably only regurgitated what most of the positive reviews have already mentioned – intended for budding tween writers, the author does well in providing a map into the world of fiction story writing that older, novice writers might do well in reviewing themselves. My review is based on the kindle version the presentation is indistinguishable on tablet, e-ink, and app presentations.

I really like this book. It was an easy read and helpful. Written for young writers, I feel it has an approachable nature that could suit a writer of any age with an open mind. The writing exercises are really good whether you’re young, old, new, or have been around a while.Ultimately, for me, there was nothing that really made this book stand out from all the other writing books out there. I definitely got something out of it, but it didn’t blow me away. Also, I felt like a lot of the book focused on coming up with ideas or fixing or developing an idea that was lacking. I guess I wanted more in terms of writing technical tips instead of creative tips. Honestly, with a book that has the word magic in the title, I may have been barking up the wrong tree.Blown away or not, worth reading. Perhaps a re-read will do me good.Recommended to writers at any level looking to practice and or hone their creative skills.

I enjoy much of Gail Carson Levine's work, and when I heard that she had written a book on how to write I was very eager to read it. Being bombarded by books that simply tell you the rules of writing (especially in high school) it was a relief to read something like this: not just a touch on story dynamics, dos, and don'ts, but inspiration, ideas and theories on how to go about writing your own story. You can know all their is to know about the rules of good writing, but at the end of the day you still have to get something out of that pen. That's where Gail comes in. She gives some accounts of her own journey of self-discovery through writing, and gives aspiring young authors tips on how to get the magic inside onto the page. With fun story starters and advice to "quiet the negative critic" inside your head, she had helped me personally to think of writing as truly being some sort of magic. This isn't a book written my a no-name unpublished person--Gail is a seasoned, experienced author who's published works have won medals and made movies. I am always looking for another writer's take on how they get the words down, and I highly recommend this book for anyone who has felt like they have all the verbs, adjectives, and nouns, but no story. Be warned though...this book is not for people who are afraid to work a little at writing. However, I would only recommend this book from ages 12 and up, or to those who have already learned past the basics of grammar and are ready for meatier things.

As a grown and happily married woman who is blessed to juggle my writing interests with a prosperous career I’m rationally and intuitively aware that I am outside the target audience for this kindlebook. However, I am in the process of using writing as a tool to cross train myself skillwise and sharpen my creativity and I fortunately came away with some ideas for doing both because of some of the following in this kindlebook; A Running Start with one of the fun writing prompts It was a witchy house, why it is helpful to save what you write for up to 15 years ideally if possible regardless of how you feel about the writing creation, why she wrote this kindlebook, other writing prompts such as an idea to write a fictional book about Jane Austen, a getting into it chapter and an example given through a story about a baker, some more creative writing prompts such as imagining a magical drink, imagining a hearing aid that allows the wearer to hear anything on earth no matter how distant, and much more.

Full of great activities to inspire you to start writing.

Written for children, but not so bad for the grownups. Easy reminders of important topics. Good writting exercises to get started.

Slow delivery, book ok albeit quite brief

fantastic.

It's just great.