Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Carson Levine Summary

1. Gail Carson Levine teaches young writers to save everything they write.
2. Writing Magic emphasizes that the word "said" magically disappears in dialogue.
3. Levine advises writers to both show and tell strategically.
4. The book contains thirty chapters with hands-on writing exercises throughout.
5. Writing Magic helps writers develop memorable characters through suffering and conflict.
6. Levine encourages noticing small details that bring stories to life.
7. The Writer's Oath in Writing Magic inspires commitment to the craft.
8. Writing Magic teaches how to handle helpful criticism from writing groups.
9. Levine shows writers how to find their unique, authentic voice.
10. Writing Magic combines practical advice with a positive, encouraging writing philosophy.
11. The book guides writers from idea generation through revision to publication.
12. Levine demonstrates that great beginnings and endings require careful craft.

About the Author

Gail Carson Levine is the author of Writing Magic and a Newbery Honor-winning writer renowned for her expertise in fantasy literature and young adult fiction. Born on September 17, 1947, in New York City, Levine began writing seriously in 1987 after spending 27 years working for the New York state government.

Writing Magic is her practical how-to guide for aspiring young writers, offering insights from her own journey that included nine years of manuscript rejections before her breakthrough.

Her debut novel, Ella Enchanted (1997), earned a Newbery Honor in 1998 and was adapted into a major motion picture in 2004. Levine has since authored numerous beloved works including The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Fairest, Dave at Night, and the Princess Tales series. She also wrote Writer to Writer, a companion guide for young storytellers. Her books masterfully blend fairy tale retellings with original fantasy, establishing her as a trusted authority in children's and young adult literature.

FAQs About This Book

What is Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine about?

Writing Magic is a comprehensive writing guide where Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine shares practical techniques for crafting compelling stories. The book teaches writers how to generate story ideas, create memorable characters, write sparkling dialogue, develop strong beginnings and endings, and overcome writer's block. With humor and wisdom, Levine provides writing exercises designed to ignite imagination and help writers of all ages develop their craft.

Who should read Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine?

Writing Magic is ideal for aspiring writers of all ages, from upper elementary and middle school students to adults seeking writing fundamentals. While geared toward young adults, the book serves as a perfect helper for anyone who has ever wanted to write a book, whether beginners learning the craft or experienced writers needing a refresher course in fiction basics. The accessible voice makes complex concepts approachable for younger readers without being condescending.

Is Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine worth reading?

Writing Magic is highly worth reading for anyone serious about improving their storytelling craft. Reviewers praise its clarity, upbeat voice, and practical exercises that get creative juices flowing. Publishers Weekly compares it favorably to Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, noting Levine's passion for craft shines through every page. The book provides a veritable treasure trove of advice and guidance, with nothing else quite like it available for young writers.

Who is Gail Carson Levine and why is she qualified to teach writing?

Gail Carson Levine is a Newbery Honor author best known for her bestselling novel Ella Enchanted. As a fairy-tale master, she has written numerous acclaimed books including The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Fairest, and Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book. Her proven success in children's literature and deep understanding of storytelling craft make her uniquely qualified to teach aspiring writers how to create stories that captivate readers.

What writing techniques does Writing Magic teach?

Writing Magic teaches essential storytelling techniques including generating terrific story ideas, inventing compelling beginnings and endings, writing sparkling dialogue, and developing memorable characters. Levine covers the importance of details and how to choose effective ones, creating vivid settings, finding the right voice, and mastering the revision process. She also provides guidance on handling criticism constructively and overcoming creative blocks when feeling stuck.

What are the five main sections of Writing Magic?

Writing Magic is organized into five comprehensive sections covering the complete writing process. Section one, "Liftoff," includes chapters on getting started, generating ideas, and developing observation skills. Section two, "Heart and Guts," covers crucial elements like character development, dialogue, settings, voice, and endings. The remaining sections guide writers through revision, writing for themselves, and the path to getting published.

Does Writing Magic include practical writing exercises?

Writing Magic includes numerous writing exercises at the end of each chapter designed to set your imagination on fire. Each chapter explains concepts with examples, then provides specific exercises for readers to practice the techniques. For instance, the dialogue chapter asks readers to choose from four situations and write the conversation, always ending with Levine's encouraging reminder: "Have fun! Save what you wrote".

How does Writing Magic help writers overcome creative blocks?

Writing Magic provides specific advice about what to do when feeling stuck during the creative process. Levine emphasizes the importance of saving everything you write, noting that even accomplished children's book writers cannot easily return to their child self without documentation. She teaches techniques for maintaining creative flow and offers exercises that help writers push through obstacles by engaging imagination in fresh ways.

What makes Writing Magic different from other writing guides?

Writing Magic stands out through its accessible, upbeat voice that never condescends to younger readers while remaining valuable for adults. Levine challenges conventional writing wisdom with pithy insights, such as explaining why "said" is a magical word that disappears, and demonstrating when to show versus tell. The book provides a lively, compact guide covering the entire writing sequence with clear examples—filling a unique gap in writing instruction for children.

What do reviewers say about Writing Magic's strengths?

Reviewers consistently praise Writing Magic for its clarity, passion, and practical approach. Harold Underdown calls it "a great introduction to writing for children" with nothing else like it available. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books describes it as "a veritable treasure trove of advice and guidance". Publishers Weekly highlights the book's clarity and sparseness comparable to Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, noting Levine's infectious passion for craft.

How does Writing Magic compare to Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott?

Writing Magic shares similarities with Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird in its clarity, sparseness, and passion for the writing craft. However, Writing Magic specifically targets younger writers with age-appropriate examples and an upbeat, encouraging voice designed for upper elementary and middle school students. While Bird by Bird speaks primarily to adult writers with mature humor, Writing Magic makes sophisticated writing concepts accessible to children without condescension, filling a unique niche in writing instruction.

Is Writing Magic only for fiction writers?

Writing Magic primarily focuses on fiction writing, teaching storytelling fundamentals like character development, dialogue, plot structure, and creating vivid settings. The book draws heavily on Levine's experience as a fairy-tale author and uses examples from children's literature like Patricia Reilly Giff's Lily's Crossing. However, many core techniques—generating ideas, observation skills, finding your voice, and revision strategies—apply broadly to various writing forms beyond fiction.