Levine’s book for young writers ages 8 and up includes instruction on novel writing, poetry, blogging, and publishing. Narrator Heather Henderson does a superb job of capturing the enthusiasm of the text—a job made easier by Levine's conversational tone. Henderson’s pacing allows listeners to absorb the author's pointers on creating memorable characters, creatures, and worlds. However, the audio version may be more inspirational than practical as frequent prompts for the listener to stop and write make this a poor choice for listeners on the go. Nonetheless, the combination of Levine's engaging writing and Henderson's pitch-perfect narration ensures that even a listener in transit will glean useful tips and the inspiration to continue the writer's quest. L.T. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

09/29/2014
“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. (Dec.)

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. — School Library Journal (starred review)

“The snippets themselves are marvelously diverse, opening the possibilities for writing in a multitude of genres. By the end of the book, if a reader has faithfully followed her instruction, he or she will be well on the way to becoming a writer.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Praise for Writing Magic — :

“What comes through on every page is Levine’s passion for craft. Aspiring writers of all ages can dip in and out of this book, which has the clarity and sparseness of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird.” — Publishers Weekly

“Levine is a friendly mentor in these pages.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“A veritable treasure trove of advice and guidance for writers across a range of ages.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A well-meaning and friendly resource that may well save young writers much time and distress and, perhaps, lead to success in getting published. — Kirkus Reviews

“Have fun, and save what you write!” Those words close out nearly every chapter of this valuable writing guide... Questions from visitors to Levine’s blog are used as springboards, and Levine is generous in sharing her struggles, tactics, and experience. — Publishers Weekly

Levine is a friendly mentor in these pages.

The snippets themselves are marvelously diverse, opening the possibilities for writing in a multitude of genres. By the end of the book, if a reader has faithfully followed her instruction, he or she will be well on the way to becoming a writer.

The snippets themselves are marvelously diverse, opening the possibilities for writing in a multitude of genres. By the end of the book, if a reader has faithfully followed her instruction, he or she will be well on the way to becoming a writer.

A veritable treasure trove of advice and guidance for writers across a range of ages.

A well-meaning and friendly resource that may well save young writers much time and distress and, perhaps, lead to success in getting published.

Levine’s book for young writers ages 8 and up includes instruction on novel writing, poetry, blogging, and publishing. Narrator Heather Henderson does a superb job of capturing the enthusiasm of the text—a job made easier by Levine's conversational tone. Henderson’s pacing allows listeners to absorb the author's pointers on creating memorable characters, creatures, and worlds. However, the audio version may be more inspirational than practical as frequent prompts for the listener to stop and write make this a poor choice for listeners on the go. Nonetheless, the combination of Levine's engaging writing and Henderson's pitch-perfect narration ensures that even a listener in transit will glean useful tips and the inspiration to continue the writer's quest. L.T. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

2014-10-01
A best-selling children's author offers a comprehensive guide for aspirants. In 2009, Levine started a blog about writing, short essays that became a writers' advice column, and this volume presents the blog's "greatest hits." Character building and "hatching the plot" are clearly what young writers get stuck on most often and thus receive substantial treatment here. Other issues, such as theme, "mid-story crisis," back story, flashback, foreshadowing and mystery are also covered. There's a seriousness about the craft that's refreshing; Levine is determined to help young writers get the underpinnings right—verb tense, using a thesaurus (or "word grazing," as she calls it), clarity and grammar. She urges readers to take to heart her advice about usage, writing, "here's a command about grammar and spelling: Get it right. An editor won't give the newbie writer any latitude on this." Most chapters end with the friendly reminder to "[h]ave fun, and save what you write!" The volume has a pleasing circularity, beginning with the author's discussion of her own blog and closing with advice on writing blogs, since a well-written blog offers what Levine's became, a means of mutual support for writers. A well-meaning and friendly resource that may well save young writers much time and distress and, perhaps, lead to success in getting published. (Nonfiction. 11 & up)