Tips for Writers from Gail Carson Levine

Believe it or not, Gail Carson Levine, author of beloved book club favorite Ella Enchanted, didn't spend her entire life writing. Though she loved writing as a kid, a single comment from a teacher discouraged her from writing for 25 years.


He called her writing, "pedestrian." Commonplace. Not special.


Luckily for us, Levine picked up her pen again, and has given the world not only Ella (a variation on the fairy tale "Cinderella), but a collection of creative, magical stories that captivate the imagination, including The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Fairest , and Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg. At a talk at the Rockland Library on Saturday, October 3rd, Levine talked about her newest books and offered her advice for young writers.


When she began writing again, Levine said she had to learn to ignore that negative voice in her head that said she couldn't or shouldn't try. She hoped that her newest book, Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly , might inspire young writers to do the same and believe in their creativity. The book offers writing tips, tricks and fascinating story prompts, like this one:


Use one of the situations below (or come up with one of your own) to create a scene full of description and details:

• Your character is on a boat at sea.
• Your character is in the middle of a crowded city.
• Your character is exploring an enchanted forest.

Have the confidence to try, says Levine, and always, always save your work. As crazy as it sounds now, it's easy for adults to forget what it was like to be a kid, Levine says, and your writing (or your art, or even the notes you and your friends pass) gives you a window to your past. 

Finally, don't let criticism get you down. Levine read from a rejection letter in which an editor told her her work wasn't captivating. I bet anyone who's read Ella would disagree! Even famous writers like Gail Carson Levine have had negative comments, but she persevered, and you can, too.  

Levine was kind enough to autograph a book for us, and inside, she offered one last piece of advice: "Don't be too obedient!" (Pick up Ella Enchanted and you'll understand this joke!)

More fun: 

Check out Levine's blog for more of her thoughts on writing. 

Ella Enchanted was made into a movie starring Anne Hathaway!

This site , dedicated to fairy tales, has an excellent description of Levine's books.