Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink

“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.)