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Title: Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life by Terry Brooks, Betsy Mitchell ISBN: 0345458281 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 04 March, 2003 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.86
Rating: 5
Summary: Lots of gems inside
Comment: My favorite is what he says about outlining. He mentions talking with several well-known authors who work without outlines. But, he points out, they do several revisions whereas he does one draft and one revision and he's done. And he uses an outline. And he sums it up by saying you can either do all the hard work up front (outlining) or at the end (revision).
He also provides a lot of insight into the reality of the often-perceived "glamorous" situation of being a novelist in Hollywood, and the differences between two novelization projects he did.
Like Stephen King's "On Writing," it's part autobiography and part writing book. I'd recommend both since the two authors have different but equally enlightening styles.
Rating: 5
Summary: This book has turned me into a Terry Brooks fan!
Comment: SOMETIMES THE MAGIC WORKS is Terry Brooks's personal tribute to the writing life. I have had no prior interest in the fantasy genre, but I am now a Brooks fan and will comb the stacks for his bestselling titles. His love for the writing craft glimmers like a diamond throughout the book.
In the early chapters, he pictures the writer as observer, at times detached from the reality of mundane experience. He surmises that an author gathers smoke when appearing to "not be all there" and that smoke contains the meat of his creative imaginings, out of which comes perspective and a viewpoint. He contends that all writers must step outside the real world to be successful.
Each chapter in SOMETIMES THE MAGIC WORKS is prefaced by a quotation from Brooks that summarizes its content. Early in the book, he reveals his experience with first publication. "Luck with a capital "I" plays a large part in his success story and confirms his belief that "sometimes the magic really works." It is here where he talks about the couple who first believed in his work, editors Lester and Judy-Lynn del Rey. References are made to them throughout the remainder of his story.
"It's Not About You" is a section devoted to Brooks's first experience at a book signing. It is humorous and witty, a philosophical statement about the author's role in the event. He emphasizes that the reading public has the option to buy or not to buy. The writer's ego need not interfere when would-be buyers chat, then walk away without a purchase. Publicity tours are, in his opinion, necessary and the opportunity to thank the reading public.
Several chapters deal with Brooks's first experience with screenwriting, a bitter pill in the memory bank. Relegated to the post of distant observer, he was denied active participation in the filming process. For many years he refused to entertain a repeat.
The meat of SOMETIMES THE MAGIC WORKS lies in the pages offering the writer real ideas, an aid in finding his own magic. Brooks states that, for him, outlining is a must. He spends considerable time in justifying the method. He confirmed my preconceived notion that the outline is a worthwhile tool. The simple formula he gives for success is "Read, Read, Read. Outline, Outline, Outline. Write, Write, Write. Repeat." The formula allows him to do one draft and one rewrite before the work is done.
The outline point made, he continues advice with his ten rules for writing in subsequent pages. Each idea, from "Write What You Know" to "Don't Bore The Reader," is fully developed, with examples from Brooks's own writing. He uses an impromptu writing exercise to illustrate each point, a glimpse into his vast imagination.
Following the rules section, the author explains that a day with his small grandson, Hunter, taught him volumes about the writing life, or rather what it should be as an observer of real life. For him, the writer must live outside the moment to make progress on his journey to success. To write fiction, one must have determination, instinct and passion.
Brooks sums up the words behind his title in his final statement, "Writing. Is life. Breathe deeply of it." SOMETIMES THE MAGIC WORKS is a fitting tribute to his life's passion.
--- Reviewed by Judy Gigstad
Rating: 4
Summary: Very insighful and well written
Comment: Brooks was one of the first fantasy authors I read way back in the early 80's, and I have to credit him with kindling my interest in the genre through his "Shannara" series as well as the "Magic Kingdom For Sale" books. "Sometimes the Magic Works" is both insightful and introspective, with plenty of inside personal information on why and how Brooks got his start in writing. You have to admire his "luck" (his words, not mine!), and I think this book is a good addition to any budding writers out there or any who just wish to learn more about the man behind the books.
I could have done without the chapters (2 of them, I believe) which had to do with Brooks' grandson, though I suppose they have something to do with the author's own perception on life.
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Title: Morgawr (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 3) by Terry Brooks ISBN: 0345435729 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 27 August, 2002 List Price(USD): $27.95 |
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Title: The Writers Complete Fantasy Reference by Writer's Digest Books, Writer's Digest, Terry Brooks ISBN: 1582970262 Publisher: Writers Digest Books Pub. Date: November, 2000 List Price(USD): $14.99 |
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Title: The Sword of Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks ISBN: 0345453751 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 27 August, 2002 List Price(USD): $35.00 |
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Title: The Briar King (Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 1) by J. Gregory Keyes ISBN: 0345440668 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 21 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Antrax (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 2) by Terry Brooks ISBN: 0345397673 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 27 August, 2002 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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