Title: Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life Author: Terry Brooks type of book: Biography call number: BIO/ Bro

This book is strong in story.

Summary:
Using his real life experiences on writing as an outline for the book, Brooks provides personal and practical advice for those wishing to write long fiction or who just want to read about how authors create. He discusses his relationship with Lester Del Rey, his inspiration from Tolkien's works, and says that "If I don't write, I become restless and ill-tempered" and "If you don't think there is magic in writing, you probably won't write anything magical."

I would recommend this book!

Why?
Brooks stresses the importance of outlining because it serves as a guide over a long period of time and makes it possible to write one draft and one revision, with all the hard work at the beginning, i.e. outlining and thinking and not getting sloppy endings. He emphasizes the showing action not telling description rule. Finally, he says that writers must draw upon experiences that tell of the human condition because all stories, even fantasy ones, are only great if they speak of the human condition.