Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life
by Terry Brooks

Summary

In Sometimes the Magic Works, New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks shares his secrets for creating unusual, memorable fiction. Spanning topics from the importance of daydreaming to the necessity of writing an outline, from the fine art of showing instead of merely telling to creating believable characters who make readers care what happens to them, Brooks draws upon his own experiences, hard lessons learned, and delightful discoveries made in creating his best-selling series.

In addition to being a writing guide, Sometimes the Magic Works is Terry Brooks's self-portrait of the artist. "If you don't think there is magic in writing, you probably won't write anything magical," says Brooks. This book offers a rare opportunity to peer into the mind of (and learn a trick or two from) one of fantasy fiction's preeminent magicians.

Sometimes the Magic Works brims with sage advice for the beginning and expert writer alike, detailing the steps to writing from the moment the idea is conceived. Terry discusses how to become published, the importance of a query letter, and how to pick an agent or editor. Writing takes determination, passion, daily humility, personal commitment and the ability to accept defeat and try again, says Terry. Luck is important, and sometimes, the magic works.

Praise

"[A] succinct and warmhearted autobiographical meditation on the writing life." Publishers Weekly

"[Brooks's] love for the writing craft glimmers like a diamond throughout the book....[A] fitting tribute to his life's passion." BookReporter.com

"A wise, warm-hearted book - part autobiography, part how-to-do-it manual, with some amazingly candid behind-the-scenes material....Fantasy fans, novice writers, and even veteran pros will learn plenty from it." Robert Silverberg, award-winning author of the Majipoor Chronicles

"Terry Brooks is adamant about dedicating oneself to the craft, while showing awe and humility for the creative process....Every serious writer should refer to this book regularly for inspiration as well as solid crafting advice." Elizabeth Engstrom Cratty, director of the Maui Writers Retreat

About the Author

2010 Write-on-the-River keynote speaker and New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks has been a leader in the epic fantasy realm for more than three decades. Terry is the author of over twenty-six books, including over twenty New York Times best-sellers. Many of his works are set in the spell-binding world of Shannara. Terry is also acclaimed for his Landover and World and Void series. Two of Terry's novels have been included in the Rocky Mountain News' best sci-fi/fantasy novels of the twentieth century. Terry lives with his wife Judine in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii.

Visit www.shannara.com or terrybrooks.net for more info.

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