Gail Carson Levine's Blog, page 14
March 13, 2019
Opening the Past
Beth Schmelzer and I had a back-and-forth on this one. On December 22, 2018, she wrote, I am very interested in Ms Levine’s newest WIP.
I am writing (and re-writing) a historical fiction story which takes place in Indiana in 1959 and 1960. My main character is unhappy to find out her parents and grandmother have been keeping a “Family Secret” from her. The mystery involves her deceased grandfather. Any adult reading the book will guess the secret early, but readers in middle grade will not re...
February 27, 2019
The Rewrite
On December 30, 2018, Kyryiann wrote, So, editing. This last November I finished a first draft for the first time. Any tips on the whole editing process?
A few of you had suggestions.
The NEWLY REPRESENTED Melissa Mead: I usually let it sit for a bit, so I can re-read with fresh eyes to spot errors and make sure that everything makes sense.
Christie V Powell: I like to make a list of all of the scenes, describing them in just a few words, then organizing those descriptions into chapters. It h...
February 13, 2019
Plotting Plot
On November 25, 2018, Superb
Girl wrote, I have a problem–a big one.
This isn’t for any WIP in particular, but my writing in general. I have total confidence in the my world-building, and I quite love my characters–but for the life of me, plot is something I just can’t tackle.
Many of you chimed in.
Melissa Mead: I approach plot with great trepidation and trembling. Which is probably why I write sooo slowly.
I’ve been checking out the Snowflake Method recently. (Note: I haven’t actually BOUGHT...
January 30, 2019
On-the-Nose Prose
Just letting you know: The snow date for my talk in Brewster, NY, is this coming Sunday, February 3rd, and it looks like the weather is planning to cooperate. Details are here on the website.
On December 7, 2018, Bethany wrote, I suffer with being too on-the-nose. I feel like I just say they ‘walked’ or whatever without using any nicer words to make good prose.
Which reminds me, any tips for good prose?
I wrote back, Can you say more about what you’re looking for in terms of tips and good pro...
January 16, 2019
Nobody’s Perfect
First a reminder of two events: tomorrow (Thursday, January 17th) at the New York Society Library in New York City, and Sunday (January 20th) at The Studio Around the Corner here in Brewster, New York–although that one may have to wait for the snow date on February 3rd. For details, click on In Person here on the website. If anyone can make it, I’d love to see you!
On November 16, 2018, Emma wrote, I’m an aspiring 13-year-old writer and really appreciate your blog! I was wondering if you had...
January 2, 2019
Recognizing Your Style–and Everybody Else’s
Happy new year! Thanks to all of you, who make this blog a writer’s haven!
For any who will be in the New York City area on January 17th, I’ll be giving a writing workshop and talk at the New York Society Library. Details are on the In-Person page here on the website.
Thanks to everyone who suggested titles for my expulsion book! I’m putting together a list of possibilities for my editor, and I’ll let you know what happens. If her answer turns out to be None of the Above, as I fear, I’ll come...
December 19, 2018
The Derring in the Do
Thanks for all the title help with my forthcoming novels about the expulsion of the Jews from Spain! I’m putting together a list of possibilities for my editor, and I’ll let you know the result, but it’s not too late. If title inspiration strikes, please let me know.
On October 10, 2018, SuperbGirl wrote, I have an idea for a story that has multiple themes: story-within-a-story; fish out of water; contemporary magic, etc. Something that is extremely important to the story is the sort of swash...
December 5, 2018
The Balancing Act
Congratulations to all you NaNoWriMo winners! I’d love to hear about what you accomplished. Please post.
And I need title help, so I’m coming once again to you guys, who have saved me in the past. April, please take note. This time it’s for my book about the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. I don’t want to give much away, but I have to tell you a little. Cima is a girl in a family of wealthy Jews. Her grandfather, Joseph Corcia, is a philosopher, financier, and courtier to the monarc...
November 21, 2018
Wimp or Not a Wimp
To you brave NaNoWriMo-ers, I’m thinking of you and wishing you well!
On September 8, 2018, Writeforfun wrote, I have a character with a sort of condition/curse that causes him a lot of pain and discomfort at certain times. I have no trouble describing it because I got the flu recently (the kind where you ache so badly and you’re so weak that you can’t walk across the room), so I can envision exactly how he feels.
My problem is, I’m worried that I’m making him seem whiny or wimpy when I write...
November 7, 2018
Stalled in Love
A reminder for those of you in my neck of the woods: I will be at the Ridgefield Public Library in Ridgefield, Connecticut, on Saturday, November 10th at 2:00 pm–even though elsewhere on the website it said 1:00 pm until yesterday. Oops! I would love to meet any of you who can come!
To all those on the first leg to NaNoWriMo, hang onto your hats, and all the best!
On August 31, 2018, newtothis set off quite a discussion with her question: So, guys, what are your thoughts on love triangles?
Ch...
