'Not a real safe occupation'

 

“Ifa big person invests time in reading, kids learn reading is important, thechild is important, words are important, stories are important.”– Gail Carson Levine

Born in New York City on Sept. 17, 1947 Levine is the author of the Newbery Award winning book, EllaEnchanted, and the wonderful semi-biographical novel Dave at Night, based loosely on her father’s “growing-up years” inan orphanage.
Although she grew up an avidreader, she didn’t have writing on her radar until later in life, wanting to bean artist or actress.  In her late 40s she finally gave it a try, starting with Ella, although it took 9 years of doingmanuscripts before she got that one accepted.         After it won the Newbery and was made into a successful movie, it gaveLevine the financial independence to focus on more, many based on fairy tales with a modern twist.  Her latest - her 26th - is Sparrows in the Wind.
“As a child, I loved fairy talesbecause the story, the what-comes-next, is paramount. As an adult, I'mfascinated by their logic and illogic,” Levine said.  As for why she didn’t get into writingsooner, she said (with tongue firmly in cheek), “Most of the authors I likedwere dead, so it didn't seem like a real safe occupation.”