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The Wand In The Word: Conversations With Writers Of Fantasy
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Thirteen noted fantasy authors talk about their pivotal life experiences, their literary influences and work routines, and their beliefs about the place of fantasy in literature and in the lives of readers.
208 pages, Library Binding
First published February 14, 2006
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520 people want to read
About the author
Leonard S. Marcus
72 books69 followersLeonard S. Marcus is one of the world's leading writers about children's books and their illustrations. His many books include The Wand in the Word: Conversations with Writers of Fantasy; Funny Business: Conversations with Writers of Comedy; Dear Genius; and others. His essays, interviews, and reviews appear in the New York Times Book Review, among other publications. Leonard S. Marcus lives in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 29, 2024
This is not the type of book that I like to read all in one sitting or even in just two or three sittings. I enjoyed reading just a few pages at a time, often reading just the section for one author and then looking at my “read” list by that author and sometimes adding a book or two to my TBR list. I also kept track of favorite quotes about reading, writing, and fantasy as I read.
This is a very interesting set of interviews if you are interested in fantasy, have read books written by these authors, want to learn about the lives of these authors, or want to learn about writing. Turns out I had read at least one book by each of these authors, and many books by several of them. Quite a few of them I count among my favorite authors. Leonard Marcus chose some fabulous authors to interview.
Quotes I marked:
Fantasy is a good way to show the world as it is. Fantasy can show us the truth about human relationships and moral dilemmas because it works on our emotions on a deeper, symbolic level than realistic fiction. It has the same emotional power as a dream. – Lloyd Alexander
I love it that as a writer you work with the poetry and music of words. Words are as wild as rocky peaks. They’re as smooth as a millpond and as sunny as a day in a meadow. Words are beautiful things. Every word matters. – Brian Jacques
In her Newbery Medal acceptance speech, L’Engle said that one of fantasy’s great appeals for her is that it is written in “the only language in the world that cuts across all barriers of time, place, race, and culture.” Then she spoke about her passion for stargazing, described her favorite stargazing rock, and, quoting British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle, concluded, “A book, too, can be a star, ‘explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly.’” – Leonard Marcus about Madeleine L’Engle
The best fantasy, Nix believes, lets us escape to “someplace else” while at the same time putting us in closer touch with “all sorts of human experiences . . . life, death, love, and tragedy. It’s the best of both worlds.” – Leonard Marcus about Garth Nix
I tell schoolchildren: You know those things that you feel you have to know everything possible about – crocheting or dressage or ballet – and you go after it hammer and tongs for six or eight months and then get interested in something else and you go after it? And your parents say you have no follow-through? Actually, you’re laying the base for your creativity. That obsession may not seem important now, but you’ll be able to draw on it later. – Tamora Pierce
Fantasy is like an exercise bicycle for the mind. It might not actually take you anywhere, but it does exercise the muscles that will. – Terry Pratchett
Memory and story are related. When I write down something that happened to me, I am apt to change what happened to make a better story of it. Story revises memory to get at the truth. I’ve always loved the paradox that in storytelling you have to lie in order to tell the truth. – Jane Yolen
This is a very interesting set of interviews if you are interested in fantasy, have read books written by these authors, want to learn about the lives of these authors, or want to learn about writing. Turns out I had read at least one book by each of these authors, and many books by several of them. Quite a few of them I count among my favorite authors. Leonard Marcus chose some fabulous authors to interview.
Quotes I marked:
Fantasy is a good way to show the world as it is. Fantasy can show us the truth about human relationships and moral dilemmas because it works on our emotions on a deeper, symbolic level than realistic fiction. It has the same emotional power as a dream. – Lloyd Alexander
I love it that as a writer you work with the poetry and music of words. Words are as wild as rocky peaks. They’re as smooth as a millpond and as sunny as a day in a meadow. Words are beautiful things. Every word matters. – Brian Jacques
In her Newbery Medal acceptance speech, L’Engle said that one of fantasy’s great appeals for her is that it is written in “the only language in the world that cuts across all barriers of time, place, race, and culture.” Then she spoke about her passion for stargazing, described her favorite stargazing rock, and, quoting British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle, concluded, “A book, too, can be a star, ‘explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly.’” – Leonard Marcus about Madeleine L’Engle
The best fantasy, Nix believes, lets us escape to “someplace else” while at the same time putting us in closer touch with “all sorts of human experiences . . . life, death, love, and tragedy. It’s the best of both worlds.” – Leonard Marcus about Garth Nix
I tell schoolchildren: You know those things that you feel you have to know everything possible about – crocheting or dressage or ballet – and you go after it hammer and tongs for six or eight months and then get interested in something else and you go after it? And your parents say you have no follow-through? Actually, you’re laying the base for your creativity. That obsession may not seem important now, but you’ll be able to draw on it later. – Tamora Pierce
Fantasy is like an exercise bicycle for the mind. It might not actually take you anywhere, but it does exercise the muscles that will. – Terry Pratchett
Memory and story are related. When I write down something that happened to me, I am apt to change what happened to make a better story of it. Story revises memory to get at the truth. I’ve always loved the paradox that in storytelling you have to lie in order to tell the truth. – Jane Yolen
June 2, 2014
A series of interviews with thirteen of the 'big names' of fantasy. Mainly children's fantasy. Marcus starts each interview with 'What were you like as a child?' then tailors his next question, depending on the answer.
I particularly liked the quote from Ursula Le Guin's The Tombs of Atuan. 'Knowing names,' said Sparrowhawk, 'is my job. My art. To weave the magic of a thing, you see, one must first find its true name out.'
And Marcus' question: Are there ways in which writers of fantasy can get at the true names more readily than can writer of 'realistic' stories?
Answer: Well, it's far more direct for the fantasist. A Chekhov has to go through all the 'thick description' of the real world, which the clarity of the true name can scarcely pierce through, in gleams and glimpses only...and cannot be directly spoken. The fantasist can fly straight to the light... As a sort of do-it-yourself Taoist, I have to add that the name that can be spoken isn't the true name.
And Philip Pullman's remark about his teacher reading Milton's poetry: ...the sound of Milton's poetry when read aloud, and then tasted> afterwards in your own mouth, was enormously powerful. From that experience, I learned that things can affect us before we understand them, and at a deeper level than we can actually reach with our understanding. I also learned that you respond physically> to poetry. Your hair stands on end. Your skin bristles. Your heart goes faster.
I particularly liked the quote from Ursula Le Guin's The Tombs of Atuan. 'Knowing names,' said Sparrowhawk, 'is my job. My art. To weave the magic of a thing, you see, one must first find its true name out.'
And Marcus' question: Are there ways in which writers of fantasy can get at the true names more readily than can writer of 'realistic' stories?
Answer: Well, it's far more direct for the fantasist. A Chekhov has to go through all the 'thick description' of the real world, which the clarity of the true name can scarcely pierce through, in gleams and glimpses only...and cannot be directly spoken. The fantasist can fly straight to the light... As a sort of do-it-yourself Taoist, I have to add that the name that can be spoken isn't the true name.
And Philip Pullman's remark about his teacher reading Milton's poetry: ...the sound of Milton's poetry when read aloud, and then tasted> afterwards in your own mouth, was enormously powerful. From that experience, I learned that things can affect us before we understand them, and at a deeper level than we can actually reach with our understanding. I also learned that you respond physically> to poetry. Your hair stands on end. Your skin bristles. Your heart goes faster.
October 21, 2015
There's no great secrets here, but it's a charming look at the lives of many of the best children's fantasists of the twentieth century. I particularly appreciated hearing from Lloyd Alexander--whose personal life I've seldom seen discussed--and Brian Jacques, and any moments with LeGuin and Pratchett are worth cherishing. The questions could be repetitive, but whether it's the authors or Marcus's editing to thank, even answers to things as cliche as "What is your daily routine?" yield a variety of interesting tangents. Marcus in general comes across as an excellent interviewer; the one exception is his obsession with Tolkien, which some of his subjects clearly do not share. (Watching them dodge the question has a charm all of its own, though.) And I think there's a lot of value to showing people--particularly children--that authors are ordinary people with ordinary lives, who spend more hours than they'd like answering e-mail and fewer hiking through the Australian bush.
March 1, 2014
Enjoyable light-hearted read. Stuff to while away a lazy afternoon. Does not give much insight into the authors' craft, though.
Full review coming up soon.
Full review coming up soon.
January 13, 2020
Si quieres escribir primero tienes que leer.
February 23, 2017
When I came across this at the library, I had to check it out, because all of the interviews are from my favorite fantasy authors. These people have had a huge impact on the genre, and have been inspirations to me both as a reader and a writer.
The Wand in the Word provides a brief look into the writers' lives in a quick-to-understand format. I enjoyed the pictures of the authors when they were younger, and I loved learning about their first experiences with reading, storytelling and fantasy. For some reason, I thought that this would be more writing instruction and less interview, (maybe because of the title?) but I quickly got over my disappointment. Being an aspiring writer and having read a lot of books from these people, it was interesting to compare their different views and ways of approaching stories and writing. And as always for people who live and breathe words, it is evident how they center their lives around books.
Though somewhat insightful and interesting, the questions aren't groundbreaking. If you're looking for a tell-all book about your favorite fantasy author, this isn't it. It provides nice overviews for all the authors involved, but nothing too in-depth. The best part for me was that all of these authors have an encouraging outlook for aspiring writers. They are all very different and have very different experiences with school, books, reading, and life in general. Yet, all of them have experienced success. That was a great thing to see -- there isn't a formula for becoming a writer, the only thing that's required is a love for stories.
Confession: I started writing right after I finished reading this book.
A great read for fans of these authors and for aspiring writers.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
The Wand in the Word provides a brief look into the writers' lives in a quick-to-understand format. I enjoyed the pictures of the authors when they were younger, and I loved learning about their first experiences with reading, storytelling and fantasy. For some reason, I thought that this would be more writing instruction and less interview, (maybe because of the title?) but I quickly got over my disappointment. Being an aspiring writer and having read a lot of books from these people, it was interesting to compare their different views and ways of approaching stories and writing. And as always for people who live and breathe words, it is evident how they center their lives around books.
Though somewhat insightful and interesting, the questions aren't groundbreaking. If you're looking for a tell-all book about your favorite fantasy author, this isn't it. It provides nice overviews for all the authors involved, but nothing too in-depth. The best part for me was that all of these authors have an encouraging outlook for aspiring writers. They are all very different and have very different experiences with school, books, reading, and life in general. Yet, all of them have experienced success. That was a great thing to see -- there isn't a formula for becoming a writer, the only thing that's required is a love for stories.
Confession: I started writing right after I finished reading this book.
A great read for fans of these authors and for aspiring writers.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
September 15, 2007
Set-piece interviews with some of the best-known names in fantasy, including Ursula K. Le Guin, Philip Pullman, Brian Jacques, Tamora Pierce and Nancy Farmer. There's a photo of Lloyd Alexander that took my breath away. I've resolved to read something by Garth Nix, based on his interview. And Nancy Farmer, too. Jacques strikes me as an endearing rogue in the Heinlein vein. My verdict on the book is that it's spotty but interesting.
June 7, 2007
This is a great book to learn from if you are a writer. Yes, it deals with writers of fantasy, particularly children's fantasy, but there are good ideas for character building and other aspects of writing that folks in any genre could put to use.
April 28, 2022
Thirteen well-known fantasy authors of both teen and children's books are interviewed for this compilation. Asked about their childhoods, their school experiences, the storytellers in thier own lives and the influence of other fantasy writers, primarily J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, on their work, readers can begin to appreciate the authors of some of their favorites fantasies. Authors include Lloyd Alexander, Franny Billingsley, Susan Cooper, Nancy Farmer, Brian Jacques, Diana Wynne Jones, Ursela K. LeGuin, Madeleine L'Engle, Garth Nix, Tamora Pierce, Terry Pratchett, Phillip Pullman, and Jane Yolen. A bibliography is included for the writings by each author. One of the most interesting aspects for me was seeing a page of each author's manuscript after being edited for corrections! This would appeal to readers interested in reading about authors or are would-be authors themselves! Suitable for grades 4 and up.
February 6, 2025
A series of interviews with renowned writers of fantasy, guided by Leonard S. Marcus.
A wonderful collection that gives readers insight to the childhood memories of growing up, plenty of war stories through the eras, going to school, and listening to the storytellers within their own lives. All to paint an image of the literary development of “the greats” of their time.
My venture into reading this book was initially sparked by my desire to gain some insight and tips from a variety of perspectives, searching for ways that would resonate with my own writing. I came to find that I was desiring more information than what was being shared, thus gave spark to my own ideas.
This book is a good starting point for curious minds, but not a magic wand possessing the answers on how to write your own fantasy novel.
Ultimately I still enjoyed reading about the authors lives and their take on the emergence of fantasy as a respected genre.
A wonderful collection that gives readers insight to the childhood memories of growing up, plenty of war stories through the eras, going to school, and listening to the storytellers within their own lives. All to paint an image of the literary development of “the greats” of their time.
My venture into reading this book was initially sparked by my desire to gain some insight and tips from a variety of perspectives, searching for ways that would resonate with my own writing. I came to find that I was desiring more information than what was being shared, thus gave spark to my own ideas.
This book is a good starting point for curious minds, but not a magic wand possessing the answers on how to write your own fantasy novel.
Ultimately I still enjoyed reading about the authors lives and their take on the emergence of fantasy as a respected genre.
February 22, 2018
This is a wonderful collection of interviews with Fantasy some incredible Fantasy writers. I love the format, the questions, and the copy of an edited manuscript at the end of each chapter. It's also helpful to know that each writer has a process with similarities to mine-some don't write all day long; they may have a general idea of how a book will begin and end, but no clue about the middle; allow themselves to be spontaneous and take time to enjoy the craft...
Overall, a good, quick read.
Overall, a good, quick read.
December 8, 2017
An excellent series of interviews with famous writers of fantasy. Most of the people interviewed are authors I'm familiar with, which is a nice change from a lot of interview books where half the authors are folks I've never heard of or haven't read. There are a lot of great anecdotes and insights in this little volume. I'm glad I stumbled across it!
March 6, 2021
A great introduction to fantasy fiction, via interviews and photos, to major authors you may not know (and insights into ones you already love).
It’s great for anyone wanting to write fantasy fiction. It’s full of anecdotes and fascinating details about these authors, their lives, and their approaches to and experiences with writing.
It’s great for anyone wanting to write fantasy fiction. It’s full of anecdotes and fascinating details about these authors, their lives, and their approaches to and experiences with writing.
February 2, 2022
This was a great little book with interviews from some of the best fantasy writers of all time. Including Terry Pratchett and Diana Wynne Jones, some of my favorites. I liked reading about their pasts and what got them into writing. This also has me interested in picking up some of the other authors that I have never picked up before. Definitely, glad that I picked this one up.
October 24, 2020
The people and answers are great but the questions are obvious and lack depth. I've read better interviews in weekly magazines than in this supposedly specialized collection. Also the selection of authors is perhaps not diverse enough? (2020 lens)
May 25, 2022
While I wish that Leonard Marcus would have allowed for a more organic flow of conversation in his questioning, this is an invaluable collection of insights into the minds of some of our most magnificent children's fantasy writers. Every writer of fantasy, for young or old, should read this book.
July 20, 2022
A fine collection of short interviews from some heavy hitters in the fantasy genre.
One weird thing noticed was how often star wars was brought up by the interviewer...maybe it was something the authors mentioned in pre-interview stuff and the host just ran with it.
One weird thing noticed was how often star wars was brought up by the interviewer...maybe it was something the authors mentioned in pre-interview stuff and the host just ran with it.
January 25, 2023
I only read Ursula K. Le Guin's interview so far, but it was quite charming and informative. There was no grand secret here, though I still find it lovely all the same. I'm sure I'll pick up this book one day again.
Read
April 27, 2023I always love reading about writers, especially fantasy writers, so this collection of interviews with some truly top-notch fantasy authors was very fun and interesting. And motivating! Apparently, the main secret ingredient to being a writer is… to write. Who’d have thought??
August 18, 2019
I love this book. It’s the best of it’s kind and irreplaceable.
January 16, 2020
3.5 Stars
January 30, 2020
Pretty good collection of interviews. Some are better than others (Le Guin's is one of the worse), but they're all readable and interesting.
March 24, 2020
I loved how we were treated to a wide variety of writers with different life experiences and approaches to the writing of fantasy.
October 17, 2020
Read it for the Pratchett. Enjoyed it pretty thoroughly.
August 15, 2021
This was a fun chance to learn more about the writing and personal lives of so many fantasy authors that I adored growing up <3
February 25, 2022
Short but interesting interviews with a number of fantasy authors.
August 16, 2022
Interesting interviews with thirteen fantasy writers about their early influences and writing processes.
June 8, 2024
A fun read!
June 18, 2012
Review was originally posted on The Oaken Bookcase on June 18, 2012.
The Wand in the Word consists of thirteen interviews with writers of Fantasy, including Lloyd Alexander, Franny Billingsley, Susan Cooper, Nancy Farmer, Brian Jacques, Diana Wynne Jones, Ursula K. Le Guin, Madeleine L’Engle, Garth Nix, Tamora Pierce, Terry Pratchett, Philip Pullman and Jane Yolen.
The questions asked during each interview vary, but range from descriptions of childhood to what their typical writing schedule is like, and revealing questions about characters from each writer’s works.
I picked this book up at the library purely by chance as I was passing the non-fiction shelves and I’m so glad I did! Not only does it include some of my favourite authors, it has given me a few more books to add to my reading list.
The interview answers are a lot more candid than the usual dry author bio descriptions and we’re given fascinating insights into the lives of these people. For example, Lloyd Alexander tells of serving during World War II, while several of the other authors were children during this time. Quite of few of them speak of their influence from JRR Tolkien, and one or two of them even studied under him at Oxford University, but then almost all of them go on to say that they have written stories very different to Tolkien’s.
Each author offers their advice on writing and how the people in their lives encouraged them to persevere. Did you know that L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time was turned down by publishers twenty-six times?!
The style differs from interview to interview, which gave me the feeling that the interviews were written rather than conducted face-to-face. They read easily and are engaging and I do recommend reading all the way through to Jane Yolen’s – it’s really quite funny!
The Wand in the Word is a very enjoyable read for fans of the Fantasy genre and contains valuable advice for those who wish to write Fantasy stories.
The Wand in the Word consists of thirteen interviews with writers of Fantasy, including Lloyd Alexander, Franny Billingsley, Susan Cooper, Nancy Farmer, Brian Jacques, Diana Wynne Jones, Ursula K. Le Guin, Madeleine L’Engle, Garth Nix, Tamora Pierce, Terry Pratchett, Philip Pullman and Jane Yolen.
The questions asked during each interview vary, but range from descriptions of childhood to what their typical writing schedule is like, and revealing questions about characters from each writer’s works.
I picked this book up at the library purely by chance as I was passing the non-fiction shelves and I’m so glad I did! Not only does it include some of my favourite authors, it has given me a few more books to add to my reading list.
The interview answers are a lot more candid than the usual dry author bio descriptions and we’re given fascinating insights into the lives of these people. For example, Lloyd Alexander tells of serving during World War II, while several of the other authors were children during this time. Quite of few of them speak of their influence from JRR Tolkien, and one or two of them even studied under him at Oxford University, but then almost all of them go on to say that they have written stories very different to Tolkien’s.
Each author offers their advice on writing and how the people in their lives encouraged them to persevere. Did you know that L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time was turned down by publishers twenty-six times?!
The style differs from interview to interview, which gave me the feeling that the interviews were written rather than conducted face-to-face. They read easily and are engaging and I do recommend reading all the way through to Jane Yolen’s – it’s really quite funny!
The Wand in the Word is a very enjoyable read for fans of the Fantasy genre and contains valuable advice for those who wish to write Fantasy stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews