Riley Stueland
asked
Gail Carson Levine:
Hi! I read "Writing Magic" many years ago, and now very soon I will by applying for colleges and graduation high school. I'm torn between a healthcare track and a creative writing track, and the latter is the one that gives me the most anxiety about success. I was wondering if you ever had any conflicting emotions about pursuing writing as a career, and if so, how did you get past them?
Gail Carson Levine
I didn't pursue a writing career. I wrote stories for children and tried to get them published, which took me nine years. Meanwhile, I worked in New York State government. Nowadays, my pension supplements what I earn from writing. It's very hard to earn a living as a writer of fiction or nonfiction. There are other writing jobs, though, like in public relations or advertising, that pay well or well enough. Or you can go into health care and write in your spare time and get published and see if your income can support you once you get established as a writer.
More Answered Questions
Jana
asked
Gail Carson Levine:
Hi! I just wanted to write you a quick note to tell you that I love your books. Ella Enchanted is one of my very favorite books. I first read it around 4th grade, and I've reread it every year or two since then (and I'm 26 now!). I love your heroines, your wit, and your enchanting storytelling. I just wanted to say thank you! My question: Which of your books was the most difficult or time-consuming to write?
A Goodreads user
asked
Gail Carson Levine:
I Love your book FairestI’ve always struggled with being confident in the way i look, this book has really helped through it. I’m really glad that you wrote it, most people write about beautiful princesses, who are TOO confident in themselves. I would just like to add that I was introduced to this book by my friend, she also introduced me to Ella Enchanted ;) ?
Pamela Bronson
asked
Gail Carson Levine:
I just finished rereading A Tale of Two Castles - thanks for the good read! I like how you turned the fairy tale on its head and made a whodunit out of it, too. I'm curious - how did you come up with the names Jonty Um, Menore, and so on? I think I can guess where you got Frair and Maydsin, and maybe Thiel's name, too.
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