'Not a real safe occupation'

 

“If a big person invests time in reading, kids learn reading is important, the child 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, Ella Enchanted, and the wonderful semi-biographical novel Dave at Night, based loosely on her father’s “growing-up years” in an orphanage.

Although she grew up an avid reader, she didn’t have writing on her radar until later in life, wanting to be an artist or actress.  In her late 40s she finally gave it a try, starting with Ella, although it took 9 years of doing manuscripts before she got that one accepted.         After it won the Newbery and was made into a successful movie, it gave Levine 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 tales because the story, the what-comes-next, is paramount. As an adult, I'm fascinated by their logic and illogic,” Levine said.  As for why she didn’t get into writing sooner, she said (with tongue firmly in cheek), “Most of the authors I liked were dead, so it didn't seem like a real safe occupation.”