Terry Brooks's "lessons from a writing life" combine the best features of literary memoir and creative writing guide. Both instructional and inspirational, Sometimes the Magic Works reflects Brooks's lifelong commitment to the power of the written word. "If you don't think there is magic in writing," he quips, "you probably won't write anything magical." But the man who created the classic Shannara fantasy series knows too that good writing requires research, planning, and discipline. This deeply personal book brims with detailed discussions of plotting, characterization, and setting. Even if you have never before read a word of this first-rate genre author, Brooks's book will keep you engrossed.