In this engaging guide, teacher, poet and lyricist Adrian May shows how magic is a tool used by writers to generate creativity, where concepts of magic are seen as portals of creative power. This unique book features approachable chapters on aspects of magic and writing - such as the Tarot and the creative methods of W. B. Yeats. Blending literary criticism with practical exercises, this text will enable readers to understand the magical nature of creative writing, giving them a sense of wider possibilities and equipping them to improve their creative writing. This an ideal resource for undergraduate or postgraduate students taking courses on Creative Writing, as well as established or budding writers working independently.

In a dream a poor orphan is given a brush that brings to life everything she paints.

There are all kinds of products. The good ones. The bad ones. The ones that stay in the garage moldering for years until your garden gnome makes a home out of it. Most are harmless if handled properly, even if they do contain traces of peanuts. But some are not-not the ones that contain traces of magic. Chris Popham wasn't paying enough attention when he talked to his SatNav. Sure, she gave him directions, never talked back to him, and always led him to his next spot on the map with perfect accuracy. She was the best thing in his life. So was it really his fault that he didn't start paying attention when she talked to him? In his defense, that was her job. But when "Take the next right" turned into "Excuse me," that was when the real trouble started. Because sometimes a GPS isn't a GPS-sometimes it's an imprisoned soul trapped inside a metal box that will do anything it can to get free. And some products you just can't return.

A pack of paints, a set of pens, and unlimited creativity throw two friends into an enchanted, fast-paced adventure. ZuZu's first summer without her best friend is looking pretty grim, until she meets new kid Andrew at a visit to the historic Mapleton Mansion. Together they stumble upon some enchanted art supplies and discover that the shapes they draw and paint can come to life. Their creations are harmless—but ZuZu and Andrew aren't the only ones with access to magic. Soon, nightmarish half-machine, half-living creatures begin appearing around town, controlled by a power-hungry "caster" with a sinister mission. It's up to ZuZu and Andrew to use their newfound abilities to protect their community. "There are deliciously chilling descriptions of scuttling, otherworldly creations and resurrections gone awry, but there is also delight to be found in enchanted artwork and blossoming friendships. A thrilling introduction to a newfangled magic."—Booklist "A satisfying, compelling adventure with an original magical construct and bright, appealing protagonists."—Kirkus Reviews "The magical rules created by Voskuil feel exciting . . . . This creative fantasy will move well with fans of Tae Keller's When You Trap a Tiger."—School Library Journal

A pioneering work on early childhood development that is as relevant today as when it was first published 60 years ago. To a small child, the world is an exciting but sometimes frightening and unstable place. In The Magic Years, Selma Fraiberg takes the reader into the mind of the child, showing how he confronts the world and learns to cope with it. With great warmth and perception, she discusses the problems at each stage of development and reveals the qualities—above all, the quality of understanding—that can provide the right answer at critical moments.

Abby Banks is your typical college student, except that her entire life has been one big lie. Kidnapped as a young girl and fostered by a government agency as collateral, Abby never knew she was important… until her birth mom’s terrorist organization unleashes a devastating attack on the facility. With magic. Now Abby’s world is in a tailspin. Her birth mom wants to harvest her organs, her only protector is a vampire, and she can do magic. Well, sort of. She’s supposed to be able to do magic. And if she can’t figure it out in time to stop her mom, not only will she get her organs stolen, her mom will blow up two major cities to fuel her doomsday ritual.

Winner at the 2013 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. A magic ball has mysteriously appeared and will help to weave the most beautiful friendship between the animals of the forest. One morning, a hedgehog wakes up to find a mysterious ball of wool caught in his prickles. Why would he want a ball of wool?, he wonders in dismay. His friend the spider, who was an expert knitter, encouraged him to start knitting, teaching him all the keys and secrets to making a perfect sweater. Fascinated, all of the forest animals come to his house and the hedgehog happily knits something for each of his visitors. CLICKETY-CLICK, CLICKETY-CLICK... A stitch here, a stitch there... When the hedgehog stops knitting, he realizes something amazing—the ball of wool is magic! A charming tale of friendship, generosity and kindness that will bring out the best in young readers by encouraging them to help others.