You are SO GOOD.

Ella Enchanted has been my favorite book for probably 15 years, and if I am ever in a reading slump, it always delivers. (And to be honest, I generally hate re-reading books. Ella Enchanted? So many rereads.)

I also LOVED the Two Princess of Bamarre, and just yesterday, I discovered The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre while I was looking for a book at the library for my son.
And it. Delivered.

I think that you are a literary genius, and I just LOVED how you encorporated Drualt and his whole backstory and all the Rapunzel vibes and it was just so well done.
I recognize that it's probably old news for you, but I just finished it 10 minutes ago and it's kinda cheesy, but I can't stop smiling because it was such an enjoyable read.

Thank you for assembling Writer to Writer: from Think to Ink. I took away from it a ton of memorable advice for both the craft and business side of writing. I was tickled to know that you, like myself, usually begin with plot instead of character! The Two Princesses of Bamarre was one of the first books that made me excited about reading. Thank you for sharing your gifts.

Dear Mrs. Levine,
On a night (many years ago) I was feeling very anxious and upset about something. I needed a distraction, so I picked up Ella Enchanted and started to read. I had already read the story once before, but this time it touched me in a whole new way. I laughed, cried and observed Ella and all of the characters around her. I have read the book many times since then, and it has always brought comfort and joy. I love reading Ella Enchanted out loud to my little siblings and doing different voices for the all the characters.All the characters have found their way into my heart. My other favorites are Ogre Enchanted, Fairest,The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre and Forgive Me, I meant To do it. From Fairest, I learned that a pretty face is good for first impressions, but it is the way you treat people that builds relationships with love and respect. I have learned from the Lost Kingdom of Bamarre that even when it is risky or uncomfortable, I should be myself and stand up for me and the people I love. I have learned from Ella that no matter what I am going through, I always have self control.There is so much more I would like to say,but what I desperately want to get across to you is that your books mean so much, and every little detail has a powerful effect on readers and has brought me so much comfort ad inspiration.
I cannot thank you enough, please continue to be creative and be happy!
Sincerely, Ryan

Dear Mrs. Levine,
My name is Emerson Lee. I am a ten year old homeschooled girl living in California, and I very recently finished Ella Enchanted. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and thought it was a beautiful, exciting, and overall such a wonderful story.
I would like to be an author myself when I grow up, or even better, now! I have enjoyed writing books ever since I could remember. When I was in first grade, I wrote a story about a princess kicking a dragon to London. I called it “Emerson, Princess of Science.” I admit, when I re-read it now, I realize that it made no sense, but that is not the point. The point is, I love writing and reading books, especially fantasy and empowering stories about girls standing up to injustice. Maybe in the future, I might send you a piece of my writing, if that’s okay with you.
I wrote to you for two main reasons. Firstly, because I would like some tips for writing fantasy books. I start many stories, and always have too many other ideas that I want to write to finish the old stories. Secondly, now that I have finished many wonderful books such as Ella Enchanted, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Little House on the Prairie, Stand Up Yumi Chung!, Front Desk, Amari and the Night Brothers, the Night Diary, and countless others, I would like more book recommendations. What were some of your favorite books and authors when you were my age?
Anyway, I know your time is very valuable, so I will end here. Thank you for reading this, and spending the time writing books for the world to enjoy.


Your newly found fan,
Emerson Lee


P.S If you cannot respond, that is okay.

Dear Ms Carson Levine,

I grew up reading your books and was always excited whenever a new title appeared on my library's shelf. You inspired me as a young girl to create my own stories and write them down. I actually still have a couple books you signed for me at an event (Ella and Bamarre). I was young, and so flustered to meet you that I couldn't say a word. Oh well! If I could go back several years and tell you one thing, it would be thank you. I loved many of your books, but the one I read until its cover was tattered was Ella Enchanted. I related to her so strongly, I realize now, because I grew up in an abusive household. I almost lost my sense of identity because of the abuse, my father even described me as his "obedient daughter" when I was 20 or so. I got out, I'm recovering, and I'm doing well now, but I still go back to Ella and her trials and the spunk that saved her. Thank you, thank you for a story which gave us permission to say "no," and encouraged us to find any way we could to stay true to ourselves.