Hello friend, it’s time for my May update!

My May gift for you: this sci-fi flash fiction!

Today’s topic: the Magic of Brandon Sanderson

In writing my debut novel, I’ve discovered something: creating a system of magic is much harder than you think. Many believe that fantasy as a genre must be easy to write because you can make the story do whatever you want, right? Throw in some dragons with powers, a chosen one who can defeat all and it’s hunky dory, yeah?

Wrong.

The most challenging part of building magic in your stories is building limits to the magic, something I’m trying to learn by taking notes from the master, Brandon Sanderson.

I’ve finally been reading Mistborn (yes, far too late!), and I’ve been in awe of the rules he gives magic. The boundaries and restrictions he places on how characters can, and cannot, use magic make the story even more tense, pressured, and entertaining. Think about it: if Magic is unlimited and a character can read minds, zap people with spells and destroy all with potions, the story would be over in five minutes. But limitations on the way magic is used creates friction, and that friction creates intrigue. How will this character get out of this situation if their magic is tested? How can these characters use their opposing skills to defeat the challenge they face? If magic could do all things, it would be far too easy, and there’d be no story to tell.

Without giving too much of my incoming debut novel away, I’ve been working hard on the way magic can’t be used by my characters. On the good side of the battle, there are pairings – duos of characters with powers that gain more power when they work together as their powers are opposite. One can attack, one can defend. Building this has been quite hard if I’m being completely honest. But it’s essential to give my characters something to work with and against. I need to build that friction to keep readers hanging on for what’s next. Will they make it? Can their pairing work against the enemy? What and who will finally win?

You’ll have to read it to find out 😝😉

Novel update (72k words)

I’ve finished editing draft 3 of my book and am now onto draft 4 AND getting some Beta readers looped in! To say I’m excited is not quite the right word. It’s more contentment that things are moving ahead! I’ve been writing this book for 3.5 years, so it feels really good to see the consistency pay off. But I am genuinely excited to have some trusted Beta readers share their thoughts and help make the story stronger. Thank you to my lovely Beta readers!

What I’m reading/finishing reading 
An Echo in the Bone (Outlander #7) by Diana Gabaldon 🎧 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Psykhe by Kate Forsyth
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Written in my Hearts Own Blood (Outlander #8) by Diana Gabaldon 🎧

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Blog image by Almos Bechtold