How do you mix
magic into modern times? If you’ve been writing straight contemporary stories
or tales set in another universe, it might take an adjustment to mix these
elements together. Here are some tips to show you the way.
Determine your setting. Where will the
story take place? What is different about your reality?
Let’s say you’re
writing a YA story. Will the background location be a high school? A summer vacation
by a lake? Or a small town where eerie things start happening? What’s peculiar
about your place? Is there a circle of rocks that dates back to Druidic times?
Or perhaps a strange mist that fills the night air at the lake’s edge?
It could be that
an object has magical properties in your modern setting, like the crystals in
the TV show featuring teenage witches, The
Secret Circle. The point is to take
an everyday setting and give it a twist.
Warrior Prince, book one in my new Drift
Lords Series, involves sinister theme parks, Thus I set the first story in
Orlando, Florida. Where else could a band of hunky uniformed men with laser
weapons show up and not get a second glance? Nor do visitors to Orlando’s theme
parks expect anything other than a happy, peaceful visit. They’re in for a
surprise at my fictional tourist attraction called Drift World.
The action starts when mythologist Nira
Larsen goes hunting for a summer job at the theme park’s seedy employment
office. Her interview turns into a nightmare when the bad guys attack her. Why
are they interested in her? See the next step below.
In Warrior Prince, my bad guys are evil
trolls called Trolleks. They’ve invaded Earth through a dimensional rift in the
Bermuda Triangle. The Drift
Lords—warriors from space—rush to the rescue to quell the invasion, but they can’t
do it alone. They need the help of a special group of Earth women with
legendary powers.
Where did these
powers originate? Since my series is based on Norse mythology, the women are
descendants of Odin, the All-Father. He had shapeshifting ability. Thus each
heroine is capable of manipulating molecules related to the elements. Nira can alter
air currents and choke off someone’s
breath. Jennifer Dyhr, a fashion designer, manipulates fabric, corresponding to
the fabric of time. Erika, owner of a pottery studio, not only can mold clay
but she can mobilize the earth in her
defense. And so on.
And these are
just the heroines. The series has dragons who can fly, dwarfs who can change
metal into gold, elves who can dance a man to death, and other creatures.
And don’t forget
the bad guys. The Trolleks secrete a chemical substance that directly alters
the human brain. They transmit it through touch. This process is termed confounding
and it turns people into mind slaves. However, my heroines are resistant to
this effect, which is why the Trolleks try to capture Nira. Their chief
scientist wants to experiment on her. Do you see how the plot develops from the
characters and the setting?
Choose a model for your magical system.
Choose a model for your magical system.
If your universe will be based on fairy tales, myth, or folklore, study these stories to see what elements you wish to incorporate into your world. Take the parts that will enhance your story and build on them. Put together your own system that works in the modern world. Remember to stay within the bounds of these tales. For example, I don’t have fairies in my stories because they don’t appear in Norse myths. Be consistent in the universe you create.
Establish the rules of your universe.
Determine how
your world operates and then maintain consistency. If there’s magic, where did
it come from? Who wields it? What can weaken it? Does it only work under
certain conditions? Let’s say your story dictates that living persons can
become zombies. How does this happen? Can they be turned back to normal? Can
they die? What kills them? What do they want and why? What energizes them? Do
they need sustenance? Once you set your rules, stick with them.
It’s great fun
creating your own magical system and incorporating it into the world we know.
How do you blend
magic with reality?
<><><>
All commenters during Nancy’s blog tour will
be entered into a drawing for a Warrior Prince tee shirt and
magnet and a pdf copy of Warrior Prince. Go to http://bit.ly/9ytdvu for a complete
schedule of her tour stops.
<><><>
Warrior
Prince: Book One in the Drift Lords Series by Nancy J. Cohen
When mythologist
and Florida resident Nira Larsen accepts a job as tour guide for a mysterious
stranger, she's drawn into a nightmare reality where ancient myths come alive
and legendary evils seek to destroy her. To survive, she must awaken her
dormant powers, but the only person who can help is the man whose touch
inflames her passion.
After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar—leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords—summons his troops. He doesn't count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar's soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?
After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar—leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords—summons his troops. He doesn't count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar's soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?
Author
Biography
Nancy J.
Cohen is a multi-published author who writes romance and mysteries. Her popular
Bad Hair Day mystery series features hairdresser Marla Shore, who solves crimes
with wit and style under the sultry Florida sun. Several of these titles have
made the IMBA bestseller list, while Nancy’s imaginative sci-fi/paranormal romances
have garnered rave reviews and a HOLT Medallion Award. Active in the writing
community and a featured speaker at libraries and conferences, Nancy is listed
in Contemporary Authors, Poets &
Writers, and Who’s Who in U.S.
Writers, Editors, & Poets.
Follow Nancy
on her Social Networks:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-J-Cohen/112101588804907
Posts
