Introduction

Welcome to the March issue of Authors of Tomorrow on http://www.myersfiction.com! This month, we’re diving into the intricate topic of using magic systems and technology to manage your plot problems. Learn how using established rules will create more compelling and realistic stories. I hope you’re all surviving these stretches of cold and slowly increasing sunlight. I know these months can be the hardest for some people, myself included, and it’s important to find things to help you make it through these pre-spring months. So let’s get lost in some magic and talk about an author who captured the imagination of all ages with his middle-grade fantasy series, Fablehaven.

Feature Article: Creating Plot Constraints with Magic and Technology

There’s something about science fiction and fantasy that captivates readers and keeps them coming back, obsessing over minute details in these stories. When executed well, authors can become some of the most read writers of their time, but when poorly executed, they can pigeonhole themselves as among the least read. Creating plot constraints with magic and technology is a skill that all science fiction and fantasy authors should take the time to study. While much of this is figured out in designing your magic system, let’s look at magic and technology as a plot tool.

Establishing the rules in your magic system or technology sets the standards for your story’s plot. For example, in the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson, it is established that to use Allomancy, one needs both the right genetics and specifically consumed metals. This shows the reader that if the metals are fully consumed, the power will run out. Most likely, this means the challenges faced by the character will include running out of metals at the worst possible time. Similarly, in Dune by Frank Herbert, the shields are effective at stopping fast-moving attacks, so the threat comes from slow and controlled attacks. There are many instances in Dune where the quick approach is thwarted, and the slow, thoughtful approaches work best.

Once you’ve established your rules, you’ll need to ensure that you not only follow them, but use them to drive your narrative tension and resolution. How do magic and technology drive these factors? It comes down to when the limitations come into play. If you establish that your magic system can malfunction based on emotion, think “A Discovery of Witches” from Netflix. I haven’t read the books the show is based on, All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, but it’s a great example of emotions getting in the way and also propelling the story forward. Initially, Diana Bishop’s magical abilities in the show appear inconsistent; however, it later becomes evident that her emotions hinder not only her life but also her magical potential.

You’ll need to be careful when using magic and technology to solve your plot problems. While they are great tools to help deepen and diversify your plot, they can’t be your end all to the worst corners you back yourself into. This creates a sense of deus ex machina, something you can learn more about here and here. The goal in using your magic or technology system to create plot constraints is that the challenges faced by the characters, both internal and external, are logical to the character’s world. Let’s break down a quick example.

Maybe your world’s magic strength depends on proximity to an amulet or other magical item. The rules you’ve established for this amulet are what create your plot constraints. For instance, let’s say the amulet must be worn to work, and only the wearer can control it. Naturally, the world will have places where magical items aren’t allowed due to safety concerns or potential magical interference.

Imagine the protagonist has to enter a city where magical items are banned. They need to find a way to hide the amulet or leave it behind, significantly weakening their abilities and making them vulnerable. On top of that, the amulet’s power might interfere with other magical devices or spells, creating challenges in critical moments, like in a magical library or an ancient temple. If the protagonist is captured or separated from the amulet, they’ll need to face threats without their full magical strength, forcing them to adapt and grow in new ways.

By weaving these constraints into your story, you ensure that the challenges faced by the characters, both internal and external, make sense within the world’s logic.

Creating plot constraints with magic and technology is essential for crafting compelling science fiction and fantasy narratives. By establishing clear rules and limitations, you ensure that the challenges faced by your characters are logical and engaging. These constraints drive the plot forward, add depth to the story, and create opportunities for character growth and development. When done well, they transform your world-building into a cohesive and immersive experience for your readers, making your story stand out and keeping your audience hooked from start to finish.

Author Spotlight: Brandon Mull

Biography

Brandon Mull (born November 8, 1974) is an acclaimed American writer, renowned for his captivating children’s fantasy series. His popular works include the Fablehaven series, Dragonwatch, The Candy Shop War, The Beyonders trilogy, and The Five Kingdoms series. With millions of books sold globally, Mull has achieved the status of a New York Times best-selling author. He draws inspiration from legendary authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling. Residing in Utah with his family, Mull enjoys connecting with his audience through book signings and various events.

Writing Style

Mull’s writing often features intricate magic systems with clear rules and limitations. He skillfully integrates these elements into his plots, creating captivating and immersive stories. This expertise stems from his talents in imaginative storytelling and rich world-building. In Mull’s works, you’ll discover fantastical worlds populated with unique creatures, magic systems, and complex plots. These worlds enhance the narrative, with magic and creatures serving as both tools and challenges that drive the story forward.

Key Works:

• Fablehaven Series: In the Fablehaven series, Mull introduces readers to a hidden sanctuary where magical creatures reside. The magic here is governed by strict rules and treaties that protect both the magical and human inhabitants. The characters must navigate these rules, which often become central to the plot’s conflict and resolution. For instance, certain creatures can only be seen when specific conditions are met, and powerful artifacts require understanding and respect for their limitations.
• Beyonders Trilogy: In the Beyonders trilogy, the magic system is tied to unique and complex word-based spells known as Edomic. The protagonists must learn and master these spells, which require precise pronunciation and understanding of ancient languages. The limitations of Edomic create significant challenges and plot twists, as incorrect usage can lead to disastrous consequences.

Integration into Plots

Mull’s skillful integration of these magic systems into his plots ensures that the characters’ challenges and growth are tied to their understanding and manipulation of magic. The clear rules and limitations prevent magic from becoming a simple deus ex machina, where problems are resolved too easily. Instead, characters must think creatively, make sacrifices, and face the consequences of their actions.

By weaving these intricate magic systems into his narratives, Brandon Mull creates rich, immersive worlds that captivate readers and leave a lasting impact. His ability to balance complexity with clarity makes his stories both compelling and accessible, inviting readers to lose themselves in the magical realms he constructs.

Writing Exercise: Magic System Plot Challenge

Step 1: Create two simple rules for a magic system. Example: “Magic requires physical contact with natural elements” and “Using magic drains the user’s body heat.”

Step 2: Write a scene where your protagonist must accomplish an urgent goal (like saving someone or acquiring an important item) while working within these magical constraints. Make sure the limitations of your magic system create genuine obstacles.

Step 3: Now complicate the scene by adding an environmental factor that makes using the magic even more challenging (example: they’re in a frozen environment where losing body heat is dangerous, or they’re separated from natural elements by glass or plastic).

Step 4: Review your scene and identify how the magic system’s constraints created natural tension without feeling forced. Did the limitations make the story more interesting? Did they force your character to be creative?

Remember: The goal isn’t to write a perfect scene but to practice using magical constraints to naturally create plot tension and character challenges.

Conclusion

Whether you’re crafting a complex magic system or developing advanced technology for your fictional world, remember that limitations often create the most compelling stories. By establishing clear rules and thoughtfully integrating them into your plot, you create natural tensions and challenges that drive character growth and reader engagement. As Brandon Mull demonstrates in his works, when these elements are skillfully woven together, they create immersive experiences that captivate readers and stand the test of time.

Upcoming Events

• AWP Conference & Bookfair – March 26-29, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. This large-scale literary event is perfect for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers4. It offers a wide range of panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.
• Lichfield Literary Festival – March 27-30, 2025, in Lichfield, UK. This annual festival celebrates fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more with a series of talks, workshops, and literature-related events5.

Additional Resources

• The Massive Guide on How to Build a Magic System – This comprehensive guide by Dabble covers everything from the fundamentals of magic systems to creating meaningful and complex frameworks. It’s a great starting point for understanding how to craft a captivating magic system.
• How to Build an Effective Magic System for Your Story (Examples and Mistakes to Avoid) | StoryFlint – StoryFlint offers insights into both soft and hard magic systems, providing examples and common mistakes to avoid. This resource helps writers integrate magic seamlessly into their narratives.
• How to create a believable technological system by First Draft Pro offers a comprehensive guide for crafting realistic and engaging technological systems in your stories. It covers defining the role of technology within your narrative, establishing core principles and rules, and developing key innovations that drive the plot. The guide emphasizes balancing the advantages of technology with its limitations, such as resource constraints and ethical dilemmas, to add depth and realism.

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