Writing Forum

I've lost the thread of this discussion in my mind but looking back something occurs to me

Another part of, or way of thinking of your question is HOW do you explain magic. In fact that was the actual question. I think it is important to present magic in your writing in such a way that people can't easily pick apart your magic system. Sometimes less is more. As long as you are consistent you don't need explain everything. Let magic be mysterious. Perhaps my feeling that the magic system you choose to employ needs to be rational so that it doesn't offend thoughtful readers made me leap to answer the question that wasn't really there.

I think really having a clear idea of how your system works, how is it powered, how is it learned or the skills transmitted, is there a simple magic that everyone knows, is there a higher magic or magics, is one of the magics really nothing but knowledge of the material world so that sparks and explosions are magic to pre-gunpowder people, and so many other elements that don't immediately leap to my mind but probably do to yours (gasp) IS critical to it being believable.

But, magic is rare and the skill to wield it rarer or it dominates to the exclusion of the humanity of a good story.

Is this stuff somebody already said? I hope it is helpful.

LSO