Balance in Your Storyworld's Magic System
Create With the Apple Hair CANON!
Welcome to the Apple Hair CANON!
Here, I’ll explore creating a fictional universe, and I’m hoping you’ll follow along with your own world. I’m by no means an expert, so let’s discuss how to create a believable, magical, and captivating world. Let’s be storycatchers together!
Want to read Apple Hair, the boy band fantasy novel, from the very beginning? You can start here! Apple Hair is a fictional, Asian American boy band from Hawaii.
Welcome to the newsletter, and I’m excited to lay down the foundations of our story worlds together, one word at a time.
In the last post of the CANON, I talked about creating a storyworld through fleshing out your inciting incident. In this post, I’d like to talk about magic systems—in particular using the example of the “dream world” of Apple Hair—including how to create a balance while writing contemporary fantasy.
So, a little storytime. I used to be obsessed with writing fantasy. I loved that I could spring a whole new world to life, everything including geography, culture, to even religion. However, there was a big roadblock for me. No matter what I tried, my epic fantasies felt forced. Maybe even a little shallow. I realized that my worldbuilding skills were not up to par yet!
Have you tried writing a fantasy story before? Did the worldbuilding come naturally to you?
Discouraged, I wondered whether I should ever write a fantasy again. I moved into contemporary stories, and in there, I found a true passion for romcoms and light fantasy/sci-fi.
With Apple Hair, I am testing the waters once again. How far can I push the fantasy aspect? I still wanted to include the contemporary world, but I longed for something a bit out of this world. Here, I decided to introduce the dream world.
The dream world in Apple Hair does have a name that will be revealed later, but for now let’s talk about magic systems. As a lover of RPGs, I thought that magic systems had to include everything from skills, levels, and statistics. However, it could be something simple. Take the book Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer. This magic system is a simple one, including a main character who can instantly cast karma on people.
So! I recommend starting small. What is the essence of your magic system? In Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn, he goes all out with including precious metals and different skills that can be unlocked through them. For an epic fantasy adventure, this could be the right choice.
For Apple Hair, I wanted something a little more subtle. I went back to the main premise of the book, which is about five boy band members creating a safe place for them and their fans.
Where do you feel safe? Is it the library, the park, lost in a storyworld? Do you think you can include this in your story as a point of rest for your characters?
For me, I feel safe in my dreams. I know some authors might be against writing about dreams, but for me they’re a place of exploration and reflection. The dream world in Apple Hair has a dark side, an element that beckons the boy band members to stay forever.
It also is a place of boundless creativity. Here, the members can explore, create, and gain inspiration for their music. It is a world that’s influenced by the power of the guys’ creativity. As the novel progresses, this world becomes more interlinked with the real world.
Wow… I think this might need a continuation post!
For my paid subscribers, here’s a link to early access to Debut in Broad Daylight. I appreciate you very much! A reminder that this is a very rough draft—meaning very unedited! You’re getting the first sneak peek, and the boy band members are glad you’re getting an early start with them.
What would you like me to discuss in the next post? Jump into my Chat or on one of my Notes, and I’ll be happy to hear your input. I’m praying for bright days for you as a creator.