Comments on: A Magic of Convenience http://kidlit.com/2009/04/03/a-magic-of-convenience/ A place for people who love, read and write children's literature. Tue, 22 May 2012 02:20:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 By: Kathryn Purdie http://kidlit.com/2009/04/03/a-magic-of-convenience/comment-page-1/#comment-30469 Kathryn Purdie Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:25:53 +0000 http://kidlit.com/?p=70#comment-30469 I attended a workshop given by Holly Black at a writer's conference this past summer. Holly said, "Magic has to have a cost," meaning that if a character exercises his/her magic, it has to cost them something, whether that's being weakened or what-have-you. This "cost" also helps ensure the magic in your novel isn't too convenient and further fleshes out the rules of your magical world. Great post, Mary! I attended a workshop given by Holly Black at a writer’s conference this past summer. Holly said, “Magic has to have a cost,” meaning that if a character exercises his/her magic, it has to cost them something, whether that’s being weakened or what-have-you. This “cost” also helps ensure the magic in your novel isn’t too convenient and further fleshes out the rules of your magical world. Great post, Mary!

]]> By: Jenn Jones http://kidlit.com/2009/04/03/a-magic-of-convenience/comment-page-1/#comment-7704 Jenn Jones Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:44:04 +0000 http://kidlit.com/?p=70#comment-7704 You've got to place clues to the boundaries of magic throughout the novel, in a way that's both subtle (fully in the context of that moment, rather than obviously prepping for a future scene) but memorable enough to recall once it becomes "activated." But oh lordy, once you've done that, is it EVER hard to edit that manuscript. Take one interaction out, and I have to find new homes for three important tidbits of information. My next effort is going to be a LOT less intricate for that reason. You’ve got to place clues to the boundaries of magic throughout the novel, in a way that’s both subtle (fully in the context of that moment, rather than obviously prepping for a future scene) but memorable enough to recall once it becomes “activated.”

But oh lordy, once you’ve done that, is it EVER hard to edit that manuscript. Take one interaction out, and I have to find new homes for three important tidbits of information. My next effort is going to be a LOT less intricate for that reason.

]]> By: Cecily Nabors http://kidlit.com/2009/04/03/a-magic-of-convenience/comment-page-1/#comment-3259 Cecily Nabors Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:06:53 +0000 http://kidlit.com/?p=70#comment-3259 I'm new to this site, and have been happily dabbling around in the dazzling display of good advice and insightful comments. This blog struck a chord. I've written an MG novel about a boy who has two ESP powers. He sees auras and has visions, which are essential to the plot. Believe me, my critique group has made certain that I thought out and clarified the up-front rules of his ESP! It's one of the great virtues of a critique group: the members are quick to point out any anomalies or machinations the writer has used, instead of preparing the ground with care, thus making the outcome inevitable rather than contrived. I’m new to this site, and have been happily dabbling around in the dazzling display of good advice and insightful comments. This blog struck a chord. I’ve written an MG novel about a boy who has two ESP powers. He sees auras and has visions, which are essential to the plot. Believe me, my critique group has made certain that I thought out and clarified the up-front rules of his ESP! It’s one of the great virtues of a critique group: the members are quick to point out any anomalies or machinations the writer has used, instead of preparing the ground with care, thus making the outcome inevitable rather than contrived.

]]> By: Kidlit.com · Aaand… Action! How to Write An Action Sequence http://kidlit.com/2009/04/03/a-magic-of-convenience/comment-page-1/#comment-48 Kidlit.com · Aaand… Action! How to Write An Action Sequence Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:49:07 +0000 http://kidlit.com/?p=70#comment-48 [...] action sequence, characters should still act and speak like themselves. They should not develop any surprising but convenient powers or skills in the heat of the [...] [...] action sequence, characters should still act and speak like themselves. They should not develop any surprising but convenient powers or skills in the heat of the [...]

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