Writing Excuses 14.11: Magic Without Rules
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Mar 17, 2019 Explore the concept of 'magic without rules' in storytelling, revealing how vague magic can enhance engagement and emotional impact. Delve into the balance between world-building and character motivations, while appreciating the allure of unpredictable outcomes. Discover the intriguing 'Book Burners' series, where a secretive group navigates the complexities of modern magic. Finally, embrace the chaos of unconventional magic, highlighting the creative journey of bending traditional rules to deepen character development.
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Magic Without Rules Defined
- "Magic without rules" prioritizes story impact over strict magical explanations.
- This approach allows focus on character experiences and avoids bogging down the narrative with intricate systems.
Gandalf and the One Ring
- Brandon Sanderson uses the One Ring and Gandalf as examples of hard and soft magic systems, respectively.
- The One Ring's clear rules contrast with Gandalf's unpredictable abilities.
Unexplained Magic and Narrative Focus
- Explaining magic can raise questions that disrupt the story if left unaddressed.
- Avoiding detailed explanations helps maintain focus on other narrative elements.