Are You Overusing “Magic” in Your Writing?

magic bears suspend reader disbeliefFantasy writers and readers have a reputation for being just slightly soft in the head. I mean, what adult believes in magic? But wait a moment. All forms of writing ask for a suspension of disbelief by the reader, and there are elements of “magic” in most genres. That’s the joy of reading. By creating an imaginary world for us, the writer pushes us towards a sense of wonder. But it is easy for an author to overuse the readers’ belief in the more wonderful story elements. Since they are…well…magical, authors may think they don’t have to follow the usual rules. But use of magic has rules of its own, because that is where the writer is in the most danger of pushing readers into disbelief. The following are a few principles of writing “magic” of all sorts that authors might wish to consider. Continue reading “Are You Overusing “Magic” in Your Writing?”

Magic Realism: An Overview

signMagic Realism, or Magical Realism, has become a hotly discussed term among writers of both fiction and non-fiction. Indeed, some would argue that it has no place in fiction. Others disagree. It is also discussed in other art forms but I will stick to writing in this post.

I have been participating in a few groups where these discussions take place, mostly as a fly on the wall, listening and learning, occasionally offering a beginner’s question or comment. My interest was piqued when two other writers suggested that my books could fall into that category. So with the qualifier that I still have a lot to learn I will attempt to pass on some of what I have discovered. Continue reading “Magic Realism: An Overview”

Book Brief: The Dreamt Child

The Dreamt ChildThe Dreamt Child: Book Three of Earth’s Pendulum
by Yvonne Hertzberger
Genre of this Book:Fantasy/Magic Realism
Word count: 92,000

We follow Liannis, seer for the goddess Earth after a winter in semi-trance in a cabin in the woods. The goddess Earth leads Merrist, previously seen only as her devoted hired man, to Liannis to call her back to her duties. Earth, as Liannis still has not heeded the recurring dream of a child, takes Liannis into pre-history, showing how the custom of seers never taking a mate happened. With the evolution of society the duties of Earth’s seers must change once again. Merrist is also given the dream. Upon sharing it with Liannis they find that Earth wishes them to join (marry). The child is their destiny. But the people believe that such a union is forbidden and some oppose it. Among these is one of the candidates for lordship of Catania. Lord Gaelen, of Bargia, current ruler, wishes Catania to become independent again, that he wants to relinquish his control over it. Treason, treachery and violence ensue. Earth gives Merrist the gift of healing. Gaelen also wishes to return Lieth to independence. The people are rebuilding after the great quake that destroyed Lieth City. Lady Nairin, under asylum in Bargia, wishes to set up a regency for her son. Can she be trusted? Will the people of Lieth accept the family back? With Merrist in Catania and Liannis in Lieth the couple find themselves facing many of these challenges alone. Even Earth does not always know what will come. Yet these changes must occur. Otherwise Earth, and the world she protects, are in danger.

Purchase this book at Amazon, Smashwords, or Barnes & Noble. Continue reading “Book Brief: The Dreamt Child”