Issue 4
November 2024
Theme Machine
Tarot Tales
Shuffle the deck and draw cards for the Hero(ine)'s Journey, your character arc, or for world building inspiration.
The writing prompt is hidden in the details. Will you find a tale of love and loss or perhaps a twist of fate?
Use tarot cards to inspire your next story! Your reading will be based on a framework of your choosing and the cards you draw.
- Pick a spread that fits your needs
- Draw 5 cards
- Review your prompt
Genre Spotlight
Urban Paranormal
For this November, we wanted to highlight a type of fiction that blends the supernatural with modern city-living. Urban Paranormal/Fantasy usually features either a 'hidden world' that exists parallel to our own or the supernatural trying their best to live in harmony with the humans - often a good point of conflict.
Here's what you need to know:
- Magic isn't hindered by the modern world, and the stories typically star a human discovering the paranormal, or a supernatural being navigating human society.
- Common themes include walking the not so fine line between mundane and magical life, accepting oneself, and exploring the unknown, all while drawing our hero/heroine deeper into this new world.
- Urban paranormal fiction appeals to readers because it brings fantastical elements into familiar, modern settings, creating a sense of 'what if' that resonates with contemporary audiences.
If you are exploring this genre for the first time, why not try subverting some of these tropes? Veterinary werewolves out in the open, ghost librarians who remember where every book is kept, or a country gal with a cryptid friend having to hide in the big city!
Research Corner
Magic Systems
In fiction writing, magic systems are frameworks that establish how magical elements function in the world. There are three major categories:
- Hard Magic: Think Magic + Science with very specific rules and motions behind each action. Examples include the Mistborn series, where wielders must consume metals to use magic, or the Netflix adaptation of Shadow and Bone, where Grisha must make specific hand motions in order to activate their abilities.
- Soft Magic: A soft system is much more nebulous, and its precise rules are never revealed to the reader. Think Lord of the Rings: We see Gandalf perform lots of incredible feats, but we never really learn how he does them or what limitations he has.
- Hybrid Magic: This is the middle ground. It creates a foundation for the reader while still allowing them to appreciate the wonder of magic. We know about some rules of spell-casting in Harry Potter... but never really find out how sacrifice stops a killing curse, y'know?
When making a magic system, consider how best to implement it. Define the rules and limitations of your magic system (if any), choose its source, and decide if there are consequences for using magic.
Limitations create tension and prevent plot holes but remember that magic should enhance your story, not overshadow it. Don't overwhelm the reader with a textbook instead of a story - you can always tell them about your magic system in a supplementary book!
Help for Writers
Dealing with Writer's Block
Writer's block can be especially challenging during intensive writing periods like NaNoWriMo. There is plenty of advice out on the internet, but you can also:
Skip Troublesome Scenes
When you hit a wall with a particular scene, don't let it halt your progress. Instead, skip ahead to a part of the story you're excited about and return to the troublesome scene later.
Embrace Imperfection
The goal is to get the story out of your head and onto the page. Give yourself permission to write poorly. You can always refine and improve your work during the editing phase.