Writing Magic Systems

Magic systems definitely are not one-size fits all, so I don't think it's possible to cover all of them, but here's what I have to say after a lot of hard work on mine.

First, you have to figure out if your magic system is based in fantasy or science fiction. The Secret Portal's magic system is grounded in pseudo-science, while School of the Legends is pure fantasy. Regardless of which one you do, you have to remember that it's called a magic system for a reason. This doesn't exist in our world, regardless of how similar to our world it may be.

If you want to stay grounded with science fiction, remember this is not based in an exact science. If you want to go really deep into the science of it, best of luck, I can't help you there, because I am not a scientist. My powers are grounded in basic theory, and because it's an alternate universe, I can just say it exists and corresponds with a different set of physics. If you want it to be pure fantasy, you don't need this kind of explanation.

Second, "that's just the way it is" is a perfectly valid reason for your magic system. Avatar: The Last Airbender has some people who cannot bend any of the elements because that's just the way it is. Even Groundhog Day never explains why the day starts repeating, or why it suddenly stops. You just accept it because that's the premise. Your book does not need a long-winded explanation as to Why the magic system functions however you want it to. You are the one in control of the magic system, you get to determine its rules.

Third, you need to set up the strengths, weaknesses, and rules of the magic system before things start getting crazy. For example, a character should not get a sudden deus ex machina power-up just so they can defeat the villain. That power-up needs to be set up as a thing that can happen, or at least the potential of it happening. Grounding your magic system in rules helps keep the readers engaged, and also gives you limits that can works as a creative strength.

Fourth, think of how the magic system affects the characters involved in it. Maybe your character has magic, or maybe they don't, and how do they cope with their place in their world with or without their magic? Does their type of magic affect their place in society? If your magic system has a source, does your character confront that source? If people are chosen to wield magic, how does your character feel about being chosen or not being chosen?

Fifth, how does the magic system affect the society and culture? Is their a hierarchy of powers? What jobs are rendered obsolete? How is security? For example, if it is common for people to turn invisible in your universe, then turning invisible to sneak past security cameras is unrealistic, because theoretically this world would find a way to detect people with invisibility. You don't have to think of every single aspect of the world in order to figure out how a magic system would affect everything, but if you give it just a little bit of thought whenever it's relevant, you will have a unique world that seems like the magic system is a direct apart of.

Sixth, try to tie magical power-ups with character arcs. This one's harder, but if your character gets a power-up with no build up, it may not seemed earned. If they reach a crucial point in their arc, and that causes a power-up, you get a really compelling narrative.

I found this video helpful when developing my story, but once again, it doesn't apply to every magic system:

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in whatever was is most convenient to you.

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