E. L. Hark

Excellent question and one I can't say I've thought a lot about. In general magic is used to enhance things. For example witchcraft is see as a more effective version of medicine. The biggest benefit, however, is that magic is the best weapon and defence against magic. #writingcommunity #writesky

Magic is legal, but regulated. The Senate of Mages is charged with making and upholding Arcane Law. There isn't just forbidden magic, but there are rules about when and how magic can be used and who is allowed to use it. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment

I'm still sorting out the exact upper limits of what mortal magic is capable of. The gods, however, are the source of mortal magic and there isn't a limit on what they can do. If they want they can literally tear a person apart and put them back together again. #writtingcommunity #writesky

My book is set at a University so I have literal colleges for studying different types of magic. Broadly magic is divided into either Anima or arcana, which is what is taught at the University. Arcana is then divided into sorcery, enchanting, witchcraft, and arcanology. #writingcommunity #writesky

Consequences of magic is something I'm exploring in the sequel to Little Bird. Using too much magic too often takes a heavy toll on the body causing it to deteriorate and can be fatal in extreme cases. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment

Getting to actually hold my book was an incredible experience. Can't wait to actually get it out into the world. #writtingcommunity #writesky

I have a University of Arcane Studies with degrees that similar to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorates. The Mage degree is my magical PhD and requires an understanding of all the Arcane arts and demonstration of mastery of one of them. The demonstration very much depends on what you're studying

Magic has both physical and mental limitations. Individuals only have so much magic and once it's spent they have to wait for it recover. Burn through your magic too often and your body suffers. Beyond that it's mostly a question of skill and practise. #writtingcommunity #writesky

Strictly speaking, speech and movement are not require. However, I'm operating behind the scenes on the idea that the more a character is into using their magic the better they are at it. So knowing the name of the spell and little movement can help. #writtingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment

Not everyone who practises magic uses tools, but those practising arcana do. Arcana utilises runes to enchant objects as well as staves and wands to weave spells. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment

Gods. One way or another all mortal magic trickles down from the gods. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment

I use magic sparingly in my story so there aren't a lot of impressive examples of magic. This is probably the closest thing I have. #writingcommunity #writesky #Febchantment

My protagonist, Sibyl, perceives magic as a vibration that she can feel when she touches someone or something that's actively using magic. That isn't the case for all the characters. Different people can perceive magic using different senses.

I try to use all the senses, but use them to communicate different things. So touch is linked to my protagonist's magical perception and often reflects her inner state. Smell is often linked to memories. Sight and hearing are used to establish an atmosphere. Taste...doesn't get used a lot.

When I started writing I tried to make a magic system that was somehow novel, but didn't really get anywhere. So I pivoted. My foundation of my current magic system is basic, but my hope is that having simple fundamentals will help me make a more complex system in time. #writingcommunity #writesky

There is a baseline genetic factor to my magic system. You have be born with magic, and a certain type of magic, to be able to use it. Beyond that it is all a matter of education. #writingcommunity #writesky

Finally taking my first steps towards publishing. Absolutely terrifying and very exciting. #writingcommunity #writesky

I've divided my system into two types of magic, Arcana and Anima. Arcana refers to using tools and written languages to use magic. Anima refers to freestyling magic, more or less. #writingcommunity #writesky

I don't know if I've ever thought of my magic system as having a central concept. The closest thing is there is a mixture of divinity in the form of creation (specifically the ability to create) and people's sense of self. #writtingcommunity #writesky

Thank you for sharing. I've thinking a lot recently about how I understand magic systems and how to communicate that understanding to others. Hard/soft has never really worked for me so it was really refreshing hearing another perspective.

I fully agree about the hard/soft binary being reductive. Do you have your own way of thinking about different styles of magic systems?

I use a mixture of 'hard' and 'soft' magic atm. My goal is to have set rules about what is possible (and when it is possible) and then to be more vibes based on exactly how the magic is depicted. Sort of like describing your character's actions in an TTRPG after a dice roll. #writingcommunity

Toph Beifong is one of my favourite characters in both Avatar and Korra. Would gladly recommend both shows to anyone who hasn't watch them.

Hello, I'm know I'm a little late on this but wanted to join in. I'm a new writer and use the penname E. L. Hark. I'm currently working on publishing my first novel. As for media I've enjoy in the last year, I recently watched Frieren and am fascinated with its storytelling.

Thank you for the offer. I haven't given much thought to doing character illustrations, but I'll keep you in mind if I do.

I confess I've never been the big on physical descriptions for characters. That said I've always imagined Sibyl as being average height with olive skin, curly dark brownish hair, and hazel eyes.

It is more like preparing to prepare to publish, but still very excited.

New Series: The Journey of publishing When I started the process of trying to get published I didn’t know how mind-numbly dull it would be. I thought it would be a lot of work and it was. There was a lot of research to look for a…

Preparing to publish @elhark.bsky.social? Let's go! #superforest #littelbird #sibylwylt #publishing #booksky #selfpublishing #amwriting #Writingcommunity #writers #writesky

I'm working on a sequel atm, while sorting out how to get the first book published. Both books are very much character driven with a decent size cast that wouldn't fit into this word count. My protagonist is called Sibyl Wylt. The story follows her during her time at the University of Arcane Studies

The delusion is very much needed. I have an idea of how I would like the book to go. I know what I want my climaxes to be and have a rough idea of how I want them to work together in the story.