Episode 27: Building Better Magic Systems: Editing Fantasy Worlds for Consistency and Depth

Want to know how to write a magic system? Rebecca offers developmental editing tips on writing a unique magic system, how to edit your book yourself, and what makes a good writer great. Through this writing advice podcast, every week we discuss editing fantasy novels, fixing story problems, and plot structure advice.

In episode 27 of the Story Savvy Self-Editing series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] explore magic systems—whether they are hard or soft, how to ensure they're creating consistent world rules, avoiding plot holes, and identifying red flags in revision.

Rebecca and Agnes explore the essential elements of crafting compelling magic systems in fantasy writing. They discuss how to integrate magic systems seamlessly into the storyline, avoid common pitfalls, and create unique, well-thought-out worlds that captivate readers. This episode offers actionable advice for aspiring fantasy authors to refine their magic systems during the self-editing process.

In this episode you’ll learn:
-How to make your magic system an essential part of the plot
-Whether your magic leans more toward a hard system or a soft one
-Tips for avoiding contradictions and plot gaps in your world
-Methods for keeping track of the rules that govern your magic
-Why tying your magic system to your story’s core themes matters
-Key warning signs to watch for during the self-editing phase

If you want to turn your good magic system into a great one, this is the episode for you.

Recommended Resources
-Brandon Sanderson’s articles on soft vs. hard magic systems: -https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/sandersons-first-law