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Writer's Craft #3
Writing about Magic
Do you write fantasy fiction? This book is a resource for authors. Crammed with information, tips, and plot ideas, it helps you create stories about magic and magicians which are believable and exciting. Learn about power-raising, ritual, training, initiation, love spells, sex magic, costuming, equipment, correspondences, magical weapons, healing, protection, miracles, spells, amulets, talismans, curses, hexes, illusionists, charlatans, natural and ceremonial magic, witchcraft, shamanism, alchemy, necromancy, ethics, conflicts, secrecy and more. Draw up a psychological profile for your magician, invent fictional spells that work, avoid blunders, and create trouble for your characters.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2013
102 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Rayne Hall
115 books1,437 followersRayne Hall writes fantasy and horror fiction, some of it quirky, most of it dark. She is the author of over sixty books in different genres and under different pen names, published by twelve publishers in six countries, translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in magazines, e-zines and anthologies.
After living in Germany, China, Mongolia and Nepal, she has settled in a small Victorian seaside town in southern England. Rayne holds a college degree in publishing management and a masters degree in creative writing. Over three decades, she has worked in the publishing industry as a trainee, investigative journalist, feature writer, magazine editor, production editor, page designer, concept editor for non-fiction book series, anthology editor, editorial consultant and more. Outside publishing, she worked as a museum guide, apple
picker, tarot reader, adult education teacher, trade fair hostess, translator and belly dancer.
Currently, Rayne Hall writes fantasy and horror fiction and tries to regain the rights to her out-of-print books so she can republish them as e-books.
Her books on the writing craft (Writing Fight Scenes, Writing Scary Scenes, The Word-Loss Diet, Writing Dark Stories, Writing About Villains, Writing Short Stories to Promote Your Novel, Writing About Magic, Twitter for Writers) are bestsellers.
Rayne Hall is the editor of the Ten Tales anthologies:
"Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires"
"Scared: Ten Tales of Horror"
"Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts"
"Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates"
"Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft"
"Spells: Ten Tales of Magic"
"Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies"
"Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance"
"Dragon: Ten Tales of Fiery Beasts"
"Cogwheels: Ten Tales of Steampunk"
with more titles coming soon.
The stories in her Six Scary Tales series and the Thirty Scary Tales collection are subtle horror: suspenseful, creepy atmospheric, unsettling. Although they contain little violence and gore, they may not be suitable for young readers. Many of these stories have been previously published in other books or magazines.
British English: All Rayne Hall's books use British words, spellings, grammar and punctuation. If you're allergic to British English, avoid them. ;-)
Mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/boqJzD
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/raynehal...
YouTube "Ten Random Facts about Rayne Hall" (2 minute video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXR4T...
Contact Rayne Hall on Twitter
@RayneHall follows back writers and readers. http://twitter.com/RayneHall
After living in Germany, China, Mongolia and Nepal, she has settled in a small Victorian seaside town in southern England. Rayne holds a college degree in publishing management and a masters degree in creative writing. Over three decades, she has worked in the publishing industry as a trainee, investigative journalist, feature writer, magazine editor, production editor, page designer, concept editor for non-fiction book series, anthology editor, editorial consultant and more. Outside publishing, she worked as a museum guide, apple
picker, tarot reader, adult education teacher, trade fair hostess, translator and belly dancer.
Currently, Rayne Hall writes fantasy and horror fiction and tries to regain the rights to her out-of-print books so she can republish them as e-books.
Her books on the writing craft (Writing Fight Scenes, Writing Scary Scenes, The Word-Loss Diet, Writing Dark Stories, Writing About Villains, Writing Short Stories to Promote Your Novel, Writing About Magic, Twitter for Writers) are bestsellers.
Rayne Hall is the editor of the Ten Tales anthologies:
"Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires"
"Scared: Ten Tales of Horror"
"Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts"
"Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates"
"Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft"
"Spells: Ten Tales of Magic"
"Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies"
"Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance"
"Dragon: Ten Tales of Fiery Beasts"
"Cogwheels: Ten Tales of Steampunk"
with more titles coming soon.
The stories in her Six Scary Tales series and the Thirty Scary Tales collection are subtle horror: suspenseful, creepy atmospheric, unsettling. Although they contain little violence and gore, they may not be suitable for young readers. Many of these stories have been previously published in other books or magazines.
British English: All Rayne Hall's books use British words, spellings, grammar and punctuation. If you're allergic to British English, avoid them. ;-)
Mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/boqJzD
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/raynehal...
YouTube "Ten Random Facts about Rayne Hall" (2 minute video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXR4T...
Contact Rayne Hall on Twitter
@RayneHall follows back writers and readers. http://twitter.com/RayneHall
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 29, 2019
This was an okay book for writing stories that contain magic, but I felt like it was missing something. I felt that it was some what helpful, but most of the information provided I was already familiar with. I think I was hoping for something more the was the book presented.
May 2, 2015
This is the third of Rayne Hall's writers' craft books that I've read. I found Twitter for Writers packed full of great advise and The Word-Loss Diet was fantastic for sensible and practical tips for tightening one's prose . I've started reading her Writing Vivid Scenes and once again find it excellent, with well thought out and researched advice replete with practical examples.
So I was disappointed with Writing about Magic. It's not bad, but not as good as I was expecting. She presents writing about magic from the perspective of a believer in contemporary Wiccan magic and almost completely from the framework of practicing Wiccan and modern Shamanism (with links to a Westernized New Age understanding of ancient religions like Druidism and Egyptian deities).
Thus she suggests, 'To make the magic in your novel plausible, use a system which already exists and works- or invent one which is based on an existing system.' To me, this seems to cut against the idea of fantasy fiction (which is to make things up). Yes, if you just make it up as you go, it won't be convincing. There need to be 'rules', checks and balances, strengths and weaknesses in any (fictional) magical system. But it is possible to invent a magic system that is both convincing and consistent that has no correlation an 'existing system' of magic.
And Hall also presents it piece meal (divided up into topics starting with the 'personality profile of magic user', a brief overview of 'magical systems', then topics such as training, ritual, costuming, love spells, sex magic, magical weapons, illusionist and charlatans etc)– which lots of examples and plot ideas but without going deep enough as to how magic might be viewed from different worldviews (from say materialist, animist, or Christian perspective). What I would have liked to have grappled with is the way magic can be used in fiction as metaphor or to express deeper truths or, in fact, how it has been used in fantasy and paranormal literature, as well as myths, legends and fairy tales. I love, for instance, how Ursula Le Guin uses magic as a means of exploring Jungian and, indeed, humanist ideas or how in C.S. Lewis' Narnia series explores a specifically Christian worldview in a analogical (rather than strictly allegorical) way. I also loved how the 'bending' (of the elements) was used in the TV anime series Avatar as a unique, inventive magic system that also tied into the philosophical themes of the series.
That said, there is a lot of useful information, suggestions and practical examples of how to include magical details. And I particularly appreciated the chapter on ethics. The two examples of her own work were well written.
This is still a good resource. I just felt it was a opportunity missed.
So I was disappointed with Writing about Magic. It's not bad, but not as good as I was expecting. She presents writing about magic from the perspective of a believer in contemporary Wiccan magic and almost completely from the framework of practicing Wiccan and modern Shamanism (with links to a Westernized New Age understanding of ancient religions like Druidism and Egyptian deities).
Thus she suggests, 'To make the magic in your novel plausible, use a system which already exists and works- or invent one which is based on an existing system.' To me, this seems to cut against the idea of fantasy fiction (which is to make things up). Yes, if you just make it up as you go, it won't be convincing. There need to be 'rules', checks and balances, strengths and weaknesses in any (fictional) magical system. But it is possible to invent a magic system that is both convincing and consistent that has no correlation an 'existing system' of magic.
And Hall also presents it piece meal (divided up into topics starting with the 'personality profile of magic user', a brief overview of 'magical systems', then topics such as training, ritual, costuming, love spells, sex magic, magical weapons, illusionist and charlatans etc)– which lots of examples and plot ideas but without going deep enough as to how magic might be viewed from different worldviews (from say materialist, animist, or Christian perspective). What I would have liked to have grappled with is the way magic can be used in fiction as metaphor or to express deeper truths or, in fact, how it has been used in fantasy and paranormal literature, as well as myths, legends and fairy tales. I love, for instance, how Ursula Le Guin uses magic as a means of exploring Jungian and, indeed, humanist ideas or how in C.S. Lewis' Narnia series explores a specifically Christian worldview in a analogical (rather than strictly allegorical) way. I also loved how the 'bending' (of the elements) was used in the TV anime series Avatar as a unique, inventive magic system that also tied into the philosophical themes of the series.
That said, there is a lot of useful information, suggestions and practical examples of how to include magical details. And I particularly appreciated the chapter on ethics. The two examples of her own work were well written.
This is still a good resource. I just felt it was a opportunity missed.
December 29, 2016
If you know a lot about magical systems or the history/anthropology of magic or Wicca, this won't add anything to your knowledge, but as someone working on a magic system for a story, this was a wealth of ideas, possible directions, and potential problems.
November 19, 2015
Some value, but very limited
I may have been expecting more from this book than I got. The author tries to cover a lot of ground, but she falls short. If you want a book that helps you find creative ways to work magic into your story, this book isn't the one.
There is very little in here that will help you create your own magic system and apply it to your writing. But if you want a short blurb about some potential magic systems, then buy it. Essentially, this is a book with Wikipedia highlights of magic systems. I was really put off by the author assigning these magic types to gender roles--Wicca is for females and religious magic is for males, for instance. (Hall suggests these are "typical" representations, but it still read as trying to pigeonhole these magic systems to a specific gender. Hall would have been better off leaving gender out of it all together.) I also found the list of characteristics for magic users narrow and silly as if Hall simply wanted more items to add to a pretty useless list.
I did find some value in the later chapters in the book. The chapter on the steps in a ritual could be useful for something, and the chapter on correspondence could be a jumping-off point for some writers.
Maybe I had such a harsh reaction, because I expected something different from this book. I was basically looking for a book that might stimulate my brain toward creating a magic system that was new, different, and unique for my novel. What I found was something I could gather after spending an hour or two searching Wikipedia.
I may have been expecting more from this book than I got. The author tries to cover a lot of ground, but she falls short. If you want a book that helps you find creative ways to work magic into your story, this book isn't the one.
There is very little in here that will help you create your own magic system and apply it to your writing. But if you want a short blurb about some potential magic systems, then buy it. Essentially, this is a book with Wikipedia highlights of magic systems. I was really put off by the author assigning these magic types to gender roles--Wicca is for females and religious magic is for males, for instance. (Hall suggests these are "typical" representations, but it still read as trying to pigeonhole these magic systems to a specific gender. Hall would have been better off leaving gender out of it all together.) I also found the list of characteristics for magic users narrow and silly as if Hall simply wanted more items to add to a pretty useless list.
I did find some value in the later chapters in the book. The chapter on the steps in a ritual could be useful for something, and the chapter on correspondence could be a jumping-off point for some writers.
Maybe I had such a harsh reaction, because I expected something different from this book. I was basically looking for a book that might stimulate my brain toward creating a magic system that was new, different, and unique for my novel. What I found was something I could gather after spending an hour or two searching Wikipedia.
March 30, 2019
This is a difficult book to review, mostly because it wasn't what I was expecting.
When I think about magic in fiction, what springs to mind are "traditional" fantasy stories with flashy mages shooting fire from their fingers in the heat (heh) of battle. When I imagine a manual that's going to tell me how to write magic in fiction, I imagine Dungeons & Dragons style discussions of the differences between Arcane and Divine magic, and the phrase "Magic System" makes me think of Vancian vs Mana-based Casting.
The fact is, there's none of that in this book, and it's actually clear that the author disparages that kind of magic. This book is actually a discussion of real-world magic systems... and there's a particular focus on modern, Wiccan witchcraft. And there's very evidently a bias here, because the author is either a practitioner of Wicca herself, or at least strongly believes that it is real.
Of all these discussions, African magic (which I'm most likely to be personally interested in, being an African myself, and living in Africa) is given only the briefest of mentions. And there's nothing about Muti, which is one of THE most common things people think of when they think of African Witchcraft.
The book concludes with two pieces of the author's own fiction writing. The first is a short story about a woman who approaches a witch to help her find love, and the second is an extract from the fantasy novel, Storm Dancer.
To be honest, I actually enjoyed both of these pieces. And I might just go on to pick up a copy of Storm Dancer. But the short story was quite poorly edited, especially near the end.
It's a pity, because I've developed a huge respect for Rayne Hall and this series over the years, but I think this one's probably the worst "Writer's Craft" book I've read so far.
When I think about magic in fiction, what springs to mind are "traditional" fantasy stories with flashy mages shooting fire from their fingers in the heat (heh) of battle. When I imagine a manual that's going to tell me how to write magic in fiction, I imagine Dungeons & Dragons style discussions of the differences between Arcane and Divine magic, and the phrase "Magic System" makes me think of Vancian vs Mana-based Casting.
The fact is, there's none of that in this book, and it's actually clear that the author disparages that kind of magic. This book is actually a discussion of real-world magic systems... and there's a particular focus on modern, Wiccan witchcraft. And there's very evidently a bias here, because the author is either a practitioner of Wicca herself, or at least strongly believes that it is real.
Of all these discussions, African magic (which I'm most likely to be personally interested in, being an African myself, and living in Africa) is given only the briefest of mentions. And there's nothing about Muti, which is one of THE most common things people think of when they think of African Witchcraft.
The book concludes with two pieces of the author's own fiction writing. The first is a short story about a woman who approaches a witch to help her find love, and the second is an extract from the fantasy novel, Storm Dancer.
To be honest, I actually enjoyed both of these pieces. And I might just go on to pick up a copy of Storm Dancer. But the short story was quite poorly edited, especially near the end.
It's a pity, because I've developed a huge respect for Rayne Hall and this series over the years, but I think this one's probably the worst "Writer's Craft" book I've read so far.
August 11, 2025
I liked it, but not as much as the others. I felt it focused too heavily on classic fantasy magic and ignored more modern styles, like the kind J.K. Rowling created. It was entertaining, sure, but also a bit outdated, with so many references to Ancient Egypt and Celtic traditions. They’re fascinating, but not very relevant to contemporary fantasy.
July 17, 2016
What horrified me most about this book is that Hall mentions she derived this book from a class she taught. This is, quite honestly, some of the worst writing about magic I’ve ever read. Unless you are intending to write a quite specific variety of magic, it’s not going to help you much.
It’s true weakness is that it is a Creative Writing guide book. So Hall spends the book trying to push forward what she is saying as broad scale universal advice when it is essentially steeped in a single tradition, following a single cliche of how magic works. Had she instead focused on what she was actually writing about, the modern Wiccan tradition and how that plays out positively in modern fiction, it would have been a significantly better and more useful book.
Unfortunately, you really can’t extrapolate from that tradition to all the others that have and could exist. Her ways for evil magic to exist is a single loophole showing a single possible iteration of evil magician. And while she disguises the rest of the book marginally better, that’s the book in a nutshell, a single way of doing things with a few variations of surface coats.
While plenty of authors do stick to her arrangement, even more don’t. The book is, in sum, too biased to be useful beyond a specific use. My deep suspicion is that Hall is either Wicca herself or has a close friend who is and didn’t bother researching much beyond that tradition. As this is exactly the sort of book I would be afraid of getting from a faithful Christian writing about how to develop religions in fiction - how to develop something that is just barely not quite Christianity.
So, if you are looking to develop a story about Wicca or not quite Wicca, this book will probably be of some help to you. If you are looking to branch much beyond that, this book is going to point you in the wrong direction.
It’s true weakness is that it is a Creative Writing guide book. So Hall spends the book trying to push forward what she is saying as broad scale universal advice when it is essentially steeped in a single tradition, following a single cliche of how magic works. Had she instead focused on what she was actually writing about, the modern Wiccan tradition and how that plays out positively in modern fiction, it would have been a significantly better and more useful book.
Unfortunately, you really can’t extrapolate from that tradition to all the others that have and could exist. Her ways for evil magic to exist is a single loophole showing a single possible iteration of evil magician. And while she disguises the rest of the book marginally better, that’s the book in a nutshell, a single way of doing things with a few variations of surface coats.
While plenty of authors do stick to her arrangement, even more don’t. The book is, in sum, too biased to be useful beyond a specific use. My deep suspicion is that Hall is either Wicca herself or has a close friend who is and didn’t bother researching much beyond that tradition. As this is exactly the sort of book I would be afraid of getting from a faithful Christian writing about how to develop religions in fiction - how to develop something that is just barely not quite Christianity.
So, if you are looking to develop a story about Wicca or not quite Wicca, this book will probably be of some help to you. If you are looking to branch much beyond that, this book is going to point you in the wrong direction.
July 20, 2015
This is a concise introduction to writing magic in fiction. With a focus on examples from actual real-world cultures, it is pitched more at those writing paranormal fiction rather than secondary-world fantasy. Hall’s ideal audience is probably someone who enjoys paranormal fiction and wants to try their hand at writing their own story, but is not sure how the magic should work or how to weave it into the story.
Pick up this book if you’re after a smorgasboard of ideas with a focus on traditional presentations of magic and magic-users. Even if you’re looking to develop something more original, there is no harm in getting the lie of the land, and no reason you couldn’t take these ideas and give them your own twist. At $3 for the Kindle edition, it’s not going to break the bank.
That said, before you go ahead and purchase this book, I did take issue with a few parts of it, which you can read about over at Compulsive Writer.
Pick up this book if you’re after a smorgasboard of ideas with a focus on traditional presentations of magic and magic-users. Even if you’re looking to develop something more original, there is no harm in getting the lie of the land, and no reason you couldn’t take these ideas and give them your own twist. At $3 for the Kindle edition, it’s not going to break the bank.
That said, before you go ahead and purchase this book, I did take issue with a few parts of it, which you can read about over at Compulsive Writer.
March 30, 2019
I downloaded this book hoping it would help with my writing, as I'm both a practicing witch and a lover of fantasy, and found the other books in the series helpful. Instead I found myself being offended right and left.
If you're looking for a book to help with writing the more fantastic fantasy, as I was, this is definitely not it. If you're looking to base your magic system on something from the real world, just find a book on that particular system, whether it be Wicca or Kemetic or what have you. Really, there's no point in wasting your time on something as rigid and unimaginative as this for what you could find in a more focused book, or even the blog of a practitioner.
If you're looking for a book to help with writing the more fantastic fantasy, as I was, this is definitely not it. If you're looking to base your magic system on something from the real world, just find a book on that particular system, whether it be Wicca or Kemetic or what have you. Really, there's no point in wasting your time on something as rigid and unimaginative as this for what you could find in a more focused book, or even the blog of a practitioner.
October 31, 2017
I like the experience with which Rayne Hall writes her reference books, but I though she was a little bias in her view on magic. The book was full of great information but could have covered some other areas and approaches which she finds lacking, but are popular in fantasy. I really like and regularly use all her other books on writing. This was my least favorite but still worth the read.
August 23, 2017
Disappointing
This book was very disappointing and not as useful as I hoped. There was nothing in the book on how to write magic in fantasy novels.
This book was very disappointing and not as useful as I hoped. There was nothing in the book on how to write magic in fantasy novels.
August 13, 2017
A great little guide to how to integrate the use of magic into your writing. Rayne Hall provides a breakdown of the different types you might use, how to properly label the types of people who use it, and the importance of believability for the reader. Throughout each chapter, everything is broken down into smaller sections and concludes with ideas of how to use it, an assignment, and suggested further reading.
In addition, mis-steps to avoid and the importance of figuring out the type of system of magic that will be used are stressed. Even if you're writing a wholly fictional world, the idea of building a system using existing systems is heavily suggested.
All of it is extremely useful information and the extra care taken by Rayne Hall to point out mis-steps that should be avoided, the further reading, and assignments really help cement the points being made in terms of making it a very helpful guide.
At it's conclusion, snippets from the author's own work is provided to show how the information we've just read can be used effectively, and thus providing a very concrete example.
In addition, mis-steps to avoid and the importance of figuring out the type of system of magic that will be used are stressed. Even if you're writing a wholly fictional world, the idea of building a system using existing systems is heavily suggested.
All of it is extremely useful information and the extra care taken by Rayne Hall to point out mis-steps that should be avoided, the further reading, and assignments really help cement the points being made in terms of making it a very helpful guide.
At it's conclusion, snippets from the author's own work is provided to show how the information we've just read can be used effectively, and thus providing a very concrete example.
May 28, 2019
For novel research purposes, I’ve read several books about magic, but this is one of the few that is geared for writers. Although I knew a little about different magic systems, rules, and beliefs, the overview in this book helped clarify things.
The clear writing style and large font size were appreciated, and chapters on training, initiation, costuming, magical weaponry, healing and protection, along with matters of ethics, conflicts, and secrecy were especially useful. Writers just starting out would likely find the assignments at the end of each chapter helpful.
At less than 200 pages, Writing About Magic doesn’t cover topics in any great death, but it is a good starting point for those who aren’t sure how to incorporate magic in storytelling. A reading list is also provided for further study, along with samples of the author’s work to demonstrate how she weaves spells and rituals into her stories.
Writing About Magic inspired me to come up with different ideas and approaches to storytelling, which made the book well worth reading.
The clear writing style and large font size were appreciated, and chapters on training, initiation, costuming, magical weaponry, healing and protection, along with matters of ethics, conflicts, and secrecy were especially useful. Writers just starting out would likely find the assignments at the end of each chapter helpful.
At less than 200 pages, Writing About Magic doesn’t cover topics in any great death, but it is a good starting point for those who aren’t sure how to incorporate magic in storytelling. A reading list is also provided for further study, along with samples of the author’s work to demonstrate how she weaves spells and rituals into her stories.
Writing About Magic inspired me to come up with different ideas and approaches to storytelling, which made the book well worth reading.
October 2, 2018
I found this very enlightening. A book every writer should read. There are things we don't consider magic and yet Ms. Hall shows us how they are. Does your book use miracles? Maybe someone is a faith healer. This is magic. Any form of ritual performed? Magic. Religion has magic in it. Something I never considered until I read this book. Aside from that, she gives many good ideas on how to use a magic system to complicate your plot. It was an eyeopener even though I have created many magic systems over the years.
Even if one does not use magic, many of the thing she talks about show how to stop what I call the magic wand effect I see so often in Indie books. That is overcoming a problem with nothing to back up the way it was overcome. (A clutz with no martial arts training all of a sudden fighting like the master of some martial arts, for example.) Her discussions on how to limit magic help one to see how to limit normal actions to match a character.
Thank you Ms. Hall.
Even if one does not use magic, many of the thing she talks about show how to stop what I call the magic wand effect I see so often in Indie books. That is overcoming a problem with nothing to back up the way it was overcome. (A clutz with no martial arts training all of a sudden fighting like the master of some martial arts, for example.) Her discussions on how to limit magic help one to see how to limit normal actions to match a character.
Thank you Ms. Hall.
May 8, 2025
I love how matter-of-fact Hall’s Writer’s Craft books are, and this is no exception. I usually read ebooks and discount any formatting issues to that file type, but this time I got a paperback and the formatting inconsistencies were out of control. I was still able to understand the information, but the unprofessional formatting kind of discounted her authority. There were also some consistency issues and errors in her short story included as an example of magic. Overall, it still gave me the broad scope of knowledge I needed as a beginner, so it was worth the read.
May 17, 2025
The book doesn't give much advice on how to actually write about magic. Magic in fantasy can generally be quite a broad subject, but this book narrows things down to a few simple elements. Lots of focus on wicca witchcraft, modern magic, and magic/spiritual systems that have existed in the past. I think the author is just giving advice based on what works for her, and she doesn't give much advice for people who want to create their own original magic system or are writing something other than contemporary fiction.
May 3, 2019
A diverse coverage of different types of magic
This wasn't quite what I was looking for but some of it was useful to me. I've given it four stars because it may be more useful to modern urban, romance, or erotic stories.
I was looking for more of a Brandon Sanderson lecture on magic systems in epic fantasy. This isn't that though it did touch on some useful things.
It has a lot of theory about the history of different magic systems and some magician, illusionist material.
This wasn't quite what I was looking for but some of it was useful to me. I've given it four stars because it may be more useful to modern urban, romance, or erotic stories.
I was looking for more of a Brandon Sanderson lecture on magic systems in epic fantasy. This isn't that though it did touch on some useful things.
It has a lot of theory about the history of different magic systems and some magician, illusionist material.
April 23, 2019
Very basic and unhelpful
Nothing here you can't find with a basic Google search or intro to witchcraft blog post. Very slanted toward the Wiccan view of magic and practicing witchcraft with barely any exploration of magic in other cultures or time periods. If you want write about an unimaginative, cookie cutter witch then this book is for you. Very disappointing.
Nothing here you can't find with a basic Google search or intro to witchcraft blog post. Very slanted toward the Wiccan view of magic and practicing witchcraft with barely any exploration of magic in other cultures or time periods. If you want write about an unimaginative, cookie cutter witch then this book is for you. Very disappointing.
April 18, 2020
Magic info
I don't like magic or paranormal romance sto.ries I usually write contemporary or historical but I found that really Rayne Halls books Gives me all kinds of great information that I can always use in any kind of writing that I do. I enjoy the information and the learning process that she makes easy and interesting.
I don't like magic or paranormal romance sto.ries I usually write contemporary or historical but I found that really Rayne Halls books Gives me all kinds of great information that I can always use in any kind of writing that I do. I enjoy the information and the learning process that she makes easy and interesting.
November 17, 2022
Normally I love Rayne's books but I feel like there wasn’t anything new or useful in this book for me to learn from. It'd be good for writers brand new to fantasy and magic, but for someone more seasoned there's probably not much to be learned from this one.
February 19, 2017
Very good
This book will help you figure out magic for your own works. Mr Hall tackles the subject with some humor.
This book will help you figure out magic for your own works. Mr Hall tackles the subject with some humor.
August 19, 2017
Good
It was a fun quick read that'll get me started on some research. I really like the further readings section, plan on purchasing some of the books.
It was a fun quick read that'll get me started on some research. I really like the further readings section, plan on purchasing some of the books.
December 7, 2020
Great resource for fantasy writers
This book has given me so much information and I'm buzzing with ideas to use in my fantasy books. Give it a read if magic is your thing!
This book has given me so much information and I'm buzzing with ideas to use in my fantasy books. Give it a read if magic is your thing!
February 18, 2022
A great reference for my Paranormal romance.
December 4, 2024
Quite basic if you already know about magic and magical systems in fantasy fiction.
December 9, 2013
Writing About Magic, by Rayne Hall, is a part of a series of books Ms. Hall has written to help writers hone their craft. This book focuses on adding magic to fantasy fiction. It can be found on Amazon. I downloaded using the Amazon Prime Lending feature.
I met Rayne Hall on Twitter, and she has quite the presence there. She tweets often, and is very helpful to other authors. I highly recommend following her and engaging her if you get a chance.
Magic obviously is a big part of my fantasy writing, and many of the questions and criticisms of my early work focus on how I write magic. Magic in my writing comes across vague and confusing. I recognize this shortcoming, and so when I saw Ms. Hall had a book on the subject, I jumped at the chance to read it and learn something.
I do not know what I expected from the book, but I was struck first that it reads like a textbook or reference manual. If I understand correctly, the author actually has taught this subject matter in a classroom setting, and the book feels as if it was pulled directly from that environment. Each chapter even ends with a number of "homework" style questions/activities so that the reader can go and practice what was just taught.
At first read through, I was a little taken back by this style, but as I finished the book, I appreciate the way Ms. Hall tackled the subject. Ms. Hall is not concerned with changing your voice or telling you HOW to write. The book focuses more on what magic is and what role it plays in stories. She then breaks down many different forms of magic from which to build a magic system around for your own world.
If magic is to be believable and serve a purpose in our writing, then we as writers must do our homework. An inconsistent magic system, or a system where magic immediately solves all problems can destroy the story I'm trying to tell.
Ms. Hall has certainly done her homework in creating this resource. She draws heavily from real world systems of "magic" in order to explain the style, training, etc. of the various styles of magic. She then encourages the reader to take this information to create a new system that works for his world.
For this reason, I highly recommend Rayne Hall's Writing About Magic. I consider it a vital resource in creating a magic system for my own work. Though I "borrowed" the book through Amazon Prime, I will add it to my permanent collection, as I expect to refer to it often. I also look forward to reading Ms. Hall's other books on the writing craft.
I met Rayne Hall on Twitter, and she has quite the presence there. She tweets often, and is very helpful to other authors. I highly recommend following her and engaging her if you get a chance.
Magic obviously is a big part of my fantasy writing, and many of the questions and criticisms of my early work focus on how I write magic. Magic in my writing comes across vague and confusing. I recognize this shortcoming, and so when I saw Ms. Hall had a book on the subject, I jumped at the chance to read it and learn something.
I do not know what I expected from the book, but I was struck first that it reads like a textbook or reference manual. If I understand correctly, the author actually has taught this subject matter in a classroom setting, and the book feels as if it was pulled directly from that environment. Each chapter even ends with a number of "homework" style questions/activities so that the reader can go and practice what was just taught.
At first read through, I was a little taken back by this style, but as I finished the book, I appreciate the way Ms. Hall tackled the subject. Ms. Hall is not concerned with changing your voice or telling you HOW to write. The book focuses more on what magic is and what role it plays in stories. She then breaks down many different forms of magic from which to build a magic system around for your own world.
If magic is to be believable and serve a purpose in our writing, then we as writers must do our homework. An inconsistent magic system, or a system where magic immediately solves all problems can destroy the story I'm trying to tell.
Ms. Hall has certainly done her homework in creating this resource. She draws heavily from real world systems of "magic" in order to explain the style, training, etc. of the various styles of magic. She then encourages the reader to take this information to create a new system that works for his world.
For this reason, I highly recommend Rayne Hall's Writing About Magic. I consider it a vital resource in creating a magic system for my own work. Though I "borrowed" the book through Amazon Prime, I will add it to my permanent collection, as I expect to refer to it often. I also look forward to reading Ms. Hall's other books on the writing craft.
July 17, 2014
(Full disclosure: I did get a free review copy of this book from the author.)
Magic can be one of the trickiest tools in the writer's box. On one hand, it can be the perfect peg on which to hang an entire plot, or indeed, an entire world. Exploring a magic system can be the foundation of an ongoing series, and portraying its impact with the characters can keep readers riveted. For that matter, magic has one of the largest opportunities, of any power source, for jaw-dropping feats of description and wonder, and is unmatched in terms of versatility and potential.
But it can also be one of the fastest ways of getting a reader to roll their eyes or just get bored with the entire idea, to say nothing of growing frustrating or tiresome after awhile.
How then to find a balance and keep the reader engrossed with the upsides of magic? Rayne Hall offers quite a few great suggestions in that regard, from reminding us of the basics ("magic is defined by its rules," "always remember that magic makes sense in its setting,") all the way to more advanced or specialized suggestions (from "erotic magic" to tips about different varieties of magic and suggestions for how to increase dramatic tension.) Finishing each chapter with a simple synopsis of "Do this/Don't do that," her advice is both sound and easily approachable.
The only real complaint that I have is one that anyone who's researched magic for any length of time might guess. Magic is such a sprawling power source, with so many variants, rules, flavors, and mutually exclusive options, that no one book can hope to contain all of it. Rayne knows this, and she gives a perfectly workable primer here, but it still leaves me wishing that she could have offered just a bit more specificity. As a short example, she does talk about "High Magic," essentially ritual magic, but she doesn't specify how- or if- it differs from Hermetic Magic. Considering that is one of the foundations of our modern understanding of magic, that is a bit of an oversight.
But again, there are a lot of different variants of magic, and no one book can hope to cover it all. Nor, indeed, can one book describe all of the ways that magic can- or should not- be used in fiction. Thus, like her previous book that I reviewed ("How to Write Fight Scenes,") this serves as a great starting point for writing magic, and points you to other resources for more in-depth research. Thus, for starting writers and for people who want a refresher for how to incorporate the mystical into their writing, this book is a fantastic place to start.
Magic can be one of the trickiest tools in the writer's box. On one hand, it can be the perfect peg on which to hang an entire plot, or indeed, an entire world. Exploring a magic system can be the foundation of an ongoing series, and portraying its impact with the characters can keep readers riveted. For that matter, magic has one of the largest opportunities, of any power source, for jaw-dropping feats of description and wonder, and is unmatched in terms of versatility and potential.
But it can also be one of the fastest ways of getting a reader to roll their eyes or just get bored with the entire idea, to say nothing of growing frustrating or tiresome after awhile.
How then to find a balance and keep the reader engrossed with the upsides of magic? Rayne Hall offers quite a few great suggestions in that regard, from reminding us of the basics ("magic is defined by its rules," "always remember that magic makes sense in its setting,") all the way to more advanced or specialized suggestions (from "erotic magic" to tips about different varieties of magic and suggestions for how to increase dramatic tension.) Finishing each chapter with a simple synopsis of "Do this/Don't do that," her advice is both sound and easily approachable.
The only real complaint that I have is one that anyone who's researched magic for any length of time might guess. Magic is such a sprawling power source, with so many variants, rules, flavors, and mutually exclusive options, that no one book can hope to contain all of it. Rayne knows this, and she gives a perfectly workable primer here, but it still leaves me wishing that she could have offered just a bit more specificity. As a short example, she does talk about "High Magic," essentially ritual magic, but she doesn't specify how- or if- it differs from Hermetic Magic. Considering that is one of the foundations of our modern understanding of magic, that is a bit of an oversight.
But again, there are a lot of different variants of magic, and no one book can hope to cover it all. Nor, indeed, can one book describe all of the ways that magic can- or should not- be used in fiction. Thus, like her previous book that I reviewed ("How to Write Fight Scenes,") this serves as a great starting point for writing magic, and points you to other resources for more in-depth research. Thus, for starting writers and for people who want a refresher for how to incorporate the mystical into their writing, this book is a fantastic place to start.
November 22, 2013
This is not a book for beginners, Rayne says on her Twitter, and she’s right. This is not a book that will teach you how to write, however, if you understand the mechanics of writing fiction and know how to put a basic scene together you’ll be fine. The language is straight forward and the assignments are appropriate to the subject matter.
This book was originally written as a series of lectures for a class on writing magic, and that is very apparent in Chapter 5 where she says “Today’s lecture…”, however, that is simply an error in editing that will no doubt be corrected in future editions and does not detract from the overall quality of the writing.
If you’re looking to create a system of magic that is entirely new, this is not the book for you. However, should you want to create a believable system of magic based on magic as it has existed on Earth for most of recorded history, then you will greatly enjoy this work. It’s possible to create a new system of magic that is both unique and believable, but it’s a lot of very hard work and it’s entirely too easy to alienate readings by accidentally creating a “Mary Sue” magic system, in which nothing is impossible. A magic system that can do anything is flat and dull, this book reminds you that you need limitations in order for your readers to be able to suspend their disbelief.
Hall covers a wide range of topics, from a personality profile of your typical magician, different types of magic systems, rituals, sex and love magic, how to phrase spells, healing, magical weapons, and more. At the end of several chapters, she lists books that you can read for further information on magic. She includes a fantastic short story and an excerpt from her book Storm Dancer, to help you see how to put her advice into practice.
Nothing in this book is earth-shatteringly new or unique, nor is it an in-depth look into existing magic systems. It is, however, a good reference book suitable for sitting next to your computer for quick access. It is a quick read and will give you plenty of food for thought as you create your own magic system.
This book was originally written as a series of lectures for a class on writing magic, and that is very apparent in Chapter 5 where she says “Today’s lecture…”, however, that is simply an error in editing that will no doubt be corrected in future editions and does not detract from the overall quality of the writing.
If you’re looking to create a system of magic that is entirely new, this is not the book for you. However, should you want to create a believable system of magic based on magic as it has existed on Earth for most of recorded history, then you will greatly enjoy this work. It’s possible to create a new system of magic that is both unique and believable, but it’s a lot of very hard work and it’s entirely too easy to alienate readings by accidentally creating a “Mary Sue” magic system, in which nothing is impossible. A magic system that can do anything is flat and dull, this book reminds you that you need limitations in order for your readers to be able to suspend their disbelief.
Hall covers a wide range of topics, from a personality profile of your typical magician, different types of magic systems, rituals, sex and love magic, how to phrase spells, healing, magical weapons, and more. At the end of several chapters, she lists books that you can read for further information on magic. She includes a fantastic short story and an excerpt from her book Storm Dancer, to help you see how to put her advice into practice.
Nothing in this book is earth-shatteringly new or unique, nor is it an in-depth look into existing magic systems. It is, however, a good reference book suitable for sitting next to your computer for quick access. It is a quick read and will give you plenty of food for thought as you create your own magic system.
February 25, 2016
Writing about magic - Rayne Hall
*If you’re writing about magic in any form - you need this book.
One day I will call myself a writer. And when I do it will be thanks to the effort other writers like, Rayne Hall, have gone to. These kinds of books not only help other writers but also save our butts a whole heap of time!
Writing about magic is an in depth guide to different practices of magic that actually exist around the globe. Not only does this guide cut the research time you waste by at least half, but it also mentions little titbit’s that gets your mind racing into the realm of possibility- an essential key to writing GOOD fiction.
With this information you will gain ideas on how to suspend disbelief, which I believe is essential to writing great novels.
Unless you write dinosaur porn I guess…
But I love the little things, those intricate details which differentiate ordinary from enthralling. So yeah, if you want to write a GREAT novel with ANY elements of magical life, force or even amulets- you really should read this.
I can’t wait to read the entire Writers Craft series.
Thanks Rayne Hall, for the time you’ve saved me already.
P.S – The Aus cover is much prettier!
P.P.S – The five book collection works out less expensive!
My Rating - *****
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1WL5EBI
Amazon Five Book Collection - http://amzn.to/1QHrFTC
*If you’re writing about magic in any form - you need this book.
One day I will call myself a writer. And when I do it will be thanks to the effort other writers like, Rayne Hall, have gone to. These kinds of books not only help other writers but also save our butts a whole heap of time!
Writing about magic is an in depth guide to different practices of magic that actually exist around the globe. Not only does this guide cut the research time you waste by at least half, but it also mentions little titbit’s that gets your mind racing into the realm of possibility- an essential key to writing GOOD fiction.
With this information you will gain ideas on how to suspend disbelief, which I believe is essential to writing great novels.
Unless you write dinosaur porn I guess…
But I love the little things, those intricate details which differentiate ordinary from enthralling. So yeah, if you want to write a GREAT novel with ANY elements of magical life, force or even amulets- you really should read this.
I can’t wait to read the entire Writers Craft series.
Thanks Rayne Hall, for the time you’ve saved me already.
P.S – The Aus cover is much prettier!
P.P.S – The five book collection works out less expensive!
My Rating - *****
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1WL5EBI
Amazon Five Book Collection - http://amzn.to/1QHrFTC
April 11, 2016
Writing about Magic is not a handbook for the beginner, but rather a usable course about believably incorporating magic in your writing. Hall outlines a number of basic real-world magic systems, and then goes on to touch on other ideas such as weapons, casting, talismans, etc. It concluded with two examples of using magic in writing, something that I always appreciate.
Writing about Magic give me some ideas, and I'll be looking forward to putting them into practice!
Writing about Magic give me some ideas, and I'll be looking forward to putting them into practice!
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