Azura Nightsong
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hello! Do you have any advice on creating magic systems? (Or more power systems in the case of Keepers and Let the Sky Fall.)
Shannon Messenger
Oh my, this is a BIG question and I'm trying to keep my answers short so I can work through as many as I can. So I'll start by saying that one of the best things you can do is google this question and read some of the amazing blog posts lots of other fantasy writers have written on this subject, since there is a ton of great info out there. But briefly here I'll add that I think it's important to build limitations both into the system and the characters themselves. If you make them too powerful, they become unstoppable, which ends up quite boring. It can also be interesting to give the powers a cost--a downside to using them (maybe it hurts, maybe it drains them, maybe it makes people judge them, gives them something physically different that everyone notices, etc). The more they have to pay to use the ability, the more tension it can add to your story. Hope that helps.
More Answered Questions
Anna
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hi um this is Anna and i really luv like all of ur keeper of lost citties books they r literally amazing i know ur tired of awnswering questions like everyday lol but um i know maybe u wont reply but maybe in one of ur keeper of lost cities could u like tell me what happened in ur new book Neverseen.? ty for listening :)
Eliza
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hi! I am a huge fan of your books! I have read the first 3 books of the Keepers series and have been waiting to read the rest in hopes that they would come out on audiobook. I have a learning disability that makes my eyes hurt when I read, so I was wondering if you could tell me if and when the rest of the Keepers books will be coming out on audiobook? I really want to be able to read the rest of your books!
Clara
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hello, Ms. Messenger! I saw that you told another Goodreads user this: "I have actually sold one other book--a stand alone middle grade--that I'm not allowed to talk about yet. Hopefully soon." THEN I remember that you posted some Swifts you drew on Instagram and said: "Someday I'll be able to explain why this particular bird is so special, but not just yet." I just wondered if there was a connection? :) -Clara
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