Have you ever had the impression that books like Harry Potter have taken advantage of all the magical settings in the books? Despite the thousands of types of magic in the books, it is still possible to create a whole new magic.
Steps
Step 1. Remember that magic is distinguished from science by the measure of mystery that governs it
Even if none of the characters know about it, there should be a logical explanation that determines the behavior of magic, and as a science not yet explored, its true potential should vastly exceed its use within the story. Magic must be mysterious!
Step 2. Decide who can use magic in your book world
Can anyone do it? Is it only granted to representatives of the clergy or occultists or does it have intellectual requirements? Consider this carefully, because the use of magic has probably been a very influential force in the creation of world culture and history. The possibilities include:
- Anyone - if everyone can use magic, this should be a common aspect of everyday life. Consider how technology would change in a world where magic can be used to solve problems in its place. Would there be medicine, hygiene and machinery or could all problems be solved with magic?
- Cultured people - if your magic requires education, consider how political and social structures would develop thanks to the added supernatural advantage that the rich and powerful would have.
- Clergy - if your magic comes from divine power, consider how much more powerful churches would be in a world where you can regularly witness true miracles. Consider how faiths would mature and evolve around certain types of magic and vice versa. A faith that professes peaceful intentions would likely attract healers, but it may still have a fanatical or violent side.
- Occultists - although functionally a similar solution to religious magic, occult powers are traditionally secret and dark. This secrecy could lead many people to disbelieve in magic, or on the contrary to a condemnation of it. If the magic is performed in secret, it is easy to assume that the practitioner has evil intentions.
- Elected - certainly the most used choice is that there are people with an innate ability to use magic. Births under special circumstances or biological factors might give an explanation, or a higher cosmic power might decide who can use magic. There are other ways to reserve the use of magical powers for a limited group of people, so consider a unique way to get someone to gain these powers.
Step 3. Decide what the source of magic is in your world
Consider whether magic can only manipulate existing elements or whether it can create new matter out of thin air. Magic may have its source in supernatural influence, in lost ancient technology, or in a mysterious force that slightly alters the laws of physics. The source of the magic may be a mystery in your story, but you should decide on a source, to create a set of rules that govern its logic within the story.
Step 4. Decide how the acts of magic are performed
Does the practitioner communicate with spirits, use written or verbal actions, or is it an instinctual internal process? Imagine someone using magic, and the thoughts and training he brings to mind when he does. Is it a physically exhausting activity, or does it require a one-off cost?
Step 5. Write a personal guide to your wizarding world, and use it when you write
Remember that even if you don't have to explicitly explain it in your story, your magic should follow the rules of logic, because your world will be much more coherent and believable when designed with logic. Remember that introducing magic exposes you to possible plot holes, so be very careful not to introduce magical elements that can break the internal logic of the story.
- Do your research. Studying ancient beliefs about magic can give you unique ideas as well as the influence of other writers, but be careful not to copy something already proposed. Your magic system should be custom designed for your world, and copying someone else's system will leave you with a boring and unoriginal idea.
- A world where limitless magic isn't particularly compelling. There should be a vibrant world in your story with interesting characters who carry the story forward and are not just dependent on magic. Remember that while you may think your magical system is brilliant and interesting, your readers will be much more interested in the story and character development, and your magic should have natural conflicts and limitations to advance the plot.
- The laws governing magic should reflect the structure of the story. A comic story doesn't have to focus on a scientific approach; it may have deliberately ambiguous or extremely bizarre rules that cause unexpected consequences. A more dramatic story, on the other hand, should have equally serious rules.
- As with any project, the best magical worlds are very simple but very profound. Consider basing your magic on a single element, such as mind, temperature, or light and dark, and find a way to bring in wizards who can force this simple system to achieve their ends.
Step 6. Write your book and remember to follow your guidelines
If your system doesn't seem as adequate as you thought, go ahead and change it, just make sure you keep a consistent, and above all unique and interesting, vision.
Advice
- Use abstract thinking. Try to come up with something new. Think about random things near you, tangible or not, and how they might create power or get involved in it. Don't overdo it or you will create confusion.
- Don't think you can create a complex magical system in seconds. It will take time if you want to publish a literary work.
- Try to draw your magic from historical or religious notions, such as Taoism. Readers will be more involved in the world because they will be able to identify with it.
Warnings
- Be careful when borrowing other people's ideas. Your wizarding world will need to be original, but you will probably also take advantage of already thought out ideas. Be creative and try to avoid platitudes.
- Be careful not to get into a magical plot hole (like Harry Potter's time turners). A well-conceived magical system does not have to require rectification.
- Be sure to check that your wizarding world is unique and hasn't been used by other writers recently. You would risk legal trouble otherwise.
