After a short introduction to the types of writing we will do this semester, hopefully you have a better grasp of content. Now though, it is time to dive deeper into the art of fantasy worldbuilding. To understand the term, you need only break down the world. Fantasy writers have the difficult job of orienting readers to a world with new rules, new creatures, new places, and new conflicts. Many of the world's greatest fantasy writers have gotten their notoriety from the perfect balance and dance between the BIG FOUR.

Some folks, especially those with very little or no fantasy interest, often overlook the complex and multi-dimensional planning that it takes to develop a readable, enjoyable plot that involves MAGIC.

Magic is weird.

Magic changes the rules. It would be like introducing another sense to the five you already have. Can you imagine another input, something you could detect not by feeling it, hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting it? No, you cannot! Human perceptions are limited to reality.

So then, how do authors make magic both believable and compelling as a piece of the world they've built?

RULES

Brandon Sanderson is most widely known for his fantastic magic systems and political plots. Explained magic, as it might be called. J.R.R. Tolkien however, is more notable for dialogue and character, leaving magic's rules a mystery since only a few characters really use it. So how does a writer, no matter which way they go, introduce the idea of hoobityboobity to a reader in real time? There isn't just a guide on page 3 where they get a list of rules and then everyone is good to go.

One popular way to introduce the rules in your new world with magical stuffs and unique plots in places unknown is to have your character learn it. Your audience then get the idea second-hand.

Through conversation, training, or observation, your character must advance in some skill and knowledge.

Magic isn't the only thing, as mentioned. The places, creatures, and even things like archery must be introduced to your audience. You can do this as a writer by taking your character through the understanding as part of the story.

Write a scene (max 2 pages in MLA) in which your character is learning about the ideas/topics/truths in your lorebook. How would a character encounter this? In an academy in Elantris? Talking to someone on the street? Hearing about it by word of mouth and then investigating?

Make this scene what you want, as long as it is introducing a reader to some new idea in the world, be it magicks, Nira, potions, swords, your homeland, how to use fire in combat....whatever! Don't panic. This is a draft. I am sorry to not be there to help or finish our assembly scene (will do Friday).

Before you start, type out a two sentence summary of the information here.