You know how I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I’m participating in NaNoWriMo for the first time in my life? Yeah, well, the planning and plotting of “Preptober” has been… interesting. I’ve been in a weird floating state all month, bouncing between The Brightest Thread edits, short story edits (on Petrichor) and NaNo plotting. With November 1st only two weeks away (!!!), Christine Smith’s “Know the Novel” linkup couldn’t have come at a better time! These questions were just the thing to boost my spirits—and my novel planning.
Whether or not you’re participating in NaNo, if you’re writing ANYTHING at all, you can jump in and do the linkup yourself, on your blog or social media or anywhere. The link above will give you allll the details. 🙂
And now, on to DEAD MAGIC.
1. What first sparked the idea for this novel?
This story actually began as a flash fiction I submitted to Havok in January 2019. (If you want to become a member—which I totally recommend because it’s super cheap and gives you a daily dose of awesome flash fic—then you can read the original Dead Magic HERE!)
Well, the story was accepted, to my surprise and delight, and everyone’s comments on it solidified what I already suspected: that there was more story to tell.
But to rewind even a little farther, one of the very FIRST inklings for this story came from Mr. Gold’s Pawnshop in the TV show Once Upon a Time. The aesthetic of his dimly lit place full of knick knacks and mystery sparked my own shop, Sebastian’s Magickry… and the story took off from there!
2. Share a blurb!
Tami Muller isn’t sure what she expected her sophomore year of college to look like, but it wasn’t this. Dropping out of school to scrape together her tuition, she picks up shifts at her uncle’s shop, Sebastian’s Magickry—where the only people fooled by the fairytale trinkets she sells are the gullible tourists passing through Thatcher, British Columbia.
But the man who steps into the shop after closing one day is anything but a tourist. With a flick of his wand, the shop’s inventory bursts to life. Magic carpets, beans, and tridents, oh my! It’s utter chaos, and the damage better not come off her paycheck.
With his parting words, the man informs Tami that she—and the entire world’s technology—are responsible for killing magic in the first place. Soon, Tami, Uncle Sebastian, and Oscar (a former college classmate with an annoying supply of literary knowledge) are swept up in a race against time to stop this man from waking up magic across the country.
But magic was already stirring long before he arrived, and maybe it needs to be woken.
Maybe Tami’s not the magic killer, but the magic liberator.
3. Where does the story take place? What are some of your favorite aspects about the setting?
The story starts in Thatcher, B.C., a cozy, quaint (fictional) little town nestled in the Rockies. I picture it as a blend of Banff, Alberta, and Storybrooke (also from Once Upon a Time). I’m really looking forward to exploring its eccentric nooks and crannies.
But I won’t get to stay there forever, since Tami and Co. will be taking a road trip! There’s a stop or two I’m excited to write about, but won’t share yet because of #spoilers.
One of my favorite aspects is that I get to throw magic into the real world and cackle at the chaos that ensues! And it all takes place in mostly fictional locales across a few Canadian provinces, so yay for Canada rep! There’s not enough of that in speculative fiction, in my humblest opinion. 😉
4. Tell us about your protagonist(s).
Tami is a snarky young college dropout who lives with her uncle. Her dad passed away at an archaeological dig a few years back, and her archaeologist mom hasn’t left the field since.
Tami’s at a point in her life where she feels a bit rudderless. She wants to get back into college, but truthfully, she’s not sure what direction to take once she gets there. She’s a jack of all trades, master of none. People like her former classmate, Oscar, who’s probably been sure of his purpose in life since the day he was born, annoy her. There just doesn’t seem to be a place where she really clicks.
At least she has Uncle Seb, with his rock-solid presence and dry wit and hidden secrets.
(Wait, what?)
5. Who (or what) is the antagonist?
My antagonist is being stubbornly enigmatic at the moment. I’m still piecing together who he is, and some of those pieces that I DO have reside in spoiler territory. Buuut I can tell you:
- His name is Orion
- Tami’s first impression of him is that he looks like the Grim Reaper dressed up as Indiana Jones—he wears a fedora and trench coat but has semi-translucent skin through which you can sort of see his skull
- He’s got a plan to wake up magic, but NOT in a good way
- He is… very old
- And dangerous
6. What excites you the most about this novel?
I haven’t written contemporary fantasy in a LONG time, and last time I did, it was mixed with high fantasy. (Anyone remember The Prophet’s Quest?) So I’m excited to write in that subgenre again! And I can’t wait to throw in a healthy dose of snark, foreboding, and allll the fairytale elements.
7. Is this going to be a series? standalone? something else?
I SWEAR UPON MY DIGNITY AS A WRITER THAT THIS WILL BE A STANDALONE.
So many of my writings turn into monstrous series, but this one is not allowed to.
8. Are you plotting? pantsing? plansting?
I am flailing about in a plantsing state. Just enough plot and worldbuilding and character ideas to get me started and give my checkpoints along the way, but pleeeenty of blank spaces to explore in between.
I’m covering up the looming NaNo panic with much bravado, okay.
9. Name a few things that makes this story unique.
*freezes*
Oh yeah, this is a super unique story. No one has written ANYTHING like it. EVER.
What did I just say about bravado??
To be honest, I sense a few clichés within this story already. (It’s basically Once Upon a Time meets an older version of Sisters Grimm or Percy Jackson… if Percy was about fairytales instead of Greek gods.) And that’s okay with me. I’m not writing it to be unique or clever or original. I’m just writing this one for me. For fun, because basically everything else I’ve written in the past decade has been in pursuit of either publishing or winning a contest. So I want to go back to what it’s like to enjoy writing purely for the sake of writing.
And if something unique comes out of it, that’s a bonus!
10. Share a fun “extra” of the story (a song or full playlist, some aesthetics, a collage, a Pinterest board, a map you’ve made, a special theme you’re going to incorporate, ANYTHING you want to share!).
I don’t have a playlist YET, because I usually build those as I write. I don’t know enough of the story yet to pick appropriate songs. Maybe once I have that put together, I’ll share it with y’all.
But I do have an itty bitty Pinterest board starting to take shape! You can check it out HERE if you’re interested, but here’s a sneak peek…
Ah, I remember reading Dead Magic in Havok.
I, for one, would absolutely love a cross Canada modern magic story! I can’t wait to read more about it!
I am SO EXCITED about this. I loved the short story version of Dead Magic.
*flails* Thanks, Kyle! That means a lot! 😀
Aw, thank you, Blue! <3 I'm honored you remember that far back!
DEAD MAGIC IS BECOMING A NOVEL. Yesssssssss. I was totally intrigued when I read it in Havok!!
NaNo, I contend, is the perfect time to write just-for-yourself stories. *nods* And this one looks SO FUN. Man.
Also. Oscar. I have a feeling I would really like that guy. (Anyone with annoying stores of literary knowledge? yes please and thank you I want to be friends.)
YOU’RE TOO SWEEEET, MEGAN.
That’s what I think too! I’m so curious to see how the process goes. I don’t think I’ve ever written 50k in one month… XD
I have a feeling you’d get along with him quite splendidly! 😉
OOOH I’m SO SO glad you’re turning Dead Magic into a novel :OO
All I can say is it sounds epic!!
Good luck with Nano!
KDJAHFSKJH!
THANKS, SARAH! <3 It's gonna be fun, that's for sure!
*SCRRRRREEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMSSSSSSSS* DEAD MAGIC IS BECOMING A NOVEL. AND AND AND *SCREAMS SOME MORE* THIS POST MAKES ME SO HAPPY!!!!!!!
Okay, but seriously, I love everything about this! The whole concept is SO fun! I mean, a little Storybrooke type town and road trips and MAGIC and fairy tale-ness and AAAAHHHH! I AM IN LOVE. I also love how it’s set in Canada because YES. We totally need more Canada based stories!
The characters sound like so much fun. And being able to sort of see Orion’s skull because his skin is semi-transparent is one of the creepiest things I’ve ever heard of and…I love it! What an epic element for a villain.
UGH. I just love everything about this so much!!!
I hear you on being determined to keep it a standalone. That’s my goal for this NaNo too. Of course, that was my goal for last NaNo, and Kings Bleed Gold turned out to be ANYTHING but a standalone. *siiigh* But maybe this is the year! Ehehe.
AND. I hear you on wanting to just write something for FUN again. I, too, have been working on so much stuff for publishing. I really, really miss just WRITING and making a mess. I love how we both want to write something fun and whimsical for NaNo this year! It’s gonna be so great.
AND JUST. MY TRACEY IS DOING NANO. I CAN’T STOP SMILING ABOUT IT!!!! Cannot wait to take on this journey with you! AAAHHH!
Thank you for joining the linkup! This was a treat to read!
*SCREAMS BACK UNTIL OUR EARS RING* Now YOU’RE making ME happy! 😀
I’m so, so excited about all those settings/plot things. I’ve been wanting to write a road trip for yeeearrs, and small magical towns are the best. *raises my maple leaf high* Canadian fantasy, here we come! XD
Mwahaha, I’m glad you love it/are creeped out! He’s still being a tough nut to crack, but he’d better spill some secrets to me before November 1st…
Okay, I am on pins and needles here, waiting to hear about YOUR NaNo novel! All of your projects have all sounded incredible (and what! Kings of Gold was an entire year ago?!), so I can only imagine how epic 2019’s book will be. Hope this one cooperates as a standalone, lol!
RIGHT? It’s time to let ourselves off the hook a little bit and mess around again just for the sheer fun of it. That’s what got me started writing in the first place! Gah, you’re making me all excited.
CAN’T WAAAAIIIT! 😀 😀 😀
And thank YOU for creating this linkup!
I adored that flash fiction piece, so I’m stoked that you’re turning it into a novel.
Also the setting, yes! Canada does need more recognition. I’m loving all of this the characters, the aesthetics, it’s going to be amazing!!!
Darling, you’re so kind! Thanks for always being encouraging! <3
YASSS CANADIAN FANTASY WRITERS UNITE. *fistbump* Thank you again! I can't wait to start writing. Are you doing NaNo this year?
Okay. This just sounds brilliant all the way around. I’m completely excited for you and all the wonderful ideas zooming through your brain as you get ready for next month.
I wish this story was finished because I want to read it.
It sounds awesome!
Oh my goodness, thank you for saying so! *hugs* It’s all feeling a little slapdash at the moment, but hey–sometimes the more spontaneous ideas come together better than the ones you stress over. 😛
Awww, thank you again, Julia!!!
Yasssssssss to all of it!!!
YASSS TO *YOU,* ROSIE! <3
EXCUSE ME WHILE I FLAIL BECAUSE THIS SOUNDS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. :DDD
AND EXCUSE ME WHILE I TWIRL IN HAPPINESS! Thanks for making me grin, Maddie! 😀
This sounds really awesome! I love the sound of a Canadian based fantasy. Tami sounds so cute and Orion looks chilling.
Good luck with NaNo this year! I’m attempting for the third time and I really hope to win, but my planning is way too vague at this point in time 😛
Ahhhh, thanks so much, Chelsea! I’m glad you like it so far! I’m super excited to pit Tami and Orion against each other. XD
Oooh, third time’s the charm, right? I hope you have a smashing time! My planning has a lot of holes at the moment too, so… same. 😛
This story sounds absolutely amazing!!! I just love that you’re writing a story set in Canada. While I’ve only visited once, I fell in love with the landscape immediately. It definitely needs more recognition in books.
I also love the OUAT feel to it. It sounds sooo cool! Those are seriously my kind of stories.
I hope NaNo goes well for you this year! I’ll be participating for my sixth time and I can’t wait until November!
*faints because of the sweetness* Sarah! Thank you! Which part of Canada did you visit? I’m so curious.
Thank yooouu! I’m excited to see how it all comes together…
SIXTH! :O That’s fabulous–I hope yours goes amazingly too!
This sounds so awesome! I didn’t know this was your first time doing NaNo! WELCOME TO THE MADNESS!! AND BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!
It isss! And THANK YOU SO MUCH! I can’t wait to begin. Best of luck to you too!
“I am flailing about in a plantsing state.” — ME. XD
YOU’RE WRITING DEAD MAGIC! That’s so exciting! 😀 And ooh, I love that it’s inspired by Mr. Gold’s shop!
Yayy for your first NaNo! I’m going in for the fifth time, which is kind of crazy. Also, hehe, my characters are actively trying to wake up magic and yours are trying to keep it from being woken. ;P That blurb though! I’m so intrigued!
Good luck with NaNo! 😀
theonesthatreallymatter.blogspot.com
Well, that makes two of us, then. XD
AHHH YOUR EXCITEMENT IS CONTAGIOUS. 😀 Thanks, Emily! I didn’t know you were a Oncer too.
Congrats on it being your fifth–that’s amazing. I love that our characters are doing opposite things like that, haha.
You too! <3 😀
Oooh fairytale magic!! I love the sound of this story (I’m a sucker for fairytale-themed books like this…). The characters and setting(s) and blurb and everything sounds amazing! Hope I can get to know more about it in the future 😛
*high fives* I love fairytale retellings/themed stories as well! Thank you so much, Merie! I’m planning to post weekly NaNo updates throughout November, so keep an eye out. 😉
Ahhh, Tracey, hello!!!!
You stopped by my blog (Lily Cat) recently with such a SWEET SWEET comment, so I thought I’d return the favor and drop by here and OH MY GOOOOODNESS, your idea is fantabulous!!!! I’m absolutely in love!!! <3
I've honestly read so few contemporary in my existence, so this just sounds…completely devoid of cliches and GAH, I am dying. *Faints*
I'll definitely send you a buddy invite – and GOOD LUCK with NaNo!!! *Thumbs up*
~ Lily Cat (Boots) | lilycatscountrygirlconfessions.blogspot.com
Helloooo, Lily Cat! Aw, that’s so kind of you. THANK YOU! <3 <3 <3 (Just leaving allll the hearts because you brought a smile to my face.)
I haven't WRITTEN contemporary in years, so I'm excited. And really?! I feel like this is the most cliché thing ever, but that gives me some hope! XD
Accepted your invite! WE GOT THIS NANO THING!
IT SOUNDS AMAZING. And I love your Pinterest board! Your setting sounds so cool. Good luck with Nano!
AHHH THANK YOU, BECKY! So appreciate that! Good luck to you as well! 😀
This sounds AMAZING! I love contemporary fantasy and this just sounds so fun and whimsical, I love it. “Maybe Tami’s not the magic killer, but the magic liberator.” — This line in your blurb is everything.
Good luck with NaNo!
Wow, thank you so much, Shay! <3 It's been foreverrrr since I wrote anything but high fantasy--which is my True Love, but sometimes you need to switch it up. SO. I'm excited. 😀
Thanks! You too!
Ooh, how exciting! “Dead Magic” was such a great flash fiction piece and when I read I immediately wanted to know more. That’s so cool that you’re turning it into a novel! Your characters sound amazing and I can’t wait to hear more about them!
Happy NaNo-ing!
Awww, thank you, Jameson! I’m so honored you remember it from way back in January!!! <3 <3 <3
I hope your NaNoing is going wonderfully.