In this episode, Hayden Rodgers explains the theories behind magic in his fantasy world.

EPISODE NOTES: Head over to http://haydenrodgers.net/killmydarlingsblog/episode3 for all your darling killing needs!

Here's what was covered: Magic is at the centre of almost any fantasy novel. Our characters use it. Worlds are imbued with it. Creatures are formed by it. It can be a mystical and mysterious force, secret esoteric knowledge for a chosen few, or a commonplace part of everyday life. Let’s talk about what angle I’m going for.

I got thinking about the idea of magic and how in most instances it is an unexplained mystical force. It just IS. But, being overly analytical, I decided that I needed to know a little more. And since I’m allegorising the real world for this story, I wondered what fantasy magic would be if it was real. The answer was: energy.

We have seen examples of animals that have changed their colour or organs or beaks or shells to better survive. So, it stands to reason that in a world where other creatures and the environment are able to interact with magic, other races such as humans would have biologically attuned in some way to be able to compete. And what about creatures who aren’t able to consciously manipulate magic? They still have to survive in a world where the top of the food chain can use it. So, what do they do about it?

Then I read my short story, Lumber Rabbits, that tests the idea of animals that have adapted through magical evolution to better survive.

For the interactive part, visit killmydarlingspodcast.tumblr.com. Find the blog for the episode you just listened to. Read the summary if you forgot what you just listened to. Help me clarify my ideas with your feedback in the comments section. I’ll try and respond to everything - it’ll be great for procrastinating the actual writing. Join a cute community of like-minded fantasy adventure-loving nerds by following all the accounts and things.

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