Sweet Originality

[Dalinar he/him]

I'm writing a book, which is basically already been done. It's a book about fairy tales mixed into our world, but since that's basically Once Upon a Time, I need something new.

 

I want to keep the book. But I'd like a cool magic system. I was thinking along of the lines of shape shifting, but different, sort of like Kandra. I want enchanting items with dark magic, with another twist. And then the last magic, which is the art of change. Good or evil.

[Argent he/him]

You could still try doing fairy tales in modern day Earth, but avoid making them dependent on the "real" fairy tales' setting - it's not entirely original, but I haven't seen it done. So your fairy tale characters would be actual, real people from Earth, and their lives would resemble the original fairy tales in some way (Talia could have a sleeping disorder or be an epileptic, for example). 

 

Or were you looking just for a magic system? I am not a writer (aspiring or otherwise), but from what I've read and listened to, it seems that it could be a bad idea to try to force a worldbuilding element as large as a magic system down the throat of a book that didn't have it before...

[Dalinar he/him]

Well, I was looking for a magic system, but I like the modern twist. The reason I want this magic system is because I've already found a way to incorporate it. The spindle in Sleeping Beauty is enchanted with a different dark art. Fairies have the art of change. Etc etc.

[Elbereth she/her]

I don't know how much you've read on Sanderson's Laws, specifically the second law.. I would think about them, if you have. If you haven't, take a look at this link:

http://brandonsanderson.com/sandersons-second-law/

Especially look at the weaknesses/costs/limitations section. I think you've got what you want your magic to do worked out somewhat, but what will it cost? What can't it do? Things like that.

Edited February 11, 2014 by Limelleth

[Quiver he/him]

Mind if I ask you to elaborate on what you already have?

You say the spindle has a dark enchantment- what does that mean?

What or how does shape changing work into it?

As a side note, I love fairy tales. If you're modernising them, I'd suggest maybe taking advantage of social changes that have happened, or echo them for effect. For instance, one idea I had a while ago for modernised Sleeping Beauty was that the spell placed on Briar Rose was broken nobly true loves kiss... And true love, according to the spell, was a woman. So you could ask what, exactly 'true love' is, or the nature of identity and fate.