Fresh Fiction Blog | Julie Kenner | Magical Mystery Tour

I’m writing this from umpty thousand feet in the air (I won’t embarrass myself by putting in an actual number because I have no clue how high a jet flies, though I probably should, and invariably I’ll be off by some huge number that would either have the plane falling out of the sky or breaking up as it slides through the atmosphere into space). The point is that I’m in the air. Way up here. Suspended in space, people. Doesn’t that seem like a little bit of a magic?

And, yes, I know about the science behind it. As the daughter of an aeronautical engineer who helped send NASA satellites into space and now designs doo-dads that help make sure planes don’t fall out of the air and that pilots know how high they are in the sky (something I clearly don’t know), I get that this is all about science. But I like thinking about it in terms of magic more.

I think perhaps that’s why I primarily write paranormal--because you can smack me in the face with the science of something, and I still see the magic bubbling underneath. The little men who live in the television and put on their shows. The invisible string that ties all our tin-can cell phones together. The elves who are going to some day get around to cleaning my kitchen (no, really!).

Call it whatever you like--magic, miracles, imagination--but I like the way that it opens the world. Makes it seem like a bigger place. Of course, it’s no great stretch to jump from "I like paranormal" to "I like fiction," because in the end it’s all the same, isn’t it? Sure, urban fantasy and paranormal romance have magic in them. Witches, demons, angels, fairies, werewolves, and every once in a while, rarely, you might possibly, maybe, run across a vampire. (Someone slap me; clearly they need to pump some more oxygen into the cabin.)

Anyhoo, what I’m getting at is that the very existence of fiction--of storytelling--is a kind of magic in and of itself. Even if the characters are as ordinary as, say, the folks in Judith Guest’s fabulous Ordinary People. Because although there’s not one spell in that book, not one demon or vampire or reluctant werewolf, when you bury yourself in that story--in any story--you’re transported to another world. You’re sucked into someone else’s life.

And, frankly, I think that’s even more magical than several tons of steel moving really fast through the air (propelled, of course, by the invisible flying unicorns.)

Comment below to win a special gift from Julie -- Godiva Chocolate

Julie Kenner is the author of the popular demon-hunting soccer mom series, book 5 of which, DEMON EX MACHINA, goes on sale October 6. In November, Julie begins a new series with TAINTED, Book One in the Blood Lily Chronicles, followed by TORN and TURNED in December and January. Read more about it at Julie’s website, www.juliekenner.com -- and as an added bonus, Julie is podcasting the entire text of TAINTED-- yeah, for free! Come join the fun at www.kennercast.com

Comments

I think airplanes are magical too. I try not to think about it while I'm actually in one. Yeah for Demon Ex Machina!
(Vikki Parman 11:45am October 5, 2009)

I have never been on a plane and I seriously doubt if I ever will be, but I have visited many many places though my reading. The best part of travelling in that manner is, I get to visit the past, the present and the future.
(Patsy Hagen 11:55am October 5, 2009)

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels out of it when science is talked about. It's like wind blowing through my mind because I don't have anything to latch onto to make sense of it all but I can program the vcr.
(Lena Lee 12:37pm October 5, 2009)

I like the way you think! I'll have to pick up your books! Thanks!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 12:45pm October 5, 2009)

I love Godiva Chocolate almost as much as books! Happy Halloween :)
(Mary Lynn Hayes 1:18pm October 5, 2009)

I love chocolate as much as books and dancing. I have never had Godiva Chocolate!
I always have to have nut free chocolate so tend to stay away from the shops that display it all together.

Thanks for the opportunity!
(Brenda Rupp 1:27pm October 5, 2009)

Thanks for the comments, you guys!!! Sorry to chime in so late...I had a crack of dawn doc appt with my little one and then, um, fell asleep on the couch!
(Julie Kenner 2:05pm October 5, 2009)

Very much looking forward to Demon Ex Machina being delivered on Oct 6th since I pre ordered. For those who have never read anything by Julie -- get thee to a bookstore now!!!!
(Jennifer Rayment 2:09pm October 5, 2009)

I like the idea of flying by unicorns. Anyway, magic of any kind is well... magic. I love being engrossed in something, be it Harry Potter, a good romance, the setting sun or anything that can suck me in.
(Theresa Buckholtz 2:24pm October 5, 2009)

You make willing suspension of disbelief incredibly easy. Thanks for the escape out of the ordinary world. Please don't ever stop writing you r version of magic/science!
(Norma Storms 2:24pm October 5, 2009)

I truly love reading an authors blog about everyday things! It makes you seem more "real" to me. Still magical in the way that your mind works but more real. You do realize that by being an author you become a magician, right? I thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating your version of reality to let me escape mine.I only hope that our very real financial situation improves to the point that I can afford to buy more escapes. I will definitely be taking advantage of the free podcast you are offering. Thank you for that.
(Dawn Detkowski 2:54pm October 5, 2009)

My Fav is the Soccor Mom who hunts Demons Series.....GREAT READS ...Keep up the Wow Job.
(Shirley Sego 3:00pm October 5, 2009)

Blogs and sweets. What could be better.
Thanks!
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 3:05pm October 5, 2009)

Thanks you guys!! Shirley, the latest demon hunting soccer mom book comes out tomorrow!!!
(Julie Kenner 3:31pm October 5, 2009)

Yes, sometimes it's the small things in life that are the most impressive. Magic isn't always on a grand scale. Have a safe trip! Love your books and looking forward to more in the future!
(Jody Faltys 4:17pm October 5, 2009)

Looking forward to it being out. These are always a great fun read.
(Donna Ross 5:30pm October 5, 2009)

I love to fly just get me a plane ticket any where he he.
It the thing My DH misses most since his MVA lost his pilots license use to love to go flying on a Sunny Sunday Afternoon.
Love the except....
Ann
(Ann w 5:34pm October 5, 2009)

I look forward to the great read, I'm picking up tomorrow. I love your books.
(Betty Thompson 5:35pm October 5, 2009)

I don't know where your unicorns come from, but where mine are from, they certainly aren't invisible!! They love Godiva Chocolates, too!!

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 7:22pm October 5, 2009)

Looking forward to reading the new book in the demon hunting soccer Mom serie
(Teresa Ward 7:43pm October 5, 2009)

Congratulations on your new book. 'Demon Ex Machine'. I love reading books that take us to a magical place and make the ordinary extraordinary'.
(Rosemary Krejsa 8:19pm October 5, 2009)

I have been waiting soooo long for DEMON EX MACHINA. It is waiting for me when we get home from vacation. Will we have to wait another year for the next book in the series? Look forward to your new series.
(Patricia Barraclough 10:51pm October 5, 2009)

Woohoo! Give me chocolate and a good book and I'm blissfully happy. Thanks!
(Teresa Balderas 11:38pm October 5, 2009)

Great blog.. and why I truely think of writers as artist. Even if you have a great imagination it doesn't mean you will be a good storyteller/writer. I think you all are able to see more of the possibilities in the wide world..
As for the elves not getting to the kitchen. That might be because it's usually brownies that care for the house. They're probably pissed you're giving the credit to the elves.. lol
Congrats on your new release & thanks for the chance at embrosia
(Jo Ann Jansing 12:23pm October 6, 2009)

Congrats on the new book! I can't wait to get it, should go super with chocolate!!! :)
(Sharon Knight 12:36pm October 6, 2009)

There is nothing better than losing oneself in the magic of a book, except eating chocolate & reading.
(Mary Preston 1:22am October 6, 2009)

Great blog but I always felt myself alone in wondering how things work. I even subscribe to a science website for kids entitled "How Things Work" to ease my frustration over how cell phones work & radio waves. Maybe if I had just blamed these mysteries on Magic I wouldn't have been so frustrated for half a century. Good luck with this new book.
(Susan Lathen 3:18am October 6, 2009)

So when the elves are done with your kitchen, will ya please send them over to my place? And tell them to bring the chocolates with 'em! Thanks.
(DeeAnn Szymanski 8:32am October 6, 2009)

This really sounds like fun! I like a scary genre mixed with a bit of humor and chocolate to boot! Who wouldn't love to enter your contest! Thanks!
(Cecilia Huddleston 10:28am October 6, 2009)

The reason I read is for the magic that certain lucky persons can create.
(Sandra Furlotte 11:30am October 6, 2009)

I just picked up DEMON EX MACHINA. I
can't wait to start reading it. I love your
books.
(Sarah Mangus 4:42pm October 6, 2009)

I hate flying but I love chocolate!!! Congrats on the new book.
(Mitzi Hinkey 1:45am October 8, 2009)

I really enjoy your books and what more perfect day was it to release, I mean it is my son's bday and all. :)
Love the blog, you had me laughing and I totally agree about the house elf...yeah only problem mine hasn't shown up either! hehe
(Chris Jones 2:09am October 8, 2009)

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Julie Kenner | Magical Mystery Tour

Comment below to win a special gift from Julie -- Godiva Chocolate

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April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Julie Kenner | Magical Mystery Tour

Comment below to win a special gift from Julie -- Godiva Chocolate

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors