Fresh Fiction Blog | Jill Archer | Waning and Waxing Magic: Fire versus Flowers

Magical systems in a fantasy novel take as much thought as the settings and characters do. A magical structure will affect the characters just like the world's history, religion, or government will. It will likely have an even greater effect on the plot of a novel. And the myriad ways a character's talents can manifest is fascinating.

A character might be able to shape shift (Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson), speak to or raise the dead (Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake), cast spells (J.K. Rowling's Hermione Granger), create elaborate illusions (Erin Morgenstern's Celia Bowen), manipulate matter (Lois McMaster Bujold's Dag Redwing Hickory), or read people's minds (Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse). They might have telekinetic (J.R.R. Tolkien's Gandalf) or pyrokinetic abilities (the original firestarter, Stephen King's Charlie McGee). Or they may be able to travel through time (Diana Gabaldon's Claire Randall) or control space travel (Ann Aguirre's Sirantha Jax).

I realize some of my examples aren't magic, but rather a special ability, and some of the novels are science fiction, not fantasy, but the concept is the same: SF/F authors spend a lot of time carefully considering their main characters' special powers and how those powers work within the fictional world they've created.

So what about Noon Onyx from DARK LIGHT OF DAY, my debut urban fantasy novel? What's so special about her? What can she do? And how does her magic work within her world?

Noon has waning magic, which is the dark, destructive, fiery power that's used to control demons, set fires, and destroy things. In Noon's world, magic and gender are closely related. The male descendants of Lucifer's warlords are usually born with waning magic while the female descendants are usually born with waxing magic, the soft, nurturing, life-affirming magic that's used to grow gardens and heal people.

But due to a mysterious birth mix-up, Noon was born with waning magic and her twin brother was born with waxing -- which may have been perfectly acceptable except for one thing. Noon hates to kill. She doesn't want to have the power to start fires with a thought or be able to touch something and instantly kill it. The very idea of having such destructive, deadly power is anathema to her. Instead, she's always wanted what she believes she should have had in the first place: waxing magic. She wants the power to give life, not take it away. And, unfortunately for Noon, a waning magic user's magic can sometimes kill indiscriminately and involuntarily.

Where did I come up with the concept for waning and waxing magic?

From the natural world around us. I love gardens and flowers and sunshine. But I also love bonfires and fall and darkness. I thought about the duality of nature's forces (forest fires versus spring blooms; the life and death cycle of the four seasons, the ebb and flow of the moon's phases) and I thought it would be neat to design a magical system that mirrored them. I tied waning and waxing magic to gender because I've always been fascinated with how gender-neutral things somehow become associated with gender.

Why is the moon considered feminine and the sun masculine? Why is Leo a masculine astrology sign while Pisces is considered a feminine one? Why are Yin and darkness and water associated with the female while Yang and light and dryness are associated with the male? These questions can be answered but thinking about those answers, articulating them, and then exploring those concepts further was a large part of what motivated me to design Haljan magic the way I did.

So how about you? I barely scratched the surface with my examples of characters with magic and special abilities. Who are some of your favorite characters with magic or special abilities? What types of cool things can they do? Are there any authors or series which have used magic in a particularly inventive way? If you had the power to set fires and control demons -- would you want it? What if it meant your touch was potentially harmful to all growing things? Do you think it's interesting when inanimate things, natural forces, or abstract concepts take on gender associations?

Thank you to everyone here at Fresh Fiction for hosting me!

One commenter will win a print Ace/Roc Science Fiction and Fantasy 2012 Sampler. These are bound, print samplers with a color cover and the first few pages of new work from the following authors/titles: Benedict Jacka's FATED, Alex Hughes' CLEAN, Jacqueline Carey's DARK CURRENTS, Steve Bein's DAUGHTER OF THE SWORD, Anton Strout's ALCHEMYSTIC, and Jill Archer's DARK LIGHT OF DAY. US ONLY

Comments

I like the idea of the different types of magic, the waxing and waning magic.
I always enjoyed Jenienne Frost's Bones and Kat. Bones with his mind
reading among other talents and Kat with her ability to borrow abilities from
whomever she is snacking on.
(Ann Sheiring 2:34am October 2, 2012)

If a character can cast spells do you work out what spells before you write the story or do you just make it up as you go on
(Kevin Clarke 3:35am October 2, 2012)

I like characters that have the ability to communicate with animals. I don't like black magic at all and I want my characters to use their powers to do good in the world not disrupt things.
(Kathleen Yohanna 6:07am October 2, 2012)

Love fantasies! They help in coping with reality.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:18am October 2, 2012)

I would like to win the prize and a Happy Halloween to you and all!!
(Margaret Yannucci 7:56am October 2, 2012)

This sounds like a very interesting book to read. Thanks and have a good luck!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:20am October 2, 2012)

Captivating and fascinating. Love this post. Best wishes.
Characters with special abilities are always compelling and
unique. One that is appealing to me is a time traveller whose
abilities allow him to save and change lives.
(Sharon Berger 8:59am October 2, 2012)

I have always loved the magical side of life!! I can't wait to read your novel. To have the power and not want it and have the constant inner battle with one's self makes for great story telling.
Thanks!!
(Teresa Sullivan 10:28am October 2, 2012)

Love all that magical stuff! This is a perfect time of year
for it too!
(Ashley C 10:31am October 2, 2012)

Wow! A sampler like this would be a great way to try this genre.
(Shari Santella 10:49am October 2, 2012)

Hi Ann, I listed to Halfway to the Grave recently on audio
and loved it. Kat and Bones were great characters and I look
forward to seeing what they're up to in future books!

Hi Kevin, the Angels in Dark Light of Day are able to cast
spells. If it's a spell that plays a big part in the story,
I spend some time thinking about it before writing. I know
what it's called and what it does. But for the rest, the
small spells that just come up as the story unfolds, I make
them up as I go. It's been fun!

Hi Kathleen, Noon Onyx would sympathize with your thoughts.
While her magic isn't "black magic," it is dark and
destructive and she would much rather have the power to heal
and grow, than to start fires or control demons.
Communicating with animals would be a neat ability, although
that's one I haven't yet explored in the series.

Hi Marjorie, I hear you! I want my entertainment to
transport me, to take me away for a few hours to another
place. It can be fun, relaxing, exhilarating, and/or
cathartic!

Hi Sharon, I love stories with time travel too. I had a
guest blogger over the summer who'd just written a time
travel story and it was a lot of fun hearing about
everyone's favorite time travel stories in the comments.

Hi Teresa, thank you! Noon is definitely a conflicted
character. But I agree with you. The characters I enjoy the
most have strong internal, as well as external, conflicts.

Margaret, Bonnie, Ashley, and Shari, Happy Halloween to you
too and thanks for stopping by!
(Jill Archer 11:49am October 2, 2012)

My favorite character is Mhorgin from lynn kurlan book. i love magic and sorcery it is one of my types of fiction that i love to write about. When i see paintings, illustrations, and any art work it helps me write the story to the fiction story that i am writing. I have seen your artwork it is fantastic and incredible.
(Anthonia Sharp 12:07pm October 2, 2012)

Very interesting post! Dark Light Of Day sounds like a great read, I love characters with magical abilities. Thanks for the chance to win!
(Cheryl Lynne 2:16pm October 2, 2012)

Such a cosmopolitan idea! I cant wait to read! Very fresh!
(Candice Duffey 2:17pm October 2, 2012)

I CAN'T WAIT TO READ DARK LIGHT OF DAY IT SOUNDS VERY
INTERESTING. I LOVE THESE KINDS OF BOOKS THEY ARE MARVELOUS
AND AMAZING. LOVE TO WIN.
(Shelly Caggiano 3:26pm October 2, 2012)

Hi Anthonia, thanks for the compliment on Dark Light of
Day's cover. Lesley Worrell, the cover designer, and David
Palumbo, the artist, did a fantastic job. I was really
pleased with it.

Sandy, Cheryl, Candice, and Shelly, I appreciate your
interest in Dark Light of Day. I'm glad you all stopped by
today and left comments! Good luck with the giveaways.
(Jill Archer 4:13pm October 2, 2012)

What a great concept! One of the first things I ever saw of someone with an ability was Barbra Streisand in "On a Clear Day" when she could encourage plants. It seemed so soft and sweet and harmless! but still magical.
(Lisa Elwood 6:59pm October 2, 2012)

Would love to read your book after reading your post. Love the name you chose, Noon Onyx (so fitting for your story). I'm wondering if anyone has read Wander Dust by Michelle Warren? It's supposed to be a time-travel fantasy story which I've got on my TBR list. Jill, your cover is breath-takingly beautiful, and I'm adding your book to my list also. Thanks for your great post!
(Linda Luinstra 7:06pm October 2, 2012)

I can't wait to read it. What a nice twist .
(Tracy Wickman 7:20pm October 2, 2012)

I love an author's imagination that can invent a whole new world. Looking forward to reading your work.
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 8:51pm October 2, 2012)

There are lots of characters that I like with special abilities. A few of them are:
Beau Russell (Beauty Dates the Beast By, Jessica Sims) - Cougar Shifter
Puck ("The Sisters Grimm" By, Michael Buckley) - Fairy
(Chelsea Knestrick 8:59pm October 2, 2012)

I like the different levels of magic and that the powers are waxing or waning like the moon. Does it follow the moon cycles and is a full moon when powers intensify?
(Alyson Widen 9:18pm October 2, 2012)

This is a totally new genre for me, so you have to excuse my ignorance on the subject. I really admire your knowledge regarding which signs, American and Chinese, are considered male and female, in order to write your book. The only book that comes to mind for me is the series by Gregory Maguire. It starts with the book Son of a Witch. It's actually a spin on the series The Wizard of Oz, and it's a bit dark, but for some reason, I was in just one of those moods to take this first book out, and got hooked on it. I read all of his books of the series through the last one, which is A Lion Among Men. I believe that he's going to expound on all of the characters in the story, so he has to write one on the tin man yet. As for powers, we all know about the Wicked Witch!! There was another book series that I wanted to talk about, but I can't think of who the Author is. It's about a witch, but the book has a bit of a humorous twist. I couldn't use powers to kill anything unless my life were in danger, or that of my family. I would love to read your book, and find the cover to be well done and mysterious!! Congratulations on a great story line. You found a new reader to your genre!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:30pm October 2, 2012)

I had also wanted to be a mutant after reading the first copy of the X-Men. They are born with powers...the power of telekinesis, power to control the elements, telepathy, and so many other powers. That is main reason I'm so draw to paranormal world.
(Kai Wong 9:37pm October 2, 2012)

I like animals that can communicate with people---probably because I'm an animal lover.
(Sue Farrell 9:38pm October 2, 2012)

i can't wait to read and i love the cover!!
(Jennifer Beck 10:25pm October 2, 2012)

Here are a few more magical characters I really like:
Sophie Mercer (Hex Hall Series By, Rachel Hawkins) - Part Witch / Part Demon
Archer Cross (Hex Hall Series By, Rachel Hawkins) - Warlock
Mala (Northern Shifters #4 By, Jorrie Spencer ) - Dream Wraith
Angus MacIntyre (Northern Shifters #4 By, Jorrie Spencer) - Alpha Werewolf
Eff (Frontier Magic Trilogy By, Patricia C. Wrede) - 13th child with magical abilities
Mendanbar (Enchanted Forest Chronicles By, Patricia C. Wrede) - King of Enchanted Forest with magical abilities
(Chelsea Knestrick 10:53pm October 2, 2012)

Hi Lisa, I've never seen On a Clear Day and it sounded
intriguing so I just looked it up. Thanks for the
suggestion!

Hi Linda, I haven't read Wander Dust. Another recommendation
I'll have to check out. Thanks for the compliments on Noon's
name and the cover. So glad you enjoyed the post!

Hi Alyson, no, waning and waxing magic don't actually follow
the waning and waxing moon's cycles, although it's a great
question! I just used the moon's phases as inspiration in
naming reductive/destructive magic versus expansive/creative
magic.

Hi Peggy, I think it's wonderful that you give books outside
of your usual genre a try! I love to read in different
genres, but I know how comfortable feeling a favorite type
of story can be. I haven't yet read any of Gregory Maguire's
books but I did see Wicked in Philadelphia some time ago and
loved it. Thanks for the kind words about Dark Light of Day!

Hi Kai, a paranormal world is a fantastic place to be.
Everything in it just seems BIGGER... the character's
abilities, the danger and risk of failure, the villains and
the heroes. They all seem larger than life, which makes for
great entertainment!

Hi Chelsea, I'm making notes of all these great suggestions.
Thanks for posting your list of favorite characters with
magic!

Tracy, Tracie, Sue, and Jennifer, thanks for all of your
nice comments. I appreciate you stopping by to read the
post!
(Jill Archer 11:20pm October 2, 2012)

Sparrowhawk or Ged in The Earthsea trilogy (now with added books!) has to be my favourite because he was made so real to the reader. The land of Earthsea itself was also so real from the dragons to the lack of a moon (so no tides).
I love the concepts you introduce. As a tree surgeon I definitely would not want a power that was destructive to growing things!
(Clare O'Beara 6:20am October 3, 2012)

I loved the three sisters in Charmed. All had magic but in different areas, which made the stories interesting. Love your spin on magic - sounds very interesting indeed.
(Barbara Hanson 8:24am October 3, 2012)

I love the premise of your book. In fact one of the things that one learns is that depending upon intention and the need you use the waxing and waning of the moon. You use the natural phenomenon to help with manifestations and cleasings.
With power comes great responsibility - but to produce fire, yes - to control demons, depends - my touch killing life, most likely
One series I love is Charley Davidson, The Grave series - funny, quirky, unlikely heroine with the ability to see and work with the dead (she is the Grim Reaper and a PI)
(Carla Carlson 10:39am October 3, 2012)

Ooh- I love the character of Charley Davidson too! Darynda Jones us one
of my all time favorite authors! Her books never fail to make me laugh,
and then keep me on the edge of my seat. Besides being the Grim
Reaper, Charley has a bunch of as of yet unrevealed powers. You just
never know what she's going to do next.
This new book sounds great. I think I would use those powers if I had
them, just maybe find a way to make the best of them.
Thanks for the chance to win.
(Debbie Burdeen 10:21am October 4, 2012)

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