Magic in the 4th

[Dustin Adams]

This thread is to create a writer's group of five (5) people who want to work together on their individual 4th quarter entries - and are willing to create something (new or edit) with one specific criteria... Magic.

I'm the first member, and if you'd like to join, please post below. We will be in a group that communicates primarily by e-mail.

Here are the "rules":

1. The story must have magic in it. To define magic is thus: Mysterious or supernatural.
An example from Ken Liu's mega-award-winning story.

I didn't know this at the time, but Mom's kind was special. She breathed into them so that they shared her breath, and thus moved with her life. This was her magic.

Read the full story.

2. You must be willing and able to read each other's stories one time. More is optional. We can trade 450s by e-mail as well, but the only "requirement" is that we each get a full crit from each member.

3. Loglines. I'm making this a requirement, but maybe it should be optional? If I'm being a jerk about it, let me know. However, I believe it is important enough to push into necessity. Some examples.

So that's it.

Me? I have 0 ideas for this, and I'm terrible at magic. Part of this idea is to push myself to write something out of my comfort zone. My stories are spec, but are grounded in reality. Maybe you're great at magic, and you just want to join. Whatever! Sign up.

If for some reason we get more than 5, we can start a second group of five. If less than five, then we can still work together. And if just me, I'll still bug people for 450s and critiques.

[RSchibler]

Always down to work with people, although I’m still deciding between a fantasy or a science fiction for my Q4 so I might be out. Question: when does the log line need to be ready? I’ve only got the vaguest conception of a plot for my Q4 (and I may go with the other one anyway). Is that a pre-requisite or something to be developed as part of the process?

[Dustin Adams]

Loglines are fluid. They are pitches in Hollywood, I suppose, but for me, they help focus a story in a way unique unto themselves. If you're in doubt, create a logline. Watch what happens. :)

[amoskalik]

This sounds very intriguing. I also do not have much experience with magic nor do I have an idea yet, but it would be fun to try. Count me in.

[Dustin Adams]

Counted!
I don't have an idea yet either, but I'm hoping to workshop idea ideas.

Magic is definitely out of my comfort zone. I literally don't think I have one magic story.
A flash, maybe, but nothing over 1k.

[Dustin Adams]

If no one else wants in, I will get started with Amos for Magic in the 4th!

[amoskalik]

I've been thinking about what I want to write about. I have a vague concept that I want to try, but it is going to need some more work before I can even do a log line.

But first, I've got to finish up Q3. Just finished my first draft.

[RSchibler]

I won't be writing a first draft for Q4 until July or so, but I'm still interested if my story fits the rules.

[PATEZELL]

I know you posted this in April, but I'd love to take part if it's not too late.

[RSchibler]

I’m doing a straight sci-fi for my 4th so I’m out. Good luck!

[MWStallings]

Let me know if you have 4 yet.

[LDWriter2]

Hmm, I do have ideas I could do, along these lines, but haven't decided yet. Hmm, actually there is an old story I could redo. I like that story and I am not sure if I have ever seen quite that twist on the subject before. Not that that means there aren't any stories with my twist.

[LDWriter2]

But oops, I still have last quarter's story to send in. Hmmm,

[amoskalik]

I just started my Magic in the 4th story. I am semi-pantsing it. I have a pretty strong concept, some interesting characters, and I know where I want to end up, but no idea how I'm going to get there. Should be fun!