I've noticed that a lot of young writers like myself make the mistake of creating worlds that are magical, but which otherwise function the same as our own socially, economically, and scientifically. I don't want to make that mistake with my writing, but I'm not sure how to go about integrating magic into my world's functions. I would appreciate it if ya'll could throw some tips, ideas, or inspo my way. For some context on what my world's magic is like:
-The magic revolves around witchcraft and magical creatures in a similar way to Harry Potter
-magic is not a learned ability, but rather an inborn skill that is honed and trained
-interspecies interaction between human mages (witches/wizards/warlocks), sprites, dwarves, etc. is considered normal in this world
The revolution around magic, and magic being an inborn thing opens the stage for class dynamics! Are magical people in the government? Are they controlling the world? Or is it mostly nonmagical people? Are the magical people oppressed? (long story short where's the conflict, what is it, and is it between magic/nonmagic people?)
Economically… okay I hate economics, the farthest I go is making up new coin systems, but does having magic open economic doors? Can you get rich/capitalize on magic abilities?
Scientifically: what era is your story set in? Is it urban fantasy (so modern world like ours, but plus magic), futuristic fantasy, or medieval? Somewhere in between? If it's a totally different world, think about how tech may have evolved, or how people's understanding of science/laws of the universe have evolved. Do people think about gravity or the laws of physics, or are they attributed to magic? Are the 4 elements The Big Thing in your world? Were people so dependent on magic that they didn't even bother to really science and make smartphones and computers? (on this note, is this lack of progress in one country, but not in others? In one of my universes, I have a country that is way more technologically advanced as well as magical because someone in their history saw the need for science. The other countries though, don't think they really need tech bc they have magic, or are afraid of tech).
Hope I helped!
Thanks so much, kat_i_am! This helps a lot!
another thing to remember is the costs and limits of your magic. For example, a magic system in which anyone can learn to do it but few actually get beyond the point of making a pen float for five seconds. this is because it's incredibly hard and dangerous to learn. concentration has to be perfect or you might accidentally set off a nuclear explosion instead of lighting a candle.
Or maybe a system where each spell requires a deal with a spirit and the cost can be anything depending on what that spirit wants.
