The Trouble with Magic: Writing Spells That Actually Work on the Page
A Talk by KJ Dell’Antonia (New York Times bestselling author of The Chicken Sisters and Playing the Witch Card)
About this Talk
Magic is easy to add. Much harder to make work.
In this smart, funny, and no-holds-barred conversation, book coach and summit host Heather Davis chats with K.J. Dell’Antonia to talk about the real challenges of writing magic that doesn’t just sparkle but truly serves the story!
Whether you’re writing witches, curses, talismans, or time travel, this session will help you move beyond surface-level “magic stuff” and craft a system that truly serves your story (without leaving readers scratching their heads).
You’ll learn:
- Why magic can’t be just cool—it has to mean something
- The surprising ways magic affects character, pacing, and theme
- How to avoid the dreaded “handwavy magic” trap
- Tips for building a system that feels fresh, logical, and story-driven
If your magic is starting to feel like a gimmick or a crutch, this conversation will light the way back to clarity, purpose, and power.
Hosts
Book Coach and Editor, Many Worlds Writing