I was just wondering what your process for developing magic systems is? How do you turn a cool idea into something that makes sense and is cohesive without taking away from the mystery and magic of it all?
This is a difficult question to answer in the space given. I’m going to assume you’ve read Sanderson’s First Law and Sanderson’s Second Law, the rules I place upon myself in writing magic systems. I assume you’ve also watched the lectures on the topic.
I’ll just answer the second part of your question, then, and leave the above to answer the more general “What is your process?”
Every bit you add to magic’s cohesiveness does take away from its sense of wonder somewhat. It’s a trade off. However, it doesn’t have to steal everything. Letting characters be able to use the magic, but leaving them without understanding the WHY it all works is part of this. (Better if you know why and can start dropping hints.)
There will always be mystery in the world to a character with an inquisitive nature. If they are asking questions, wondering, striving to learn and explore, you will have wonder in your books.
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