Fictional Fixation

The Writing Prompt:

In a world that seems ordinary at first glance, there exists a hidden thread of magic woven through the fabric of everyday life. Twenty-eight-year-old Nora Woodson is a quiet, practical woman who’s built her life around the unremarkable—a steady job at a local bookstore, a small apartment in the heart of the city, and a routine that leaves little room for surprises. But everything changes one ordinary Tuesday morning when she encounters a strange man in the bookstore—a man whose mere presence causes the air to shimmer with an inexplicable sense of energy.

The man, who introduces himself as Callum, has an uncanny ability to influence the world around him. A spilled cup of coffee restores itself when he brushes his fingers over it, a wilted plant in the bookstore blooms again with a mere whisper. Nora chalks it up to coincidence—until she learns that Callum is the last of a long line of enchanters, people who once possessed the power to bend reality with their will. Over time, the enchanters had faded into myth and obscurity, their power dwindling as the world became more rational and scientific. Callum, however, is the last of his kind, and his powers are waning.

But it’s not just his abilities that Nora finds fascinating—it’s his presence. Callum’s enchantments aren’t just physical; they seem to reach into Nora’s very soul, drawing her to him in a way she can’t explain. The deeper she falls into the mystery of Callum’s magic, the more she realizes her own life isn’t as ordinary as she once thought. As she spends more time with him, Nora discovers that she’s unknowingly tied to an ancient curse that connects her bloodline to the last of the enchanters.

With the very fabric of reality at risk, Callum and Nora must work together to unravel the secrets of the curse—and confront the forces that seek to destroy the last enchanter before he fades into myth forever.

Tips for Writing This Prompt:

1. Blend Magic with the Everyday: Magical realism thrives on the juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary. For Nora, her world is filled with everyday moments that feel mundane—until Callum enters, making the familiar world feel charged with magic. Play with the tension between Nora’s rational mind and the growing realization that the magical is real, and make her journey of discovery feel grounded in relatable moments.
2. Create a Fascinating Protagonist with Hidden Depths: Nora should initially come across as an ordinary woman—someone who blends into the background of life—but through her interactions with Callum and the magical occurrences, reveal her depth and potential. Perhaps she feels disconnected from the world around her or has always felt like something was missing. Her journey could be one of self-discovery as she learns more about her connection to magic.
3. Develop Callum’s Mysterious Past: Callum, the last enchanter, should have a rich backstory that is slowly revealed throughout the story. His magical abilities might have faded, but his knowledge of enchantments and the ancient world should remain vast. His presence in the story should evoke both awe and sadness, as he feels the weight of his legacy slipping away. The tension between his desire to restore his powers and his acceptance of their loss should drive his character arc.
4. Use Magic to Mirror the Emotional Journey: The magic in this story isn’t just for spectacle; it should reflect the emotional arc of the characters. For instance, as Nora grows closer to Callum and uncovers her hidden connections to magic, her own abilities might awaken. The magic could also be a metaphor for her journey of transformation and self-empowerment—moving from the rational, controlled world into a space where anything is possible.
5. Focus on the Atmosphere: Magical realism relies heavily on creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and strange. The bookstore where Nora works could become a symbol of the boundary between the ordinary world and the magical one. Consider descriptions that highlight the subtle enchantments in the air, like the way dust motes seem to dance in the sunlight or how the sound of rain hitting the window can seem oddly musical. It’s in these tiny, magical details that the enchantment of the world is felt most strongly.
6. Explore the Themes of Belonging and Legacy: The theme of legacy is central to this prompt, as Nora discovers that her family’s history is intertwined with the ancient enchanters. The idea of carrying a legacy—whether it’s magical or familial—can be explored through Nora’s character. How does she react to the revelation that her ordinary life is part of something extraordinary? Does she embrace it or resist it? Her relationship with Callum should also highlight themes of belonging—finding someone who understands you and is connected to the very essence of who you are.
7. Build a Subtle but Powerful Romance: While the focus of this story is on magic, there’s also space for a romantic connection between Nora and Callum. Their relationship should grow gradually, based on the deep emotional bond that forms as they uncover secrets about their pasts. Their love story should feel like it’s always been a part of their fates, slowly unraveling in tandem with the mystery of the curse. Their romance should evoke a sense of quiet passion, grounded in trust and shared discovery.
8. Create a Powerful Antagonistic Force: The forces that seek to destroy Callum and his magic should be formidable, but the true antagonist could be a more abstract concept—the erosion of magic itself. Perhaps there are individuals or organizations that want to rid the world of magic, viewing it as an obsolete relic. The challenge of maintaining the magic, while trying to protect it from these outside forces, should raise the stakes and deepen the sense of urgency in the plot.
9. Symbolism and Imagery: Use symbolism to enhance the mystical atmosphere. The enchanted objects, such as the books, the dust, or even the slightest movements of Callum’s gestures, can carry hidden meanings. The bookshop, for example, might be a symbol of how knowledge, and magic, is hidden in plain sight—waiting to be discovered by those who believe in it.
10. Give the Ending a Sense of Hope and Transformation: While the world may seem on the brink of losing something precious, the ending should leave readers with a sense of renewal. Callum and Nora’s journey might lead to the rediscovery of magic, but it should also serve as a personal transformation for both characters. The ending should feel like a new beginning for them both, where their connection to each other and the world is more profound than they ever imagined.