Kelise
Maester
Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere - point me that way and I'll lock this one if I've mistaken
What do we all think of this: Sanderson's First Law
Taken directly from the wiki:
What do we all think of this: Sanderson's First Law
Taken directly from the wiki:
Sanderson's First Law is the first law developed by epic fantasy author Brandon Sanderson for use in designing settings for genre writers. While originally created as a rule for magic systems in fantasy novels, Sanderson has specified that this law need not apply just to fantasy, but is applicable to science fiction as well.
Sanderson's First Law. An author's ability to solve conflict satisfactorily with magic is directly proportional to how well the reader understands said magic.
This Law was originally defined in Brandon's essay, "Sanderson's First Law" located on his website. In the essay he qualifies the two extremes1 of design as being:
1. Magic/technology has well defined rules that the audience understands. As a result, one can use this to solve conflict more easily as the capabilities are cleanly defined. Brandon classifies this as "Hard Magic". C.L. Wilson in her essay "Worldbuilding 101 - Making Magic" advocated this method of creation, stating, "...create your rules, then follow them."
2. Magic/technology has unclear or vague rules, or none at all. This allows for a greater sense of wonder to be attained for the reader, but the ability to solve problems without resorting to deus ex machina decreases. Brandon classifies this as "Soft Magic". Lawrence Watt-Evans specifically advised "The trick is to be a benevolent and consistent deity, not one who pulls miracles out of a hat as needed"