Unleashing Practical Magic in Fiction: Lessons from Accomplished Authors

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A practical magic author is someone who specializes in writing about practical magic, which is a branch of magic that focuses on everyday, useful spells and rituals that can be performed by anyone. This type of magic is often seen as more accessible and applicable to everyday life compared to more elaborate and mystical forms of magic. In their books, a practical magic author may provide instructions and explanations for various spells and rituals that can be easily performed at home. These spells may cover a wide range of topics, such as love, money, health, protection, and more. The author may also include information about the history and theory behind practical magic, as well as tips and tricks for successful spellcasting. Practical magic authors often emphasize the importance of intention, belief, and energy in performing spells and rituals.

Practical mgic author

Practical magic authors often emphasize the importance of intention, belief, and energy in performing spells and rituals. They may provide guidance on how to set intentions, focus energy, and visualize outcomes to increase the effectiveness of magical workings. They may also explain how to align oneself with the natural rhythms and energies of the universe to enhance the power of spells and rituals.

Practical mgic author

Alice Hoffman is back at Book of the Month – other BOTMs include Magic Lessons and The Book of Magic and The Invisible Hour and The Marriage of Opposites and The Rules of Magic .

by Alice Hoffman Get this hardcover for $5

Quick take

It's the cult classic that started it all. Enter the lives of two witchy women attempting to escape their cursed fates.

Good to know

  • Feminist
  • Family drama
  • Now a movie
  • Third in series

Synopsis

For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their musty house and their exotic concoctions and their crowd of black cats. But all Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape.

One will do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they share will bring them back—almost as if by magic.

Free sample

Get an early look from the first pages of Practical Magic.
Practical Magic

Superstition

For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in town. If a damp spring arrived, if cows in the pasture gave milk that was runny with blood, if a colt died of colic or a baby was born with a red birthmark stamped onto his cheek, everyone believed that fate must have been twisted, at least a little, by those women over on Magnolia Street. It didn’t matter what the problem was—lightning, or locusts, or a death by drowning. It didn’t matter if the situation could be explained by logic, or science, or plain bad luck. As soon as there was a hint of trouble or the slightest misfortune, people began pointing their fingers and placing blame. Before long they’d convinced themselves that it wasn’t safe to walk past the Owens house after dark, and only the most foolish neighbors would dare to peer over the black wrought-iron fence that circled the yard like a snake.

Inside the house there were no clocks and no mirrors and three locks on each and every door. Mice lived under the floorboards and in the walls and often could be found in the dresser drawers, where they ate the embroidered tablecloths, as well as the lacy edges of the linen placemats. Fifteen different sorts of wood had been used for the window seats and the mantels, including golden oak, silver ash, and a peculiarly fragrant cherrywood that gave off the scent of ripe fruit even in the dead of winter, when every tree outside was nothing more than a leafless black stick. No matter how dusty the rest of the house might be, none of the woodwork ever needed polishing.

Why I love it

Isabel Sterling
Author, These Witches Don't Burn

Growing up, I read everything I could get my hands on, the more magical the better. Yet on the weekends I spent with my dad, finding a quiet space to read could be tricky. When I couldn’t read, I gravitated to my second favorite love—the Practical Magic movie. For years, every time I visited my dad, I hid myself away and played my recorded VHS, disappearing into a world of magic and loss and sisterhood.

The story follows Sally and Gillian Owens, descendants of powerful women. Women the town blamed when anything went wrong. Orphaned as children, the sisters move in with their elderly aunts, who soothe neighborhood accusations of witchcraft with brownies for breakfast. Fear of the family curse sends the sisters down very different paths as adults, but when things go wrong, their sisterly bond is the only thing that can save them.

Or at least. that’s what happens in the movie. Having watched the film at least 100 times over the past twenty years, it’s overridden my memory of Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel. I remember Teen Me being shocked at some of the differences between the two, but enough years have passed that I think it’s time to revisit the novel that launched a cult classic. If you’re ready to bask in the spooky season this October, I can think of no better read than Practical Magic. I’ll be picking up a copy to read again, too, and I hope you’ll join me.

Growing up, I read everything I could get my hands on, the more magical the better. Yet on the weekends I spent with my dad, finding a quiet space to read could be tricky. When I couldn’t read, I gravitated to my second favorite love—the Practical Magic movie. For years, every time I visited my dad, I hid myself away and played my recorded VHS, disappearing into a world of magic and loss and sisterhood.
Practical mgic author

In addition to practical spells and rituals, a practical magic author may also include information on tools and ingredients commonly used in spellcasting. They may discuss the use of candles, crystals, herbs, and other items for their energetic properties and symbolism. They may also provide guidance on creating sacred spaces and altars for magical workings. Furthermore, a practical magic author may address ethical considerations in spellcasting. They may emphasize the importance of not manipulating or harming others through magic and encourage practitioners to always consider the potential consequences of their actions. Overall, a practical magic author aims to provide readers with practical and accessible knowledge and techniques for incorporating magic into their daily lives. Their books and writings offer a guide for those interested in harnessing the power of magic for personal growth, healing, and manifestation..

Reviews for "Unveiling the Enchanting Process: A Day in the Life of a Practical Magic Author"

1. John - 2 stars - Practical Magic was a disappointment for me. I found the writing style to be overly simplistic, and the plot was predictable and unoriginal. The characters lacked depth and were difficult to connect with. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 1 star - I really wanted to like Practical Magic, but I found it to be incredibly dull. The story dragged on and lacked any real excitement or suspense. The magical elements felt forced and unrealistic. I also found the romance to be flat and unconvincing. I was quite disappointed with this novel and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - Practical Magic was a letdown for me. The pace of the story was slow and it took a long time for any significant events to happen. The characters were one-dimensional and their actions often didn't make sense. The author seemed to rely heavily on clichés and stereotypes, which made the story feel unoriginal. Overall, I was not satisfied with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Tom - 3 stars - Practical Magic was an okay read for me. While it had some interesting moments, I found the plot to be predictable and lacking in depth. The characters were mildly entertaining, but I didn't feel a strong connection to any of them. The writing style was average, neither excellent nor terrible. Overall, it was a mediocre book that I probably wouldn't read again.
5. Laura - 2 stars - Practical Magic didn't live up to the hype for me. I found the story to be overly simplistic and the characters to be underdeveloped. The romantic aspect of the book felt rushed and lacked depth. I also found the resolution to be unsatisfying and tied up too neatly. Overall, it was an average read that didn't leave a lasting impression.

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