Magic (WotC) Open Novel Proposal

[Fellfrosch]

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=books/magic/mtgopencall2004

Remember when they did this with D&D? Well now they're doing it for Magic, and the guidelines are just as restrictive: you have to set your book in the aftermath of the Invasion block. Unfortunately, this is a setting that I don't know too much about, as I got back into the game with Odyssey. The actual writing will be based around a brand new block and (presumably) a brand new world--the Invasion setting of the proposal is just to show that you know Magic really well.

All of which boils down to the fact that we need to learn enough about Invasion block to fake it for a ten-page proposal and one-page synopsis (if I interpret this correctly, you won't have to actually go on to write the novel). For anyone interested, I designate this thread as our collection of Invasion block info: if you know the basic plot of the novels, the main races involved, the common monsters, the political system, the concept of phasing, or anything else, please post it here. We have until Dec 24 to learn as much as we can, write a killer story idea, and mail it to WotC.

Magic novels are essentially fan fiction, I know, but they are a great way to get your foot in the door (plus it sounds like a ton of fun). I'll be learning what I can and contributing it here; I hope we get a few other interested parties as well.

[Peter Ahlstrom]

Good luck. If I had any useful knowledge on this subject, I would share it.

[EUOL]

Same here, I'm afraid.

Though, this does look like a good opportunity, Dan.  I think you, at least, should give it a good effort.  Perhaps they'll remember you if you apply to enough things for them.

By way of encouragement, this post on the Wizards site makes the last novel contest seem less futile:

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=books/fr/maidenextra

[Fellfrosch]

The next R.A. Salvatore, huh? I suppose that's not too bad.

And yes, I intend to do it. I already have a vague idea for a story, though of course I still don't know anything about the setting. I've found a few sites that talk about it, though, so I'll go through those in the next couple of days.

[Spriggan]

Call Promethious, the guy knows the the backstorys to all the settings.

[EUOL]

Actually, Fell, I was noting the fact that they actually gave novels to three of the entrants, not just one.

By the way, do you remember how many applicants they had for the last one?

[Fellfrosch]

Yes, I figured that's what you were referringto, and it's certainly heartening. I just thought that the phrase "the next R.A. Salvatore" was very funny, in an odd sort of way.

I'm not sure how many people sent in to that last one. Plenty, though, I'll imagine. It really is a pity I didn't--I liked that topic so much more than this one. If I were to write a Magic novel I'd do it form the point of view of a 1/1 zombie regenerator, whose whole job is to sit there and get smashed over and over by the biggest, scariest guys on the other team. I don't know if that would fit into this setting, though.