[Monthly Ollie] Let's chat about the language of magic systems

In which I have much to say about the language we use to talk about magic systems

Published October 23, 2026 by Oleander Craw in Newsletter Share

Hard to believe that DEVOURING FORTUNE released last week. I had such an outpouring of support and messages on release day that made it such an incredibly special moment. So...thank you for being a part of that and being here!

This month's newsletter is a bit of a chonk, thanks to my Deep Feelings about magic systems. Honestly, I will probably be turning it into an essay and throwing it up on my website later.

In today's monthly newsletter, I'm going to be talking about the following:

On The Categorical Language of Magic Systems: Where I talk for perhaps too long about my disagreements on the framing of hard and soft magic systems
Writing updates: DEVOURING FORTUNE post-release and what's next
Asshole of the Month: Puck the snuggle

Monthly musings, updates, short fiction and bonus content from Oleander.

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A newsletter for readers who enjoy queer, dark fantasy, essays & reflections, and want a look into what Oleander is up to.