#368 Everyday Enchantment with Lynn D. Jung

This week, we're running a takeover in collaboration with Lynn D. Jung! This contest’s winner will not only be awarded $250 — they’ll also receive personal feedback from Lynn herself! Here's what Lynn has to say about her takeover:

Hello, writers! I’m Lynn D. Jung, a speculative fiction author who’s also been documenting my writing and publishing journey on YouTube since 2020. My debut novel, Mothsblood, will be released by Bloomsbury US and Del Rey UK on October 13 and is currently available to pre-order wherever you get your books! Mothsblood is a dark academia adult fantasy set in modern-day Paris, except it’s not quite the Paris you and I are familiar with.

In the world of Mothsblood, alchemy thrives in the shadows, and alchemists use their abilities to create spells that enhance their appearance, control automatons that complete everyday tasks, and even create new life. The challenge of creating a magic system that felt believable within the context of our world was a particularly rewarding part of writing the novel.

This week, I wanted to introduce some prompts that similarly invite you to blend our reality with magic, in all its forms. From cozy and whimsical to dark and secretive, convince me that magic can be found in even the most ordinary of places.

Special Update: The Results 🏆

The top pick for this takeover was "The Break-Up Crate Incident at Wrong Turn Records" by Jennie Fernandez. Here's what our guest judge had to say about the winning story:

The assured voice and absolutely unique application of magic had me hooked from the first few lines! "The Break-Up Crate Incident at Wrong Turn Records" accomplishes one of my favorite things: it is a story about magic that also happens to be a piece of magic in and of itself. I love how the whimsical setup gave way to a deeper connection and insight for the two main characters, and I'm rooting for them!

Congratulations to contest winner Jennie Fernandez and the runners-up, Ashlyn Kysar and Kevin Roberts!