How to Create Your Own Magical Creature

JK Rowling's creation, Buck beak.

There is no greater use of the imagination than to create something that did not previously exist--it gives a sense of magic and breathless wonder to the world around you. Here's how to bring a little magic into your life by creating your own magical creature.

Things You'll Need

• Pen, crayons, colored pencils, or regular pencil--basically the writing instrument of your choice!
• Paper
• Your imagination

Instructions

Bring on the Wonder

1. This is the most important part of this whole how-to. *Close your eyes*. Magical creatures can't really be understood unless you close your eyes to see them. Doing this will allow you to be deeply in touch with your imagination, the center of your best creative forces.

2. Picture your favorite real life animal. It can be anything from your dog to an exotic animal you've seen on TV, but make sure that you can clearly see them in your mind--the way they move, how big they are, what you imagine they feel like to the touch.

3. Now think about what would make that animal even better. Wings? The ability to do something extraordinary, like breathe fire, walk over water, heal people, or speak? This is the test of your imagination, because you are now totally unlimited--any animal can change in any way.

4. Don't dream small! Go Big! Maybe you want a bear that can turn anything he touches with his littlest claw into silver. Maybe you want a squirrel that can run faster than any other creature using his bushy tail like a motor. Maybe you want your cat to shoot lasers out of his eyes.

5. Once you've picked a magical trait, really think about it. Maybe that bear has a really difficult time because every time he goes to eat his food turns into silver. Maybe that squirrel keeps running past things and can't stop that well. What would be the downside of having these powers? How did they get these special powers? Make up a story for them; a magical creature is not just a drawing, but something with a past, and a future--and it's your responsibility to give that to them.

6. Presto! You've created a magical animal. Now open your eyes and grab a pencil--draw him out and write down the story. That way you can never forget your creature and his special powers.

Tips & Warnings

• Your imagination is the best tool at your disposal--you can create new creatures and friends no matter what you're doing or where you are!