talkmagic.co.uk

Greetings all, thought this forum had seen enough “hello”, “hey”, “howdy”, “hallo”, etc for a lifetime, thus my subject.

I thought it was about time I introduced myself, as I’ve been lurking here for the last month or three. My name is Tyler, I’m a psychology student from Midwest USA. I hope you’ll tolerate another American around these parts. I’ve been browsing magic forums for a while and seem to find they are either neglected and empty, or so robust and full of subforums that keeping up would constitute a part-time job. I hope to settle in here, I very much admire the environment that you’ve created here.

Onto the subject of magic… For me it’s been a lifelong obsession, but only recently have I really devoted myself to mastering the art of it – so according to the sticky post I think I’d have to classify myself as an Amateur Hobbyist, at least for the time being.

I have a small collection of magic books and I’ve been working to narrow down what effects I want to spend my time on. I’ve also been struggling lately with a ... well, approach to magic – for want of a better term. By this I mean how to present magic to an audience. I’m not an extremely outgoing person, or a dramatic one, so I’m struggling with a way to present the magic that doesn’t make it seem a “clever puzzle, to be figured out”.

Anyway, that’s me. I look forward to getting to know all of you.

“You don’t get into magic, magic gets into you” – David Blaine

-Tyler

Hi Tyler. I hope you find this site helpful to your magical journey. And if you need any advice (if i could give you any) i would be happy to help and im sure everyone else will be fine for it. So enjoy your times.

Wonderful intro! And welcome to the forums from a fellow Yankee. I also am a college student, but I am studying history. Where are you going to school, if you dont mind me asking?

Hi and welcome!

Welcome......what area of the midwest are you from?

Hello Mage Tyler and welcome to TM.
I think this is a very informative and interesting forum.
Best greetings from Iceland!

Welcome Tyler.

johntheblob, moodini:

I live in Omaha, Nebraska and attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Unfortunately, this area isn't the best place in the world for an aspiring magician.

The closest thing to the magic shop we have here is one tiny corner (now a tiny segment of one counter) in a party supply place that is never staffed and when you manage to track someone down from the rest of the store they'll just hand out the props and booklets for examination by anyone that's interested. It used to be rumored that there was an actual person that staffed the area, but I've yet to see him.

About 45 minutes from here in the state capitol (Lincoln) there's another magic shop called MagicKits (www.MagicKits.com) but I haven't gotten out there yet - although, I'll be in Lincoln this weekend so maybe I'll have a chance to check it out. Although it seems to stock a lot more joke items and kits than anything else.

-Tyler

Welcome Tyler.

There are a number of books that can help with your struggle with how to approach magic. Strong Magic, Magic and Showmanship and Our Magic are all very good and should help. Also, materials on acting and writing (if you decide to present your magic through stories) would probably also be helpful.

Kolisar,

Thanks for the book tips, I'm always keeping my eyes open for good books.

I was able to find Magic and Showmanship and Strong Magic (both at a number of places online), although I couldn't find Our Magic - do you happen to know the author or where a copy might be available?

Thanks,
-Tyler

Tyler,

I guess I should have checked into "Our Magic" more, as it appears to be out of print and only available through collectors (for as much as $400, I wish I had known it would have increased in value so much, I would not have given it to a friend). The other two will serve you well.

Welcome