i have a couple tricks i use for sticky situations when im dreaming.
if i am uncomfortable where i am in a dream, i can ALWAYS step through a door, or a threshhold that hides whatever is behind it until i reach the other side. its NEVER the same place on the other side.

i can pass right thru any obstacle by picturing the other side, focusing on it and picturing myself there. thats also a good tequnique for walking on water or over a hole.

moving abjects is always easier with an accompanying gesture, like the wave of a hand, or a majic word, etc.

instruments always make dream feats more believable, thus easier to achieve. try to teach yourself to produce a wand out of your pocket. imagine all the things you could do with a magic wand!

making things appear out of thin air is so hard! i have to make things appear from behind or inside something.

making people do what you want them to depends on whether or not you can accept that that particular person would obey. people are less predictible in dreams, you expect them to have a personality. if a person doesnt cooperate, persuade them with cool magic tricks, or move on to someone else.

if its dark, try to keep things bright. hit a light switch or conjure fire or something. dark dreams are rearely VIVID because were used to the way the photoreceptors in our eyes respond more enthusiastically to higher levels of light. plus its i way to improve the mood imposed by your dream atmosphere.

to breathe underwater, breathe into a bubble

dont waste too much time on any one thing, if it doesnt work right away, move on or youll probly wake up. even if you dont wake up, things usually either work instantly or dont work at all.

and now i have to go eat

yer buddee,
tom