Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Mythos and the Muse

Does anyone else cringe when they hear a story is about vampires?  I'll admit to doing just that, not because of the story itself (I'm sure they're fantastic), but because I don't understand why someone would choose to go down such a worn path when there are so many more interesting trails one can venture down.

I've heard it said that there are no new stories, only new ways to tell them, and I think this is true.  So why not embrace the old and make it new again?  I've often found myself paging through an encyclopedia of mythology as my imagination races through the posibilities.  There are so many mythological creatures to pick from, and so many amazing stories waiting to be retold in a new and fresh way that's relevant to our time.

Here are a few sites on mythology and mythological creatures to help you guide your muse down that path less traveled.
I hope you find these links useful!  Please let me know of any others.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Totally awesome list of resources. I wish I had something to add, but I don't.

Thanks for putting in the effort to gather these links in a list. :)

Cali MacKay said...

You're most welcome, Atsiko! Happy to put it together. Hopefully, you'll find it useful. : )

Jemi Fraser said...

Nice list! You're so right - there are so many very cool mythological creatues out there! Thanks for the links - they sound fun :)

Theresa Milstein said...

That's a great idea. I was furious with myself when a great (what I think is great, anyway) vampire story came to me. Knowing the chances of getting it published were slim-to-none, I write it anyway.

Cali MacKay said...

Thanks Jemi, and Theresa. Hope the links help spark that imagination.

Theresa, I'm sure you could find a creature that would fit into your story and still give you a new take on the vampire thing. Although, I completely understand about a story just wanting to be told.

Elana Johnson said...

Great thoughts! We need to find new things and explore them in new ways! BTW, how are you? What's going on? Email me! elanajohnson@gmail.com

Alexandra Shostak said...

Oooh I love mythology and mythological creatures! That's such a fantastic idea. Plus I think some of the mythological stories would be a lot more fun to re-tell than the standard fairy tales that everyone seems to do. (Cinderella is starting to become just like vampires to me--lol I just can't read it anymore!)

Paula RC said...

I'm so glad I have found your blog. Great posting!

I know just what you mean, I was in a bookshop, today and saw a large pile of new Vampire books. Too many have handsome young couple with blood running down their chin for my liking, talk about done to death.

Cali MacKay said...

Thanks Elana!

Alexandra, I'd think mythology is just the fairy tales of old. lol. So might as well find a new way to tell them. Or maybe incorporate the new with the old. : )

I'm glad you found the blog, Jarmara! Unfortunately, it seems like once something becomes popular, it takes a while before the shift to something new finally takes hold.

Terry Stonecrop said...

Thanks for the links. I love mythology too.

Eeleen Lee said...

Johnathan Safran Coer said that there were no no stories, and I agree.

I agree with you about the mythology,and the best rewrite in recent years is Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods'

Cali MacKay said...

Lee, American Gods is in my "to read" pile. I can't wait to read it now. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read fiction about entities who have not received the exposure that vampires have. There's so much out there to explore.

Amanda Borenstadt said...

I agree there are lots of under-appreciated creatures to explore, but there will always be a soft spot in my heart for vampires. Though I still haven't read the Twilight books. I guess it's the rebel in me.

Cali MacKay said...

Medeia, I think readers are open to revisiting the creatures of old, and it gives us, as writers, the opportunity to explore something new.

Amanda, I don't think you're the only one with a soft spot for vampires. I guess that's why vampires always seem to maintain a certain popularity.

Unknown said...

Fantastic post, Calista!

Can't wait to sink my teeth into some of those links :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I do cringe a little when I see another vampire story, but it's probably because I am jealous that I didn't think of Twilight first. :)

Will check out your links. I like your blog. I am coming back.

補到 said...
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Edain said...

Congratulations, I have awarded you a 'Beautiful Blogger' award! :)
http://worldsofmyownmaking.blogspot.com/2010/03/beautiful-blogger.html

Cali MacKay said...

JW, so glad you like the blog. And thanks so much for the awesome award, Edain!! I'm honored. : )

Tahereh said...

wow. great links!! thanks!!

Cali MacKay said...

Thanks, Tahereh!