I suppose this means I’m back to filler episodes weekly. This week’s filler episode is the end of an arc. The arc on myths I like. Look up Myths pt 1 to see what this is about, but basically its my dos and don’ts of using myths and legends. also gush over historical dramas and stuff. I guess.
I know that this is making me sound like I don’t want to do it. I do! I just want to get to the third part more (on my favorite fantasy creatures). Without further ado, Dos and Dont’s.
Do; Research.
You think you know the story well enough to write an entire book on it? Awesome! That’s great. Still do your research. Have your facts straight. Even historians need to double check sometimes. There is no harm in it. Having your sources in line, and having the facts there before you makes the writing process easier. It means changing and adapting will be easier. If you don’t know it well enough, then its even better. You can never have too much research when writing a book. If you are only researching and never writing, that could become an issue. However finding the balance is important.
Don’t; Assume
Why was something written the way it did, or happen the way it did. You want to have your facts straight. If you think that maybe this could have happened this way because, that’s awesome. But don’t assume that it happened this way because you think it did. Our lives affect the way we view things. Keep that in mind.
Also, don’t assume everyone knows the topic you are speaking on. Give at least a little bit, if not enough information on the context of the story.
Don’t; Say screw it to units of measure
If your characters make a note on the time, the distance, the weight, the size, in any sort of comparison, be sure that your readers will keep that in mind. If you add it in to make a point, it will be used and it will be measured and it will be scrutinized.
Do; Keep yourself historically correct
What people wore, what they used for writing, what they ate. These are all important to the experience. Also, if you are writing about a time suffrage, know that women’s experiences were not the same as they are today (shaving did not start into the middle of the 20th century, sanitary belts were a thing until the 80s, no daily showers, no deodorant, no modern day brushing teeth (there are some ancient equivalents depending on region)) Do your research to know more on this. Unless the myth is taking place in the modern, don’t use modern stuff. If it is taking place in the past and modern, there should be a distinction. Don’t mesh times so easily. If time travelers have to abide by the codes of time, and to fit in, you should try to too.
Do; Know the historical context of your myth and legend.
Legends come from truth, in many ways. They come about at times for different reasons. Know these stories.
Consider; Characterization
This is always going to be an issue. For those who know the myths they may hate the way that you characterize a mythical character. They may love it. As long as you can defend it and stick to it, and have the research behind you, you will be good. (chances are).
Do; Let yourself explore the myth
Do; Pick your purpose.
If they are in a time, know the reason you are retelling the myth in that time. If it is a retelling in the modern, know why. If you have a change have that change and stick to it. Have your purpose and make it clear.
I probably could think of more if I really put my heart into it, but my biggest pet peeves are about time lines, units of measure, and research. I may not like every retelling I read, but as long as it is well defended, I can’t say much on that it was a bad choice.
MM
Marlena Marie 