Myth and Magic

Folklore and fantasy themes aimed at creative writers: to start writing stories and challenge your brain with exciting ideas, dip into this kitbag. Learn how fantasy worlds draw on real world history, mythology, and folklore. And there's weekly news from the world of fantasy fiction too, plus fabulous creatures, studies on folk tales, nature fables and lots more mythical, magical fun.

Myth & Magic Episode 92 07/28/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 92 What is human chauvinism? Are you guilty of writing chauvinistic fantasy? Also, entering the flow state: do you enter the flow when you write (and what happens if you don't?) Plus, it's summer, but what are dog days? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19945964

Myth & Magic Episode 91 07/21/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 91 What is audio drama? How does it differ from audio-books and podcasting? In my interview with English author Bibi Berki, we discuss audio storytelling and Bibi provides tips & ideas on how to prepare your fiction for audio /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19880867

Myth & Magic Episode 90 07/14/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 90 Interview with Generation Z poet & writer Rha Arayal, who talks about her encapsulated emotions and provides guidance on how to write intangible concepts /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19805480

Myth & Magic Episode 89 07/07/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 89 A useful definition of storytelling. Also, Project Cassandra, can fiction writers predict the future? Who was Cassandra? What is Kenning? Who were the filí? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19731692

Myth & Magic Episode 88 06/30/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 88 Fantasy author Birdy Rivers lives with two baby dragons (listen to the podcast for more!) Birdy offers some helpful advice on world-building and suggests the best way to modernize a classic fairy tale... /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19655978

Myth & Magic Episode 87 06/23/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 87 This week the show is about the great problem of magic — it cannot heal nature. Magic has limits. But I think I found a solution... /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19579913

Myth & Magic Episode 86 06/16/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 86 How big was Gollum? How we can learn from Tolkien's ability to create monsters? Also, this is Litha's time. And what is a bugbear? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19496426

Myth & Magic Episode 85 06/09/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 85 How to install a 4-part scare plan into your novel to make the story really terrifying! Plus, how to make your book pleasurable to read: Here's a helpful list of joyfulation ingredients /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19412150

Myth & Magic Episode 84 06/02/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 84 What is reality? Can we transcend reality? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19325456

Myth & Magic Episode 83 05/26/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 83 Interview with Somerset-based British fantasy writer Sophy Layzell, author of the dystopian YA novel "Measure of Days" and theater director, graphic artist and mother. Her next book "Upon All Men" is out soon! /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19244738

Myth & Magic Episode 82 05/19/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 82 What is the point of mythological creatures + imagined monsters? Ten monsters you may not have met before + what every experienced author has learned the hard way (good advice!) /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19159700

Myth & Magic Episode 81 05/12/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 81 The Canadian environmentalist & fantasy novelist talks about narrative responsibility and writing in the Anthropocene era. She addresses the main challenges facing writers and emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of place in fiction. Nina explains how to write metaphors and gives tips for writing action scenes. She also explains how courage & inspiration will help an author overcome fear to get the job done! /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/19074893

Myth & Magic Episode 80 05/05/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 80 The mysterious mystique of the Maypole dance, the coronation of a May Queen, the cutting of the hawthorn wands, the May Day festivities and how all these ancient rites intertwine in a celebration that solemnizes the Goddess of flowers /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18984848

Myth & Magic Episode 79 04/28/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 79 Interview with Charles Sterling — the hardworking epic fantasy author talks about lazy fantasies and writing a chapter a day to complete a book in a month — he also suggests offering free tea & cookies to readers, so they visit your site with more frequency. Check the interview now, on Myth & Magic /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18892100

Myth & Magic Episode 78 04/21/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 78 Warm-up exercises for a writing mind + how elves can help us understand the objective reality of what we cannot see /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18807881

Myth & Magic Episode 77 04/14/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 77 A useful list of scientific and pseudoscientific terms for parapsychological powers & abilities. Quasi-technical terminology for magical competencies. Also, therianthropy and furry fandom plus the rise of the otherkin /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18722828

Myth & Magic Episode 76 04/07/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 76 Building beliefs: the nature of belief and how to establish unshakable belief in your plots, in your characters, and even in your author brand /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18634907

Myth & Magic Episode 75 03/31/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 75 Useful tips on audiobook narration + helpful advice on choreographing sword fighting scenes with Krista Wallace. Krista is an actor & vocalist (from Coquitlam, British Columbia) — and a successful author / storyteller. She narrates all her own work. More recently, she became an avid podcaster. Check out Neil's exciting interview with Krista here... /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18451286

Myth & Magic Episode 74 03/24/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 74 How to create unique exotic senses for your fantasy characters. Also, supernaturalism in ceramics: what are demon bowls? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18449069

Myth & Magic Episode 73 03/17/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 73 Give your project a Nowruz spring-clean shake up! Six ways to revive a novel. Also, do your characters eat fear? How to use the hormonal cascade to convey a real sense of fear in your characters. Plus, genomic storytelling and how the syntony of recital will help give your story vitality... /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18361250

Myth & Magic Episode 72 03/10/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 72 What is fluxus? How can authors use the principles of fluxus to revitalize writing? Four tips to help you breathe new life into your project. Also, what is the dark triad and how can it help you write compelling megalomaniacs? Discover the dark triad traits — and the fourth that makes the tetrad — to describe truly reprehensible evildoers! /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18250832

Myth & Magic Episode 71 03/03/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 71 What makes a good quest? What is transelemence? Can ghosts be seen in mirrors? Do mirrors act as portals to other dimensions? Definition of scyring. In addition, tips for collecting magic items during heroic quests. /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18139001

Myth & Magic Episode 70 02/24/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 70 Manage your expectations as an author; What do you want from an author's life? Where are you in the antholoxia? Are you the struggler? The dabbler? The disorientated? Here's how to make the most of your creative potential /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/18041123

Myth & Magic Episode 69 02/17/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 69 Is this a dystopia right now? Are we living in a period of dystopia? Here is a useful list of dystopian essentials. Also, where is your when? At what (historical) time should you set your fantasy? Plus, what is a Ceffyl Dŵr? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/17982074

Myth & Magic Episode 68 02/10/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 68 Who was the real Saint Valentine? What does he have to do with lovers? What do wolves have to do with Valentine's Day? What are Februa? And what is the essential ingredient of fantasy? Poppins' paradox explored... /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/17867513

Myth & Magic Episode 67 02/03/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 67 How insanely inventive can your monsters be? Be like Bosch in creating monsters and think surreal. Also, what is the curse of exoticism? How can you make your fantasy compelling and relevant without resorting to exoticism? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/17802743

Myth & Magic Episode 66 01/27/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 66 In search of the true phoenix. Also, what does your protagonist worship? Why is documenting worship important for character development? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/17709335

Myth & Magic Episode 65 01/20/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 65 What is the glad game and how do you play along? How the Pollyanna principle might help you develop more authentic characters. Also, committing yourself to authorship in the New Year. And, what is a wryneck? What has a wryneck got to do with bad luck? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/17622299

Myth & Magic Episode 64 01/13/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 64 Who is January? Is sacrifice about giving? How sacrifice can help your writing. Also, what is it like to be old? And how to use magical thinking in your novel /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/17531153

Myth & Magic Episode 63 01/07/2021

Myth & Magic Episode 63 Six ways to boost your writing in the New Year. How to deal with criticism, negative feedback + the dreaded 2-Star review & regain your confidence to write! Also, the Amazon warrior women, did they really exist? Is Wonder Woman based on a real-life warrior? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/17459639

Myth and Magic

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