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 56 10/21/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 56 The Myth & Magic podcast show talks to fantasy writer Jean Lee from Wisconsin, author of the young adult novel series: Fallen Princeborn. Jean is a busy mom, so how does she find time to write? What can she tell us about magical portals? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/16439045

Myth & Magic Episode 55 10/14/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 55 Will goddess Freyja help you create new things in October? How does a storyteller write acoustically? How will acoustic writing help in the development of your novel? How does a novelist compare to a recording artist? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/16398203

Myth & Magic Episode 54 10/07/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 54 The staleness of Dark Lord tropes and why you should use the "banality of evil" to create an antagonist for your next fantasy fiction project. Plus a helpful list of dark lord flaws and a list of traits associated with true psychopaths /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/16307114

Myth & Magic Episode 53 10/01/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 53 What is a chronicle? What makes a good chronicler? How to write a chronicle and why you should be careful when choosing to write a dead chronicle. Also, what are cup and ring markings? How are cup markings related to cosmic worlds? Visit the Badger Stone to study cup marks and think about cyclical time. /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/16229402

Myth & Magic Episode 52 09/23/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 52 How did the Phoenician port of Lepitis Magna come to be in a grassy garden in Surrey, England, known as the Folly of Augustus? Rathlin Island is in the news — but where is it? Why would Rathlin be an excellent choice of location for your next fantasy title? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/16124609

Myth & Magic Episode 51 09/16/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 51 What is Hecate's Supper? Why should we celebrate the triple-bodied goddess of boundaries on the liminal night of September 16th? Plus, twenty things that people *hate* about fantasy fiction! /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/16030298

Myth & Magic Episode 50 09/09/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 50 What is adult contemporary fantasy? Interview with Amanda Fleet, author of the Guardians of The Realm series /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15940619

Myth & Magic Episode 49 09/02/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 49 What is a clootie well? Where is Albion? So, you want to write fantasy? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15852494

Myth & Magic Episode 48 08/19/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 48 Who were the Fir Bolg and Fomorians? What are the 13 treasures of Island Britain? Also, what are celestial skyfish? Are they an undiscovered species or lifeforms from another dimension? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15673730

Myth & Magic Episode 47 08/12/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 47 A visit to Snailbeach, the Stiperstones, and the Diafol. Also, ABCs such as the Beast of Exmoor; and why Catholic monks are associated with witch thimbles /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15583760

Myth & Magic Episode 46 08/05/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 46 This week: Stonehenge sarsens from West Woods, celestial trumpets and dhampir. Also, what are Clarke's three laws? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15492482

Myth & Magic Episode 45 07/29/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 45 What is an elemental? Who was Paracelsus? Plus, how to be sure a witness had a ghostly experience. And, what are wulvers? Do they have anything to do with the beast of Bray Road? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15396308

Myth & Magic Episode 44 07/22/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 44 What are nervimotional staples? And why, perhaps, aesthetics are worth considering when writing compelling characters. Plus, how to create persuasive magical realism. And visit the mystical Rollrights to see where witch Ursula Soothtell turned a King and his men into stone /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15310688

Myth & Magic Episode 43 07/15/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 43 How and why are dragon paths connected to tumuli? Who or what is goblinoid? Where do Tommyknockers originate? And what is a firedrake? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15216458

Myth & Magic Episode 42 07/08/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 42 Look at paracosms and also the bardo and ask what F.P.P. is and why having a fantasy-prone personality will help you build compelling worlds. Also study the locus amaneus and learn why you should incorporate this literary device into your fantasy project /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15128150

Myth & Magic Episode 41 07/01/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 41 What is a witch? Learn how to identify types of witches. Where does the Middle English word wicche originate? What is wicca? Who or what is the horned god? Who or what is mother earth? Who was Cernunnos? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/15040430

Myth & Magic Episode 40 06/24/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 40 Where does fantasy begin? This week we examine the effect of liminality and ask, what is a recognition threshold? Also, when will the crossing to another world occur? And what does this have to do with rites of passage? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14946905

Myth & Magic Episode 39 06/17/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 39 A definition of fantasy. Useful game patterns that can help you write fantasy fiction. Do you employ experiential learning processes in your writing? What is constructive imagination? Also, tips on how to be energetic in your thinking games. Plus, do you dare test your current project for novelty? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14857907

Myth & Magic Episode 38 06/10/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 38 Who were the Saxons? Where did the Battle of Badon Hill take place? Why do some people declare that they descend from the Anglo-Saxons to justify ideologies based on patriotic Englishness? Did King Arthur ever defeat them? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14769023

Myth & Magic Episode 37 06/03/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 37 Everything you need to know about angels and angelology. The angelic hierarchy and the difference between seraphim, cherubim and archangels. /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14679443

Myth & Magic Episode 36 05/27/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 36 What is dark fantasy and what are the challenges connected with writing a dark fantasy novel? What is the Godzilla effect? What is the difference between a myth and a fairy tale? Also in this show, the definition of a damsel. /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14584961

Myth & Magic Episode 35 05/20/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 35 Inanimate objects once spoke to our ancestors — does everything have spiritual essence? What is the difference between a warg and a direwolf? Also, this week —7 types of storyline /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14496650

Myth & Magic Episode 34 05/13/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 34 How did suspense writer Dean Koontz predict the coronavirus outbreak? Authors appear to be be able to mysteriously predict the future: is this a natural or a supernatural ability? What part does the muse play? Also, what is the difference between an oath and a pledge? And what are the phases of a quest? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14399252

Myth & Magic Episode 33 05/06/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 33 What is beltany? How should you use threnody in your fantasy fiction? The definition of knighthood. What is the Order of the Hatchet? Wild flower of the week: henbane /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14304062

Myth & Magic Episode 32 04/29/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 32 This week: how to correctly describe a peasant. What is the definition of peasantry. How should you depict peasant folk in your fantasy fiction? Also, what is and how would you use an æsc? Plus, what is a maven? /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14198030

Myth & Magic Episode 31 04/22/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 31 Who was Hippocrates and what did he believe in? What are paranormal beliefs and how would you use them in your fantasy fiction? And the definition of a dragon. /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/14084621

Myth & Magic Episode 30 04/15/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 30 Where does the word Easter come from? Who was Ēostre? What exactly is a king? What is genius loci and how would you use it in your fantasy fiction to create a sense of atmosphere? Wild flower of the week: violet /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/13953314

Myth & Magic Episode 29 04/08/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 29 What is epic? What are the ingredients that make some fiction titles epic? Tips on how to write your own epic. Also, tips for creating chimeras and a list of fabulous — yet insightful — creatures for a bestiary. Also in this show, anchorites and anchorholds. Wild flower of the week: bluebell /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/13898819

Myth & Magic Episode 28 04/01/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 28 What is wonder and how can you use this emotion in your fantasy fiction? Plus, create a credible magic system for your project; here is valuable advice. Wild flower of the week: anemone /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/13796858

Myth & Magic Episode 27 03/25/2020

Myth & Magic Episode 27 Methods of sorcery and how to use maleficium in your fantasy and fiction project. Also, feather imagery, new science on vampires, what is an existential crisis? And, wildflower of the week: Primrose /episode/index/show/mythandmagic/id/13692641

Myth and Magic

TOPICS