Our inaugural podcast episode explores ways to keep fantasy writing fresh. And one of the things we explored is drawing inspiration from ancient myths and legends. Here are a few that are a bit outside-the-box…

I once dabbled in a bit of fantasy writing. Never really got the knack for it, though. For one thing, I expect I was too young to understand the greater process of world building. The amount of history that goes into these things, as you see in Tolkien’s Middle Earth legendarium, or the world of George R. R. Martin… in short, it’s no small feat crafting a successful fantasy world.

As discussed in the first episode of The Dale Hurst Writing Show, when writing fantasy, we sometimes look to comparable works such as those of Tolkien and Martin, as well as maybe those of C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), and Andrzej Sapkowski (The Witcher). Other times, we draw from what we grow up learning about ancient cultures – gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters. In other words, figures featuring in myths and legends. 

I was a bit obsessed with this sort of thing when I was younger. And while, of course, I would read about the feats of Zeus, Poseidon, Odin, Thor, and Loki, I also remember some of the more obscure mythological figures I read about. So, when it comes to creating your own fantasy story, maybe you’d like to take inspiration from some of these characters, rather than the usual go-tos…

LOUHI (Finnish mythology)

The Witch of the North in Finnish folklore, and already an antagonist in some pre-existing fantasy series. All the same, Louhi, or a character inspired by her, could be quite a harrowing villainess. Some portrayals have her taking the full guise of an eagle or some other monstrous bird. Meanwhile others, including the first depiction I saw of her, showed a frightening-looking woman (white eyes, fanged teeth) with handmade wings and talons, the latter made from farmers’ scythes. If I were to head back into the realms of fantasy writing, Louhi would have to be in there in one form or another.

RAVANA (Hindu legend)

The Ramayana is possibly one of the earliest legends I ever remember hearing. We were taught about it in school when I was either five or six years-old. It’s the tale of Rama and Sita, but it also features one of the most memorable villains ever, in the form of Ravana. A demon king with ten heads and 20 arms. Hindu tradition already regards him as a symbol of evil, so why not inject a bit of him into your next dark lord?

BABA YAGA (Russian mythology)

One of my main guilty pleasures is the film Anastasia; in part for its music, in part on account of my obsession with Russian imperial history. This film produced a direct-to-video spin-off called Bartok the Magnificent, an antagonist of which was Baba Yaga, who is actually a prominent figure in Russian folklore. A child-snatching witch who lives in a house mounted on chicken’s legs, and who travels the Russian skies in a flying mortar and pestle. In Bartok, her portrayal was relatively light-hearted compared to what it could have been. Maybe you could push her to the other extreme in your fantasy villainess.

ACALA (Buddhism, particularly Japanese Buddhism)

You could include a character based of Acala based on his depictions alone. This is one scary and angry looking guy. Bulging white eyes, fanged teeth, a sword in one hand and a noose in the other. Acala is what is described as a wrathful deity; in some cases, he is the wrathful manifestation of the buddha Vairocana. Either way, he gives plenty with which to inspire up-and-coming fantasy writers.

ANANSI (African mythology)

The trickster spider Anansi gets a passing mention in the podcast episode. He is a god in African and Caribbean mythology, who knows all the stories in the world. As such, he is attached to a great many myths, stories and parables. He is the only entry on this list that does not specifically fill an antagonistic role. Anansi typically uses cunning and creativity to outsmart his opponents. With that in mind, he could always serve in a similar capacity to the MCU’s Loki. Or a would-be fantasy author might push Anansi one step further and make him 100% evil, who plays tricks purely out of sadism.

Any more weird and wonderful mythical or legendary figures you think would inspire decent characters, whether hero or villain? Why not let me know in the comments? For more author news and views, my Facebook and Instagram pages are here.

Something that has been getting on my nerves lately. Social media book reviewers sending me messages. Why am I not replying? Well… I’ll tell you!

One of my pet peeves at the moment: social media book reviewers sending me messages. I hear you say, “Surely that’s a good thing? People are showing an interest!”

You may well be correct. Or then again, maybe it’s all a scam. It’s a bit difficult to tell when the messages have such an array of off-putting elements. In my latest video (above), I offer some advice to the social media book reviewers who want independent authors such as myself to take them seriously. At least, to reply to their messages, which, in most cases, I don’t do.

1. CHECK YOUR MESSAGES FOR MISTAKES

Before you send your message, give it a read through. Remember, you are supposedly in this to persuade me to use your services. Therefore, it makes sense that you would send me a message that uses correct English. A message that isn’t riddled with spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Also a message that doesn’t fawn and simper and use overly polite language. Or that hasn’t been copied and pasted from a generator on the Internet. Too many times have I read messages saying things like, “Kindly please reply to my email…” and beginning with “Hey Dear Dale Hurst – Author”. If it begins like that, I don’t want to read on.

2. DON’T BEG

No means no. If in the rare event I choose to reply to your message, declining your reviewing services, do not respond by saying something like: “Oh, but sir! Our services are very high-quality. And cheap…” It does not create a good impression; it just comes off as desperate, or that you are trying very hard to rope me into a scam. Take me at my first answer and be understanding. I might remember your professionalism and may well seek you out when it comes to the next book.

3. BE UP FRONT ABOUT COSTS

A lot of independent authors operate on very slim marketing budgets. And so there may not be much in the kitty to pay strangers to review the books, or to send free copies away – in many cases, overseas. For those of us starting out or still establishing a brand, every sale means the world to us. So asking us to send free copies is a tad unreasonable, especially when it costs less than a Starbucks coffee to buy the Kindle edition. It’s also a bit of a gamble to send copies to people for review that we neither know nor follow and pay money for something that may not get an honest review (I refer to my earlier point about scams).

Therefore, when you send your message, be up front about how much it may cost the author there and then. Don’t wait for us to get drawn into conversation before you hit us with the price. You may find giving it to us straight away may prove more persuasive. Also, do your homework and quote the price in the AUTHOR’S home currency. In my case, GBP (£). I will ignore anything quoted in USD, Rupees or, especially, cryptocurrencies!

4. CONSIDER WHEN THE BOOK WAS RELEASED

Following on from the last point about budgets, authors may have budgeted for reviews when their book was first released. In addition, they usually approach the reviewers, rather than the other way around. So when you’re sending your message, double-check when the book was actually released. If it was a week or two ago, then there’s a fair chance the author may have something left over to maybe take a chance on social media book reviewers. If it was more than a year ago… it’s highly unlikely unless sales are literally pouring in. And even in that event, they may not feel they need your services.

FINAL ADVICE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA BOOK REVIEWERS

There is a lot of distrust going around, especially on social media. If you operate a genuine review channel, you must be professional and persuasive about your approach to independent authors if you want us to take you seriously. Otherwise, we may just think you’re another scammer looking to make some easy money and otherwise damage our brand and/or reputation.

Do you agree (or disagree)? Why not let me know in the comments? For more author news and views, my Facebook and Instagram pages are here.