Myth and Creative Writing The Self-Renewing Song

by May, Adrian

• ISBN13: 9781408204641
• ISBN10: 1408204649
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-10-14
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

A practical guide to the art of creative writing, which takes the reader on a journey through the history of myth and creativity to inform the practical process.Myth and Creative Writing is a unique and practical guide to the arts of creative writing. It: Gives a historical perspective on the storyteller's art Takes a wide view of myth, to include: legends, folklore, biblical myth, classical myth, belief myths, balladry and song. Considers all aspects of the creative process, from conception to completion Provides tips on seeking inspiration from classical and mythic sources Shows how myths can be linked to contemporary concerns Enables beginning writers to tap into the deeper resonances of myth Guides students to further critical and creative resources

Author Biography

Adrian May is a teacher of writing at the University of Essex. He has published essays on writing, myth and song lyrics, and his background is as a songwriter, lyricist and performer on the English folk music circuit. He is also the author of a collection of poems, An Essex Attitude (Wivenbooks, UK: 2009).

Table of Contents

Preface: Mythic Intentions

Introduction: The Mythic Writer

PART ONE: Myth and the Creative Process

1. Starting Creation
2. Birth Myths
3. The Truth Lies
4. Mythic Navigation Devices
5. Dark Matter
6. Late Heroes
7. Happiness Writes
8. Myth Madness
9. Modernising Myths
10. The Daily Myther
11. Dooms and Dead Ends
12. Myths of Fame

Postscript: Theories and Fairies, Myth and Magic

PART TWO: A Mythic Subject Dictionary

Bibliography

Index