Myths & More

Illustration by Hiroshi Nagai 5 Unexpected Ways to Fuel Your Story Driving Record your thoughts while driving for inspiration. Walking, Running, Swimming Try physical activity to fill your subconscious with creativity. Listening to Music Listen to music while working to set the mood. Reading Relaxed reading can inspire your brain. Dreaming Write down your dreams and allow your subconscious to solve your writing. Notes I might rename number 2 as “fitness” or “physical activity” to keep it short and sweet, but it might have turned away those who loathe the idea of working out. I dislike running and curse whoever invented it, but swimming I can do. It’s pretty relaxing.  Music is a great tool for tapping into writing, though the genre also affects how well I write that day. One day I might listen to electroswing, and the next could be chillhop. I definitely won’t be listening to a podcast while writing—that’s reserved for when I’m makin...

Saint Margaret Link to story. Title: Saint Margaret Author: Jacobus da Varagine (1230-1298) Editor: F. S. Ellis (1830-1901) Notes: Similar to the story of Saint Juliana who refused to marry a pagan, though in this tale Saint Margaret fights a dragon. Characters: Margaret Theodosius, Margaret’s father Olybrius, the provost of Antioch Dragon Veltis, the devil Places: Antioch Prison Events: Margaret is raised as a christian At fifteen, Olybrius wishes to marry Margaret Margaret refuses to marry a pagan Olybrius tortures Margaret and locks her in prison Margaret prays to god Margaret is swallowed by a dragon and breaks free The devil attempts to deceive Margaret Margaret attacks the devil Margaret is brought before the court Margaret is beheaded Margaret is buried and martyred

Saint Pelagien Link to story. Title: Saint Pelagien Author: Jacobus da Varagine (1230-1298) Editor: F. S. Ellis (1830-1901) Notes: Story is similar to that of Saint Marina, who disguised herself as a man and was accused of adultery.  Characters: Margaret/Pelagien Abbot Monks Non-virgin who accused Pelagien Places: Monastery Events: Margaret was intent on being a virgin Margaret runs away on the night of her wedding Margaret disguises herself as a man called Pelagien Pelagien joins the monastery A pregnant woman accuses Pelagien of adultery The monks lock Pelagien in a cell Pelagien leaves a letter containing her true identity The monks and the nuns discover the deceased Pelagien Pelagien is buried in the church