When Rick Riodan's Percy Jackson series came out, I devoured the books. Greek mythology. Right up my alley. Then, he wrote The Red Pyramid with Egyptian gods and goddesses. I tried but couldn't keep them straight. Soon the story lost interest. Oh, well. He wrote more stories with Greek myths.
In April, Veronica Scott visited here with her new release, Song of the Nile. Ah, Egyptians. Because I enjoy her science fiction romances, I gave it a try. Wow. Talk about devouring books. Like eating potato chips, I couldn't stop at one. I was so fascinated, I read all in the series. The story, of course, came first. But, she wove into the story enough details about the particular god or goddess to inform the reader without overwhelming.
Isn't that what we're supposed to do? It's the same with backstory. We have to weave in enough detail to help the reader understand without overwhelming. First chapters are so hard. We have all this information about our characters that we want to share. Yet if we do so, we run the risk of exasperating the reader who's mentally saying, "Get on with the story."
Without being overwhelmed, I'm happy to say I've expanded my knowledge of Egyptian mythology.
24 comments:
Awww, thank you very much! I'm so happy you enjoyed the books and also that the mythology came through in a positive way. There are so many variations of myths in the Egyptian pantheon that I decide which version I'm adopting and stick to that one forevermore. I've had readers tell me that when they went to see the King Tut exhibit which was recently on tour, they felt at home and were explaining things to the people they went to the museum with, based on having read my books! I love writing ancient Egypt :)
LOVE THIS! I have a fascination for all the ancient gods and goddesses, too, including the Celtic and the Norse. Have yet to keep them all straight. Fantastic blog.
It sounds fascinating! I have very little knowledge about Egyptian mythology. Seamlessly weaving info into a story is a true talent!
BTW- My girls devoured the Percy Jackson books and have wanted to go to Greece since then.
It's interesting how we can learn so much without realizing it! I guess that's the mark of a great author. And as you say, once you've enjoyed someone's books in one genre, it's easy to follow that person into another. Great post!
I wasn't much on mythology but this is so interesting!
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT
I loved Latin, too, but today, I remember very little. Your post has reawakened an interest in the gods and goddesses of those cultures.
Veronica, I'm just learning about the Egyptian pantheon. Didn't realize there were variations. As I've often said, I enjoy learning new things. Keeps me young...at least in my mind.
Thanks, Diana. I'm reading Rick Riordan's series based on Norse myths. Again, I knew very little other than what I've gathered via the Thor movies. lol
Maureen, lol at your girls wanting to go to Greece. It's fascinating how books open us up to new adventures.
Patty, I've followed authors from one genre to another because of their writing. I hope my readers do the same.
Thanks, Pam.
Linda, I'm glad I reawakened your interest. Latin helped my grammar. Still does, though I don't remember too much about actual Latin.
I love, love, love reading anything about Egypt. I recently read Kleopatra's Daughter. That story takes place mostly in Rome, but it starts in Alexandria, and I loved the descriptions of the city. (Oh, and it was this book that taught me Kleopatra should be spelled with a 'K'. She was Greek. And the Greek spelling is with a 'K')
Kara, that is so interesting about spelling with a K. Does that mean my g'daughter is Greek since her name is spelled Kora? lol I'm going to check out Kleopatra's Daughter. Sounds fascinating.
Loved this blog, Di. I also have a fascination with all different pantheons, especially the Egyptian, Celtic and Greek. I'll have to try Veronica's series!
Thanks, Patrish. I'm sure you'll enjoy Veronica's series. I know little about Celtic myths. Another learning opportunity.
I really enjoyed reading everyone's comments! I also fell in love with Greek and Roman mythology as a child but then when I read Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (a YA title) in elementary school she really awakened my interest in ancient Egypt. She included a teeny tiny element of myth toward the end (the goddess of the night sky watching the characters) and I was hooked...but of course I wanted a lot more involvement by the gods. Since the Egyptians had thousands of years of history, their myths evolved over time and different gods and goddesses became ascendant, often taking over attributes of older deities. Uh oh, don't let me get started on all my research LOL. I have a page on my blog dedicated to all the books in my private reference library. Anyway, I have fun writing the novels and I hope if anyone decides to give them a try, they'll enjoy the adventure and the romance.
LOVE mythology - I don't care whose it is - Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, American Indian. It's good to know gods have problems and egos, too.
Thanks for stopping by again, Veronica. Interesting to know how early your love of Egyptian mythology started.
LOL, Nancy. Maybe we just give them human qualities so we understand them better. I love how similar they are, how they each try to explain origins, morning and night, and other scientific phenomenons.
Very interesting! I was never into Latin, but this is fun info, and the books sound wonderful. Best wishes!
Alicia, considering your interest in the paranormal, I think you'd enjoy Veronica's series. Thanks for stopping by.
I always think fiction is the best way to learn history--or in this case, mythology! Great post!
Thanks, Alina. I've learned so much via fiction. Fictional biographies are great.
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