Myths and Heroes in Creative Writing: Re-Reading and Remaking
Myths and Heroes in Creative Writing: Re-Reading and Remaking offers a comprehensive overview of myth throughout history. Exploring a variety of forms, Adrian May provides a framework for the practice and process of writing myths.

This accessible guide discusses a rich and diverse range of literary examples across myth, theatre, poetry and criticism to make a clear and compelling case for a reimagining of the epic and heroic. It celebrates the depth and subtlety of myth and its ability to overcome clichés, while offering essential advice on plotting, editing and retelling classical myths. It features practical advice and exercises for a complete writing experience.

Inspiring creativity and advancing comprehension, this book is for anyone interested in the creative use of myth. This includes writers, artists and all who seek to see beyond the surface of things and gain new insights into mythology.

1147251035
Myths and Heroes in Creative Writing: Re-Reading and Remaking
Myths and Heroes in Creative Writing: Re-Reading and Remaking offers a comprehensive overview of myth throughout history. Exploring a variety of forms, Adrian May provides a framework for the practice and process of writing myths.

This accessible guide discusses a rich and diverse range of literary examples across myth, theatre, poetry and criticism to make a clear and compelling case for a reimagining of the epic and heroic. It celebrates the depth and subtlety of myth and its ability to overcome clichés, while offering essential advice on plotting, editing and retelling classical myths. It features practical advice and exercises for a complete writing experience.

Inspiring creativity and advancing comprehension, this book is for anyone interested in the creative use of myth. This includes writers, artists and all who seek to see beyond the surface of things and gain new insights into mythology.

54.99 In Stock
Myths and Heroes in Creative Writing: Re-Reading and Remaking

Myths and Heroes in Creative Writing: Re-Reading and Remaking

by Adrian May
Myths and Heroes in Creative Writing: Re-Reading and Remaking

Myths and Heroes in Creative Writing: Re-Reading and Remaking

by Adrian May

Paperback

$54.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 3-7 days. Typically arrives in 3 weeks.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

Myths and Heroes in Creative Writing: Re-Reading and Remaking offers a comprehensive overview of myth throughout history. Exploring a variety of forms, Adrian May provides a framework for the practice and process of writing myths.

This accessible guide discusses a rich and diverse range of literary examples across myth, theatre, poetry and criticism to make a clear and compelling case for a reimagining of the epic and heroic. It celebrates the depth and subtlety of myth and its ability to overcome clichés, while offering essential advice on plotting, editing and retelling classical myths. It features practical advice and exercises for a complete writing experience.

Inspiring creativity and advancing comprehension, this book is for anyone interested in the creative use of myth. This includes writers, artists and all who seek to see beyond the surface of things and gain new insights into mythology.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781041038962
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication date: 09/04/2025
Pages: 144
Product dimensions: 6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Adrian May is Community Fellow and former Deputy Director of Creative Writing at the University of Essex, UK. He is the author of three previous books about creativity: Myth and Creative Writing (2011), The Magic of Writing (2018), Tradition in Creative Writing (2021) and Boot Sale Harvest (non-fiction, 2023). He has also published several collections of poems and songs, including Full Fathom Folk (2022) and Grail Island (2025), the latter inspired by some of the material in this book.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

 

Part One: Introductory

Preface: The Mythic Wanderer

 

1. The Errant Way

 

2. The Human Pattern

 

Part Two: The Narrow Hero

3. Big Heroes Reduced

 

4. Portability: Genre; Wilderness

 

5. Writers not Wrong

 

Part Three: Ante-heroes

6. Ante, Mock, Anti

 

7. The Vanishing Grail

 

8. How to Disappear

 

9. Tarot and Tao

 

Part Four: Mythic alternatives

10. Decline of Folly

 

11. Confronting the hero-monster

 

12. Supernatural alternatives

 

Part Five: Postscripts

13. Ceremonies of Innocence

 

14. Ritual and Initiation

 

Index

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews