The Power of Myth at Comic Con

On the first full day of Comic Con 2010, I had the opportunity to sit in on a panel of sci-fi authors who discussed the “power of myth” contained within their writing and within the genre itself. The panelists included Amber Benson, actress and writer of the Calliope Reaper-Jones novels and authors Esther Freisner, Thomas Grenias, Lev Grossman, Les Klinger, Seanan McGuire, Michael Scott and Thomas Sniegoski.

After moderator Maryelizabeth Hart introduced each panelist – to a rousing round of audience applause – they talked about what myth means to them and how it inspired their writing. Amber Benson was the first to respond, stating “you can’t escape myth” with Lev Grossman adding, “You don’t mess with myth, myth messes with you.”

Seanan McGuire interjected that, “we’ve been messing with myth since day one” – she continued by explaining that we tell our children about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy – all myths. Michael Scott further expounded on the topic by stating the same legends exist in many different countries – “the names may change, but the legends are the same.”

Thomas Sniegoski explained that he “ruffled a lot of feathers” in his stories that were based on the Christian stories contained in the Bible that seemed to clearly (at least in his eyes) conflict with the images displayed in the glass windows of his church. He was intrigued by the nephilim, the children of fallen angels and human beings, which is seen as a Christian myth.

Michael Scott mentioned that many stories based on myths brought to the United States by immigrants no longer exist in their home countries simply because they were brought over here. The stories were based down through the generations here and have summarily disappeared over there.

The audience questions posed to the authors included:

• Why more stories based on American myths are not made: The authors stated while there are books out there they simply are not that well known and the European myths are simply so vast and more research opportunities are available.

• Is there any concern over originality: The authors stated that there can be a certain amount of guilt over “borrowing” ideas, but the writing should be in your voice and every author has borrowed from another – that’s just the name of the game. In some instances, it could be the greatest form of flattery.

• What was their thought on fan fiction: The authors and the audience reacted much the same way. There are just as many bad points as there are good points where fan fiction is concerned. But it comes down to a couple things: characterization and quality. The reason the authors do not consider fan fiction in their writing is simply because of copyright issues.

Before the panel was brought to an end, Amber Benson relayed a piece of good advice to all aspiring writers, “get your feet wet” in any way you can.