TFTSP: Known Mythologies

You’ve created a beautiful new world with a gorgeous magic system and deep characters that are gonna make your readers *feel all the things* with their struggles. But in the process of immersing your reader in this fantastic world, you gave your characters the names of Greek gods and goddesses.

And immediately I am kicked out of your unique world and thrust back into our world that gave rise to the mythology you are referencing.

Perhaps they have similar vibes or originally you started writing a myth retelling. Or you liked the mythology they inspired and wanted the same feelings for your world. But if your story is not a retelling, you are doing your creation a disservice. It will never be your original world; it will be our known world. By using known mythologies, you are setting reader expectations that your story will follow those or at least have a *very good reason* why it breaks from the older tales. A character with a hero’s name is expected to also be a hero. You risk breaking those expectations and disappointing your reader.

Even things like idioms and metaphors can ruin immersion. Screaming like a banshee. Ballpark estimate. Bet the farm. These all have meanings in our world, but why do they fit in your world?

How do you fix it? Use original names and terms for your unique world. You can use similar sounds or vibes, even the same number of syllables. Customize the names to your world.

Photo by Daniels Joffe on Unsplash