I read a tweet on the dreaded question we authors are asked, what is your story about? Well since I have three stories, it first is a trilogy and second it is a mythology. If you do not understand the concept of a mythology, then refer to Greek and Roman mythologies, Norse and others. A mythology deals with creation, the conflict in the immortal world and the interference in the lives of mortals. Finally a mythology deals with the end of times. Many people believe religions are also mythologies. The Bible for example, has a creation and end of times story, and many of the stories are very similar to Hindu stories and the stories of other cultures, which appear to be passed around orally, then in writing.
Most of you may know of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Yet, when I ask people of the Silmarillion, they know very little. This book was Tolkien’s creation and history story. I’ve always been amazed at readers who don’t want to know about the origin of Elves, Dwarves, etc… In the movie, Gandalf names the Balrog as a demon of the ancient world. What ancient world? Tell me more! Where the heck did Sauron come from? I loved the opening scene of the Fellowship of the Ring with the first battle between the alliance and Sauron. I want to know more, more, more. My first story in the trilogy is titled Rise of the Fallen and the first nine chapters are devoted to the creation story and thousands of years of history. If you do not read those chapters closely, you will miss many hints to be revealed and surprise you in books 2 and 3, and the story will make no sense.
Like Tolkien’s mythology, I created my own races and demons, but inserted some characters we are accustomed to; namely races of men, giants and dragons. I vowed the story line and ending would be unique, and that each book would be more fast and furious with each passing chapter and a cliff-hanger at the end of each book, and a satisfying conclusion. The themes in this mythology are based on our human needs: peace, love, family, neighbors, and faith in something greater than ourselves. I vowed when writing this story that it would touch a reader’s emotions, not only once but multiple times. If you complete the story without crying, then I failed at the message of the story. This is why the story took ten years to write and why I ran it through a focus group before release.
Be open minded, stories that might appear as a religious story in the beginning, can turn out to be an epic journey you find yourself wanting to read over and over.
2 thoughts on “What is your trilogy about?”
That’s a dread question for sure, but I’ve got my answer down for that one at this point. The question I hate as a writer is “Where did you get the idea for that?” or “Where did that come from?”
Hi Victoria,
I understand completely. The premise for my trilogy was a conglomeration of multiple thoughts from books, movies and history. My initial premise came from the historical account of the siege of Masada. Then it took a life of its own. Thanks for replying, this gives me a thought on my next post.