Monday, May 5, 2014

Mythical Monday (48)


It seems there are many books based on or influenced by Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are so many different Mythology and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.


This week we have:
Fantasy author 
William Petersen
Talking Unicorns of the Sea.


A note from the author:

"I've always been fascinated with myths and lore. I wonder what shred of truth gave rise to them, and what traumatic or inspiring events surrounded them. I'm particularly taken with the myth of the unicorn and the magic of their horns. The first time I saw a picture of a Narwhal, I was convinced that they were unicorns. As an adult, my fascination has been tempered with science and education, but my imagination still runs wild every time I see one of these amazing creatures. I invite you to share that fascination with me." W.P.

*****

At the top of the world, the last magical creatures on Earth must stop running and make their stand...

An aspiring whale researcher, Maddie, and a disenfranchised ex-convict, Marcus, cross paths as a sinister plot unfolds around them. The discovery that magic creatures still exist, and so do the evil men who have pursued them through time, thrusts the two into the heart of the struggle.

Maddie and Marcus learn that unicorns are not myth, nor have they died out; they merely adapted and evolved as their needs and environment changed. After being hunted to near extinction by generations of evil wizards and chased through forests, swamps and finally, into the sea, they have become Narwhals. The so-called 'Unicorns of the Sea'...

The two also learn that the evil pursuing the animals has evolved as well, now employing modern weapons, tactics and technology to round up the last magical creatures on the planet. Using the compounds found within the huge, spiral horns of the whales, a new wizard seeks to fulfill his destiny and finally end the ancient struggle.

*****

Author Bio:
Missouri native and life-long resident. I'm either camping, fishing, sitting outside next to a fire or watching something about history, science or nature right now. I may even be writing...

I find endless inspiration within the natural world for science-fiction, horror and fantasy...

"Every story starts with 'What If ?', and I strive to bring you with me as I attempt to explore that question."

Find William:
Site:  http://theinwardspiral.wordpress.com/
Twitter:  @WideWorldofWill

Purchase Book: (click the image, and pick up for free - today)

17 comments:

  1. What an interesting take on something from the real world!

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    1. I get most of my inspiration from the natural world. When I see a Narwhal, the connection is obvious, however fanciful it may be... :)

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    2. I have to agree Jackie. I wouldn't have thought about these. Really a great connection.

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  2. I admit Unicorns are not my favourite fantasy creatures, but this was quite a unique post (I didn't know creatures like sea unicorns existed!). Very insightful. :)

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    1. I have to admit, most interpretations of unicorns are whimsical and a little too 'soft' for my style of writing and taste. The urban fantasy aspect allowed me to write a unicorn story that I personally like. Plus, the real-life mysteries surrounding the animals lend themselves perfectly to the concept of the story.

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    2. Franny, So glad to have shared a new creature of the sea with you! I had completely forgot about them until William and I talked. This sounds like a great connection to use. :)

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  3. What a great way to use the real world and the mythical! Now I know why narwhales have that horn. :)

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    1. Some have horns, some do not. Some twist counter-clockwise, others clockwise. The horn is actually a modified tooth. However, even in light of all of my research, I can't stop picturing the evolution of magical horned horses into ocean-going mammals. :)

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    2. Melissa (B&T) Another horned creature for you. ;D It was really neat to learn this. :) Thank you!

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  4. Narwhals really are fascinating...At the end of the story is a reference to a real Narwhal researcher, Kristin Westdal. I loosely based the character "Maddie" on her and her passion for discovering more about these enchanting creatures. :)

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    1. William, I really appreciate you doing this post. It is so neat to learn about the Norwhals and a connection to your story.

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    2. I'm so glad you like the idea .My writing style is not for everyone, but the connection is there. Every species of marine mammal can be traced back to a land-dwelling ancestor... ancestors that included primitive deer and horses...

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    3. William, it's okay. :) We understand about writing styles and readers. :) But it is such a great aspect to pull from. Great idea. Thank you for the wonderful post.

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  5. Oh that's so interesting, I don't dont think I've read anything like that and it's intriguing. Well one or 2 with unicons yeah, but it's a little different. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Melliane, it was so neat to learn about. And such a great idea to use in stories! :D Thank you.

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  6. Thanks again Melissa and everyone who commented and checked out the story! Later this year I have another story that will appear in a collection of myth and fairy tale re-tellings entitled, "Twice Upon a Time". Everything from Jack and the Beanstalk to Cinderella (mine is an evil genie, of sorts...) it's going to be great!

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    1. Sure thing William. The best to you with the stories. And sounds like a great one to come yet. :)

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