I am sharing some of my thoughts on Myths and Legends Day. As authors we constantly live in a world of make believe to create characters and settings and by researching known myths and legends we can format own our tales. And as readers we are fascinated by these tales that survive generation to generation around the globe. As readers we love to be transported into another world. That is the joy of books.

Maybe you have a favorite mythical creature that sparks your imagination. Why not share?

For my part, I coupled my love of wildlife and magical creatures into my children’s chapter book, Ockleberries to the Rescue. The main characters are woodland sprites, who live within their forest home to help the animals that reside there. Research into sprites, pixies, elves and the like was fun and I got to read through my treasured gnome and fairies books too. I also made sure to refresh my animal knowledge, to ensure the behaviour of the featured animals was correct. There are a multitude of myths and legends in every country in the world. As children we grow up with them as bedtime stories and through movies based on legends. As these narratives develop over time, with changes due to modern perception and 'politically' correct bias, writers find ways to adapt them.

Was it based on a myth or legend? For example, The Troll Wedding, The Tortoise and the Hare, and Pandora's Box. All of these are relatable stories, no matter the century, and relayed over generations.

Can you remember your favorite childhood story?

In a world of make-believe, anything is possible. Whether the narrative utilizes a known god, or goddess, a creature, such as a dragon, or the author creates a magical being from their imagination. We all enjoy the fantastical.