Ask the Author: A.C. Melody
Answered Questions (7)
A.C. Melody
Thank you! I have to confess, I never set out to make a book about Norse Mythology, because of how little I knew about it. But I'm always trying to find the origins of things, so when I was searching for the "oldest" legends about wolves, of course, Asgard is exactly where I ended up! Not saying the sagas are the source of all wolf tales, but once I got there, I didn't want to leave.
Somehow, I had the same 'knowledge' I think we all hear as children about Odin, Thor, Loki and the Valkyrie. Which, as adults, some learn is mostly wrong–or Disney-diluted–while others never learn any differently, because they read or watch Marvel. And I'm a huge Marvel fan, so that's not a slam - but Thor is about 90% inaccurate when it comes to real Norse Mythology. The biggest surprise was learning that Loki is way older than Odin, and the father of major players like the Fenrir, the world snake, Odin's eight-legged horse and the Goddess Hel. I think he's some kind of uncle to Odin according to the (mostly unreliable) Aesir family tree, because they all came from giants (Jotun).
Anyway, without going into a long lecture on all I've already learned, I will say there is still so much more I have yet to even glimpse. The Norse Mythos is vast, complex and surprisingly human. The Vikings had Gods that walked among them, vulnerable as much as they were powerful, and expected to make the same kind of sacrifices for greatness and good. I'm hoping as the Ulfrinn series progresses, I'll be able to share more of the fascinating and less heard of parts of this incredible, ancient culture.
Somehow, I had the same 'knowledge' I think we all hear as children about Odin, Thor, Loki and the Valkyrie. Which, as adults, some learn is mostly wrong–or Disney-diluted–while others never learn any differently, because they read or watch Marvel. And I'm a huge Marvel fan, so that's not a slam - but Thor is about 90% inaccurate when it comes to real Norse Mythology. The biggest surprise was learning that Loki is way older than Odin, and the father of major players like the Fenrir, the world snake, Odin's eight-legged horse and the Goddess Hel. I think he's some kind of uncle to Odin according to the (mostly unreliable) Aesir family tree, because they all came from giants (Jotun).
Anyway, without going into a long lecture on all I've already learned, I will say there is still so much more I have yet to even glimpse. The Norse Mythos is vast, complex and surprisingly human. The Vikings had Gods that walked among them, vulnerable as much as they were powerful, and expected to make the same kind of sacrifices for greatness and good. I'm hoping as the Ulfrinn series progresses, I'll be able to share more of the fascinating and less heard of parts of this incredible, ancient culture.
A.C. Melody
I've read some pretty good books this year, but I'd have to say definitely "Dark Room" by L.P. Dover and Heidi McLaughlin. It had every element you could want in a good book, very well balanced and heartfelt story. How about you?
A.C. Melody
I couldn't even begin to feel qualified enough to give out advice, and honestly, I don't generally follow other author's advice, either, because I don't want to be them. I certainly don't want my books to sound just like theirs. I do what works best for me: I write first and then worry about everything else after the book is done. Why put limitations on your own creativity, before you've even begun?
A.C. Melody
The main idea just sort of popped into my head, and the rest developed when I finally sat down and started writing it. My own stories tend to surprise me, because I'm not a plotter at all. The best parts are usually the ones I never could have planned for in a million years.
A.C. Melody
I'm flipping back and forth between a supernatural romance and a SciFi one, but that is subject to change at any moment without warning...
A.C. Melody
The limitless possibilities to create.
A.C. Melody
I read. I tend to get inspired with my own stories when I read others, but also it's an excuse to get caught up on some really good books from my "Want to read" shelf!
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