So you want to invoke the muses? Call unto the gods and have their divinity fill the pages of your writing? Perhaps you wish to ask an oracle about the life your piece may live. There are tons of writers who have pulled on Greek or Roman mythology to add depth and story to their works. Commonly known novels such as the Percy Jackson series or The Song of Achilles. Authors such as Jennifer Saint or Natalie Haynes. The pull of inspiration from mythology is nothing new; however, there are some things to note.

Is the mythology represented well, or with accuracy? Or, more importantly, does it matter? Personally, I think that your desired audience matters more than extreme accuracy, but regardless, you must have the basics down. No writing about Zeus as a fluffy, loving husband who dotes upon his wife.

Percy Jackson is riddled with discrepancies and issues that classics scholars may want to pick a bone with, but most undergraduates I have spoken to have no issues with loving the nostalgic childhood book series. If you are writing for a YA audience, you typically do not need in-depth knowledge, but some understanding of the myths and gods is important.

Now, take a book like Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes—a work that highlights the issues within the representation of the story of Medusa, and portrays the wrath and terrible nature of the gods. You can tell that the writer herself is a classist. That she has done the research. This book is going to appeal more to those who know the story of Medusa and want to read something where the gods’ behaviour is more realistic. (In my humble opinion, as someone who owns and loves the book).

This is what is important when you want to pull any mythology or religion (as the Greek and Roman gods ARE considered part of a religion) into your writing: do your research. There is no need to sit down and study for years about ancient societies, but do ensure you know what you are trying to write about.

Some Books to Inspire the Desire to Write about Greek/Roman Myth & History:

• Stone Blind & A Thousand Ships By: Natalie Hynes
• Circe & The Song of Achilles By: Madeline Miller
• Mythos & Heroes By: Stephen Fry
• Ilium By: Dan Simmons