Growing
So, this morning I finally finished reading all 23 pages of RD’s Mythology Workshop. There is tons of information there, and I couldn’t possibly list it all here. I also know very little about mythology going in, so I can’t comment on specific themes and books discussed. What I personally took away involved worldbuilding and plotting.
My worldbuilding skills are sorely lacking. I tend to be way too literal and rely on reality too much. The conversations helped me to see that nothing is written in stone, especially not something like myth, and there is no tradition or rules to follow–I need to create my own. Of course I knew this, but it really clicked during the workshop. I was also sparked by some talk of fairytales and inner demons. More fodder for the idea file.
Robin Owens talked about Chris Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey, which I love, love, love. She helped me to see that the steps aren’t set in stone. (I never considered myself a rule follower, huh.) Most writers I brainstorm with do not know or follow Vogler. It makes it difficult to explain the reasoning behind my choices when it comes to plot, so at times, I’ve abandoned the choices. It’s not as cut and dry as that, so it’s not as simple, but I’m learning to grow as a writer and to believe and trust myself.
Don’t worry about labels or the way the genre says something should go. Just do what is write for that story. Don’t try to fit into a particular genre. There doesn’t need to be a ready-made Jennifer. How boring i that? Yet, while I completely agree with all of this, it is also exactly what I’ve been doing for the past 3 years. Maybe it was necessary in order for me to figure out who I was as a writer. If that’s the case, then hot diggity dog!
It’s all such a huge learning process for me, but not just as a writer. Everything I’ve been taught has affected my life in general and guided me as a human being too. 
