Hi Friend, 

I've been reading Persephone Rising by Carol S. Pearson lately and really enjoying it. I love what she shares about the Demeter and Persephone myth. 

She shares about their archetypes and about the Zeus and Dionysus archetypes, and how we can integrate their strengths into our lives to have more choice.

Choice comes when we realize what archetype we are acting in, in imbalance or in strength, and choose anew.

As a writer, you may be familiar with archetypes and use them in your writing. In literature, an archetype is "a typical character, an action or a situation that seems to represent such universal patterns of human nature." (http://literarydevices.net/archetype/) 

For example, a hero/heroine is an archetype. The mentor, villain, and scapegoat are archetypes.

In the writing process, you can use archetypes to support your planning and writing your novel.

In my words, here's a short summary of the four archetypes Pearson shares in Persephone Rising -- their strengths and their shadow sides.

Demeter is about the earth's abundance, caring for others, and creating community. In her shadow side, she cares for others at the neglect of herself.

Persephone is about self-awareness, crossing into the unconscious and bringing back gems or wisdoms for her life. In her shadow side, she is self-absorbed.

Zeus is about power, control, structure, and rules. In his shadow side, Zeus is autocratic and doesn't ask for or listen to input from anybody.

Dionysus is about play, trance, travel between worlds, and ecstasy. In his shadow side, Dionysus only plays and doesn't want to deal in the real world.

Which of these archetypes is supporting you in your writing life? Which might be hindering you? And lastly, which archetype would you like to embody more to support you with your writing?

Next time I'll share more about what I'm learning from Persephone Rising by Carol S. Pearson.

In our series of classes at the Barany School of Fiction, I intertwine the inner life of the writer with the outer tools of the craft of writing.

If that is your cup of tea, then check out our novel planning course starting soon.