Writing.Com General Discussion

Hello Steven reads Ursula K PenGuin and Anonymous! Thank you for your replies.

I understand what you are saying, and I would never use anything in an inappropriate manner. I respect the Cherokee people and find many of their myths really interesting (thought some are quite scary). However, many authors have incorporated Raven Mockers and other objects of American Indian mythology into their writing, so it wouldn't be something new.

My protagonist, whom I have decided to name Vanessa because it means 'butterfly', will more than likely be of Cherokee descent, though I'm still not sure as to what era my book will take place in, so her mother may be Cherokee, or Vanessa may just have Cherokee ancestors.

As to my antagonist, I was actually considering making the Raven Mocker himself the antagonist, because according to myths, Raven Mockers are basically heart-eating demons who can mimic ravens and be invisible. And I have two reasons for choosing him to be Vanessa's father and her enemy: 1. This leaves room for me to experiment with the possibility of Vanessa having supernatural abilities, and 2. I can play in the theme of Vanessa breaking away from her father and who he wants her to be so that she can create for herself who she is; which is why I will make Vanessa decide for herself what her name is at some point during the book, and she chooses 'Vanessa' for its particular meaning.

I really appreciate your feedback and would love to hear from you again!


-DW