 | 4 Jun 09 |
Allison here: I met Alex at Thrillerfest in 2006. She terrified me. Gorgeous, confident, sexy, and talented. Fortunately, we hit it off and I got over my fear (mostly.) It also helps that her significant other is a fan of my books 
. . . I read THE UNSEEN and was thrilled to give it an endorsement (albeit late, because, well, such is my life these days.) It’s like a ticking time bomb and so compelling you keep turning pages, wondering in fear and trepidation whether the house is haunted . . . or not. Definitely a must read! It’s my favorite Sokoloff book yet.
So please welcome Alexandra Sokoloff!!
Goddesses in Everywoman
Thanks for hostessing me, Allison and goddesses of Murder She Writes!
And it’s precisely because you all are such goddesses that I hit upon today’s topic. Allison and I have a lot of fun discussing character archetypes on our weekend Murderati blogs – we’re both huge fans of Christopher Vogler’s THE WRITER’S JOURNEY, the simpler writer’s version of Joseph Campbell’s classic, THE HERO’S JOURNEY.
But one of the best books I’ve ever read on character, bar none, deals with the heroine and HER many variations and journeys, and I’ve wanted to do a blog on all that for a long time.
One of the must-read books for ANY writer, in my opinion, is Jungian psychologist Jean Shinoda Bolen’s GODDESSES IN EVERYWOMAN
She has a companion book, GODS IN EVERYMAN, equally great for writing character. But frankly, men get too much attention as it is. Today is for US.
I’ve always LOVED Greek mythology and that pantheon. I far prefer the Greek goddesses and gods to their Roman versions, even though they’re essentially the same. I know other people are fascinated by Irish god/desses or Viking ones, and the Mexican deities are amazing, too, but there is just something about those Greeks that works for me as a system of character types. And Bolen does an amazing job of making those myths translate to people and situations we all know. I guarantee if you pick up this book, you will see yourself and every woman you know in it, and it can really help you make choices and refinements about the characters you write. And it’s so entertainingly and intelligently written it makes research a pleasure.
To summarize very, very, VERY simplistically, Bolen describes seven goddesses who are character types we see in every woman:
Hera: the queen, wife, socialite, betrayed and humiliated spouse (examples: Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Edwards – lots and lots of political wives)
Athena: warrior princess, mentor, intellectual, protector of warriors (men), defender of the patriarchy. (again, Hillary Clinton!, Suze Ormon. Lots of city and government-loving Athenas in politics. Also the brainiac tomboy who competes with the boys, like Hermione in HARRY POTTER)
Artemis: goddess of the hunt and of the moon and forest; defender of women and children. Athletic and self-sufficient. (Most female sports figures you can think of; Xena, Warrior Princess)
Aphrodite, goddess of love, beautiful and irresistible but also promiscuous and unfaithful. Rules creativity, art, music, sensual pleasure (lots of movie stars, here – Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth are always cited as examples)
Demeter: earth mother, bereft mother, goddess of the harvest. (Mother Teresa often cited as an example)
Persephone: maiden, kidnapped and raped daughter, Queen of the Underworld, witch, psychic, healer (Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Bella in Twilight)
Hestia: virgin goddess of the hearth; takes solitary pleasure in the home and crafts without necessarily having a husband or mate.
Bolen further divides these seven goddesses into three categories: the virgin goddesses, the vulnerable goddesses, and the alchemical (or transformative) goddess. The virgin goddesses are Hestia, Artemis, and Athena; the vulnerable goddesses are Persephone, Hera, and Demeter; and the alchemical goddesses are Aphrodite, Persephone, and Hestia.
Now, we all have all of those goddess archetypes within us, and the more balanced we are between all the archetypes, the more stable we are. But of course – how many balanced and stable people do YOU know? Yeah, exactly. And when creating character, it’s often useful to emphasize, or exaggerate, one archetype over another.
I have no doubt about which goddesses are prevalent in me. Persephone rules, with Aphrodite and Artemis always battling for second place. Of course with the stuff I write, that Queen of the Underworld, psychic, otherworldly, witchy thing that Persephone is all about is my turf. Also with the – um… life – I’ve led, love ‘em and leave ‘em Aphrodite is always in there somewhere. And I’ve always been a rabid defender of women and children, but more in an Artemis warrior kind of way than a mothering one. Plus the wilderness/athlete/animal lover aspects of Artemis have always been very, very strong in my psyche.
Goddesses I am not so familiar with are Hera (wife, mother, socialite? Uh, no.), Hestia (seriously, if you could see my house….) and Athena – although I certainly had my tomboy, brain child stage when I was a kid, I actually really have problems with any woman who defends the patriarchy the way Athenas tend to do (that’s my Artemis raring her head, and oh boy, can she get pissed.).
Interestingly enough, the three goddesses who are dominant in me are the three goddesses associated with witches, and apparently the three most threatening to men. For whatever that’s worth!
I just love using the goddess archetypes to hone in on my characters. Laurel MacDonald, from my new book, THE UNSEEN could have been typecast as an Athena, because of her intellectual focus and the fact that she’s competing against men in a highly intellectual realm. But to me there’s very little Athena working in her. Laurel is a Persephone, as most of my female leads tend to be, because of her fascination with psychic powers and the journey into the unknown that she takes in the book. But she’s also got Aphrodite working in there (there’s a lot of eroticism going on in this particular haunted house, and Laurel makes decisions based more on attraction than reason); and also Demeter, because she takes on the mother role to rescue some young students from the terror of the house.
Are you starting to get the sense of how useful and how much fun this can be? Think about people we know, or characters from books we’re familiar with. J.T. Ellison is always calling her Taylor Jackson character an Athena, and yes, she is. And so is J.T. – she even did a long stint in D.C., home to so, so many Athenas.
I see Demeter, the Earth Mother, in Heather Graham (five kids tends to bring out the mother in anyone!!!), but also Persephone, of course, the Queen of the Underworld; and Aphrodite, the sexy, theatrical gypsy. And, well, all that sex stuff.
Deb LeBlanc has a lot of both Persephone and Demeter going (take a look at what she writes!). I also see Artemis there: Deb is such a feminine warrior. Even though she works and competes on a completely level playing field with men, like an Athena, I don’t think she ever sacrifices her femininity to do it, which is more Artemis than Athena, and Deb has a strong, strong relationship with nature – also more of an Artemis quality (Athena is most comfortable in cities).
Allison has a strong Athena vibe – those years in Sacramento government! – but there’s also Demeter and Perspehone working there – and it comes out in the themes of her books all the time, all that dark stuff. And the warrior/rescuer Artemis is strong in her female leads.
Do you see how fun and how illuminating this can start to be? Even better than astrology! Of course, I may have guessed completely wrong, in which case feel free to set me straight, but it’s a start.
Here’s a website that goes into much more detail, if you need instant gratification (including a personality quiz!) . But I strongly encourage you to get Bolen’s book(s) and read them cover to cover. You’ll be glad you did.
So what do you think? Which goddesses are working in you, and in your characters (or friends)? And/or: what characters can you think of that are great examples of some of these archetypes?
- Alex
Alex is on a non-Type-A, unKonrath blog tour for the release of her new supernatural thriller, THE UNSEEN.
For more information on Alex, THE UNSEEN, and writing, please visit her website: http://alexandrasokoloff.com and blog: http://thedarksalon.blogspot.com
ADDED AFTER COFFEE: Okay, sorry, I forgot the most important thing! Alex is kindly giving away two books — her debut novel THE HARROWING and her second novel THE PRICE . . . so two lucky commenters get a book! Woo hoo! I’ll randomly pick and post them on Sunday.
AND I forgot to mention above that Alex is a FINALIST in the Thriller Awards for Best Short Story. Amazing and talented!!!!
© 2009 Allison Brennan. All rights reserved.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award winning author Allison Brennan has published fourteen romantic thrillers with Ballantine, plus a novella and four short stories. She lives near Sacramento, California with her husband and five children. Recently, RT Book Reviews said, “A master of suspense, Brennan does another outstanding job uniting horrifying action, procedural drama and the birth of a romance — a prime example of why she’s tops in the genre.” For fun Allison enjoys wine tasting, swimming, playing video games, and—of course–reading. Her most recent release is CARNAL SIN, the second book in the Seven Deadly Sins supernatural romantic suspense series. Her Lucy Kincaid series will launch in January, 2011 with LOVE ME TO DEATH.
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Thanks for a great post!
Being more Celtic oriented, it’s been a while since I thought about the Greeks. However, the Greek goddess I most strongly identify with is one of the older ones–not talked about a whole lot after the Olympians took center stage. Hecate–most often portrayed as a Crone, although in her earliest stories she’s sort of a forerunner to Artemis. She also was the one who helped guide Persephone between worlds. Someone told me long ago that she is regarded as a shamanic goddess, because she travels between the worlds (all of them), acts as a psychopomp, etc–and of course there’s the whole witchy thing. Persephone is another, although not as the kidnapped victim. One version of her story has her wilfully disobeying Demeter and willingly going with Hades…
A bit of Athena–at least the brainy, political part, but while I WANT to be a warrior goddess, it just isn’t in me. I WANT to slay dragons, I often pick up a sword (I know, I’m mixing my metaphors), and then I discover it’s all blood and guts and I really should be home doing yoga.
by Lorena Streeter June 4th, 2009 at 6:25 amLOL, Lorena – I’m with you on the yoga! I should ALWAYS just be home doing yoga.
And I’m a big fan… maybe make that acolyte – of Hecate, as well. In fact I have my modern-day witch channel Hecate in a whole spooky scene in my fourth book, BOOK OF SHADOWS. Love her, fear her!
Great comments, thank you!!
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 7:02 amGreat post! I love Alex’s books and it’s so great to get a little “behind the scenes” lessons on writing characters.
by Sheila June 4th, 2009 at 7:38 amI “cheated” and took the quiz. I’m a strong Hestia followed by almost a tie between Artemis and Athena (with Arte edging out by one point) six points back. Persephone is in positive numbers while Aphrodite, Demeter, and Hera are in the negative range. Hrm….I’m not what that says about me.
Thanks for dropping by Alex, and giving us something to ponder. As if I needed MORE books on my list, I’ve added yours, too. I really should just stop doing anything but reading until I get a better handle on my TBR pile. Unfortunately, I doubt my editor would appreciate my time away from the keyboard.
by Silver James June 4th, 2009 at 7:38 amSo I had to see how well Alex knows me so I took the quiz . . . I’m shocked. She is so close it’s eerie.
Athena 20
Artemis 13
Demeter 9
Persephone 5
Hestia -2
Aphrodite -3
Hera -9
Thanks for being here Alex!
by Allison Brennan June 4th, 2009 at 8:04 amHi Alex and welcome to MSWs! Growing up, Iwanted to be Hera, then realized I have no tolerance for humilation
I recognize a bit of Demeter, Persephone and Athena.
Love your cover for UNSEEN!
by Jen Lyon June 4th, 2009 at 8:18 amThanks for having me, Jen! Yeah, that’s the thing about Hera – what good is it to be queen when the king is running around with every – and I do mean every – little thing that crosses his path?!
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 9:50 amHi Alex and Allison, I must confess I didn’t take the quiz. I doubt any goddesses are working through me! But you never know… I found it interesting, though. Thanks for a great post.
by Andrew Peterson June 4th, 2009 at 8:49 amHey Andrew! No, I don’t see any goddesses in you. I bet you know quite a few, though.
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 9:51 amMay I be so bold as to say you’re one of them? I’m looking forward to saying hello at ThrillerFest!
by Andrew Peterson June 4th, 2009 at 10:08 amThanks, Sheila! If you like the other two I think you’ll love THE UNSEEN.
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 9:41 amThat’s interesting, Silver – I’m thrilled that people are taking the test (I haven’t had time yet, but it looks like it’s pretty accurate.)
Hestia is an intriguing goddess to me because she seems to be so centered in herself. The most peaceful goddess, I think, so the side of me that does yoga and meditates is drawn to her.
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 9:43 amWow, Allison, that IS eerie! I’m a little shocked myself, but see? This goddess thing works!
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 9:45 amGreat Post Alex. We met briefly at RWA San Fran last year (don’t expect you to remember) and I have to agree with Allison…you’re pretty intimidating.
I follow your blog (when I can) at Murderati and I have to say your one of the best teachers I can find on the internet. Your posts are always so informative and helpful (at least for this struggling writer because you make it easeir to understand).
I’m looking forward to reading the Unseen (as soon as I can add it to my tbr list–hint hint–heh)
As per which goddess I am? I would have to think about that one since I’m a bit of all of them.
by Terri Molina June 4th, 2009 at 11:27 amTerri, believ me, I’m way too much of a space case to be intimidating. If you only knew how chaotic it is in my head!
I’m so glad to hear my writing blogs are helpful. I so enjoy doing them and seeing people get how much fun it is to use film structure in their novel writing.
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 12:08 pmI so admire the intentionality in your writing, Alex. And you’re such a good teacher. JT has talked about the Campbell book frequently–now I need to get the Vogler, the Campbell and the Bolen!
I confess that I tried to take the goddess quiz, but I misread the directions and, after twenty minutes gave up. Must be time for my next Adderall dose-lol! But I know I’ll devour the book!
by Laura Benedict June 4th, 2009 at 12:03 pmLOL, Laura! that’s why I haven’t taken the test, yet. Besides, I already know my goddesses.
You will like the book, I know, you twisted soul…
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 12:10 pmLaura, I’m a huge fan of Vogler–he’s the cliff notes version of Campbell
. . . I’m too clueless to understand the complexities of Campbell.
by Allison Brennan June 5th, 2009 at 1:17 amAllison, some day you should watch the PBS series of interviews Bill Moyers did with Campbell. Really stunning films, and it will ease you into Campbell’s world with wonderful art and images. I love them.
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 5th, 2009 at 3:03 amGreat post, I’ll be sure to pick up that book. It’s always good to find interesting reference material.
by Erika June 4th, 2009 at 12:29 pmOh, yeah, Erika, this is really one of my favorite reference books!
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 7:13 pmWhat a fascinating blog, Alex. A new way of looking at the goddesses.
Would Susan Sarandon or Goldie Hawn be considered a Demeter? Although Susan has a lot of warrior in her, as well.
I’d love to win one of your books. You are on my list of authors to try out!
by Karen in Ohio June 4th, 2009 at 3:00 pmOoh, two good examples, Karen! Susan Sarandon definitely has Demeter energy to me. Goldie Hawn still has a lot of golden girl Aphrodite left in her, too, but the earth mother, hippie thing is very Demeter.
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 4th, 2009 at 7:12 pmWhat an interesting post. I’ll have to check out the books on Gods and Goddesses. I think there is a bit of Demeter and Hestia in me. My oldest daughter is most definitely a combination of Athena and Artemis.
by Patricia Barraclough June 4th, 2009 at 9:27 pmThanks for an enjoyable article.
Glad you could see how that works, Patricia! Thanks for reading…
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 5th, 2009 at 6:44 amI Thanks for this fascinating post. It was interesting to learn about your writing and the captivating novels. Thanks for this glimpse and the world of Gods and Godesses. All the best of success.
by anne June 5th, 2009 at 7:01 amThanks, Anne! Yes, I’m happy to preach about these Goddesses and Gods!
by Alexandra Sokoloff June 7th, 2009 at 4:52 amT
Thanks for mentioning Goddesses In Every Woman – I read this book when it first came out, and it was a wonderful tool for me. Really made me think about myself and where I was in the world and what I wanted to become. I recommend for every thinking and growing woman.
HEster
by hHester Sturrock June 5th, 2009 at 7:25 am[...] good friend Alexandra Sokoloff, who blogged here the other week, commented once over at Murderati that everyone plotted to a certain degree, and [...]
by I don’t plot. Really. | Murder She Writes June 18th, 2009 at 12:17 am