{EP. 15} Mermaids in Fantasy Fiction (and Why We're So Goshdarn Fascinated) Artwork

Writing the Broomstick

The podcast where you'll get your dose of magic and dash of writing advice all in one juicy elixir. Join a couple of authors in our ramblings about all-things fantasy, paranormal fiction, and magical realism. Our goal is to help you iron out your mystical world and open up the floor to a weird and witchy conversation. ★ Follow us @writingthebroom and get in touch: writingthebroomstick@gmail.com / writingthebroomstick.com ★ Hosts: Katrina Tortorici Anglehart (K.T. Anglehart) is a freelance editor and author of teen/YA urban fantasy "The Wise One"—the first of "The Scottish Scrolls" series. She enjoys laughing at her and Genny's shenanigans while trying desperately to maintain her composure. ★ @kt_anglehart | ktanglehart.com ★ Genevieve Methot is a freelance writer and emerging author of new adult fantasy trilogy "The Needle of Ingress" (release date TBD). She is often called out for being self-deprecating and breaking out in song during awkward moments. ★ @genny_met

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Writing the Broomstick

{EP. 15} Mermaids in Fantasy Fiction (and Why We're So Goshdarn Fascinated)

July 07, 2021 • Season 2 • Episode 5

Mermaid straight ahead! A’hoy mateys. Today, we’re going unda da sea and into the mysterious world of mermaids, mermen, and merfolk! We want to know where our fascination with mermaids comes from. To do that, we need to go back to the beginning to learn more about the origins of this mysterious clam-bra-wearing being.

Did you know that mermaid lore spans thousands of years and shows up in various parts of Africa, the Mediterranean, Europe, the British Isles, and Southeast Asia?

So, we all agree that mermaids were a real thing to our ancestors. Sometimes she’s good, sometimes she’s bad, sometimes she lures sailors to their death, sometimes she’s a nice lady that brings you fame and fortune and dinglehoppers.

What else happens in this episode? Well, Katrina shot this episode in her childhood bedroom (it’s a long story), in case you’re wondering why she sounds like she’s in a bat cave, and Genny takes a crack at dramatic narrations. Plus, we’ve got book suggestions for you!

Our Book Suggestions:

The Deep by Rivers Solomon
The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gower
The Moon and the Sun by Vonda N McIntyre
Ingo by Helen Dunmore

Books from Oprah’s Book List:

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
The Pisces by Melissa Broder
The Oyster Thief by Sonia Faruqi

Check out more of Oprah’s suggestions.

Sources: