After the group presentation on Karen Russell’s Vampires in the Lemon Grove, my Craft of Prose class participated in an exercise inspired by Russell’s title story, in which they had to write from the point of view of mythological creatures who are rejecting their mythical powers, innate desires, or supernatural tendencies. Here are some of the creatures about which they wrote:
- A Kelpie that doesn’t drown people anymore
- A reindeer that has stopped flying for Santa
- The Boogeyman who’s decided to open up a daycare
- A suicidal phoenix
- Vegan Werewolf
- Speed-dating siren
- God on Vacation
- A magical healer who will no longer heal anyone
Emilia Phillips 