One of the beautiful things about writing in community is being able to ask questions. When I restarted writing as a hobby, I spent a lot of time on social media–specifically, Twitter.

It was through the vehicle of Twitter that I met Tonia Ransom, the executive producer of Nightlight: The Black Horror podcast! I was following the podcast’s Twitter account before I ever followed her personally. But, the better thing that happened on while on this Twitter journey, was I met the marvelous Tananarive Due.

This is why this is important: Writers need community and writers need support!

I asked her all types of questions! I would ask her practical things, writing things, and she answered everything! But, the thing that was most incredible, and helpful was her advice about myths. Here is how that started.

I told her that I was working on something, and didn’t see (or didn’t have) the myth I needed. I asked her, “What do I do?” As gracious as she is, she answered me. Really quickly, as I remember. Her answer was three words: make it up.

Make it up.

I cannot explain why that freed me, but it did. She gave me the permission, the reminder, that I as a writer had more power than what I thought. Myths are fantastic, but making up one? Making up a myth to suit your story or build your world? That…that unlocked another realm of my imagination that I didn’t know existed! I didn’t know I was allowed to just make up a myth. This is why writing in community is vital. This is why if you have access to your favorite authors on social media, don’t be afraid to ask them questions!

The worlds that you create are yours, yes. It is your responsibility to maintain and construct these worlds. Myths provide framework, structure and key to your work! Remember, if you don’t see or know the myth you need, you have the power to make it up.

You have the power–the responsibility–to maintain it! Don’t take that lightly. The story you need, the foundation you need, you have! Think of each story you create as a house. Each house needs it own foundation, and if you are building a subdvision you need allocate space to build. Take the space–and if you can’t take it, make it up.