Roger B. Burt - Mythology, Powerful Women and Self Exploration

Roger B. Burt - Mythology, Powerful Women and Self Exploration
author of the day

Roger B. Burt is a clinical psychologist who has always been intrigued by the mythological and cultural underpinnings of humankind. His interest in the Women’s Liberation movement in the 1960s inspired a series featuring powerful women dedicated to our future. As our Author of the Day, Burt tells us all about the Gaia's Majesty series - focusing on Mission Called, the first book in the series.

Please give us a short introduction to what Gaia's Majesty-Mission Called is about

It is the first book of the  trilogy and is a response to the growing real world crises as they are in real time but it utilizes a magical realism format. We have entered a very dangerous period but it may also represent an auspicious opportunity.

What intrigues you about the mythological and cultural underpinnings of humankind?

Our ability to use symbols and the fact that we have culture is unique among animals. In mythology we explore and reveal who and how we are which is exciting and enticing.

What inspired you to write about Gaia and women who had the mission to be the stewards of Earth?

I’ve been intrigued by the import of the empowerment of women since the 1960s. And now it has moved to another level entirely. This is a time of formidable opportunity not just for women but for all of us.

Why mermaids? What drew you to them?

Mermaids seem to appear in virtually every culture that has significant water involvement. They are unlikely creatures and rarely are there mermen. It is curious and deserves exploration in one form or another. As in many myths there is something important underlying.

How do you feel about the way the Women's Rights movement has been changing the world?

We are going to see books about the import of this movement and the experience of it will be exciting. This is new in the history of the world, is just beginning and is long overdue.

Tell us more about the world of the Tethyans. How did you go about creating it?

The Tethyans have a mission and such missions are never simple. We often don’t find out about them until they unfold. The trilogy unfolded and grew on its own.

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

Hmmm. Secret skills. I don’t know about that. Perhaps one thing is that I don’t believe things are always as they seem and there may be unexpected opportunities if we will seize the moment.

What do you hope your readers will take away from this?

The best thing we can take away from fiction is the opportunity to explore in ourselves and reframe our view of the world. I guess that’s the psychologist in me saying that self exploration is always worthwhile. 

When did you decide to become a writer?

In some way I don’t think I decided to become a writer. It was an opportunity which presented itself and I couldn’t resist the exploration.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?

Both. I find Dara Marks Transformational Arc useful. It gives a structure which we see most often guiding us in movies. But there is often a story which shows it has a life of its own.

What are you working on right now?

The second book in the trilogy is nearing completion. And I already have a rough draft for book three. Then there are my thoughts about the lives of some of the Andromeda women in the series and how their stories might deserve telling.

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

My blog is the place to go. https://www.cupsofreality.com  In it I explore reality and various aspects of our lives as well as relating to the Gaia’s Majesty Trilogy. I hope over time that people will come and share of themselves and their thoughts. A dialogue would be wonderful for all of us.

This deal has ended but you can read more about the book here.
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