Why are Dragon Myths Found in Almost Every Culture Across the Globe?
Sure, it could be dinosaurs, but what if it’s something else entirely?
This was the question that plagued my mind ever since I watched Animal Planet’s docufiction The Last Dragon, also known as Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real or Dragon’s World depending on your location.
As a young child, I’ve always gravitated towards the fantastical. Whether that was reading Piers Anthony’s Xanth series late at night until right before school or devouring The Lord of the Rings trilogy all in one day (extended versions, of course). I loved fantasy and every question it posited in my sleepless mind. And when I saw this dragon docufiction, I was enraptured by its speculative qualities and the way that it convinced my naïve, hungry brain that dragons were real. I mean, why couldn’t they be? And why do we limit ourselves to the definitions that we ourselves created?
As a lover of fiction, I decided it was high time to explore the full gamut of this passion, the other side to this expansive coin: writing. The last two years opened up new facets of my mind that I never explored and, with one tweet, it was finally real. I put my titular thought into the world and, shockingly, it was well-received.
People crossing generations and backgrounds were interested in the concept — no, the question — that had itched at the back of my mind for years. À la Anne McCaffrey, I knew I’d find the piecemeal answers in my familiar genres: fantasy, science fiction, mysteries, etc. Especially those of a darker, deeper tone that related to real-world issues, but explored them in interesting and adventurous ways. But what did I want to accomplish with it? I wanted to create. Create what hasn’t been created, and especially through a voice that hasn’t been heard.
As a multiracial writer, it was a must for me to ground this story in my own experiences. I grew up as a mixed race kid in a world unprepared for who I was. As part of this new wave of multiracial teens in Canada, I was heavily surrounded by ignorance and confusion about my multicultural and nomadic childhood. I was called a “mutt”, “exotic”, and was asked “But what ARE you?” countless times.
The Third Culture Kid syndrome grew strong, and I soon realised that it wasn’t limited to my schooling or how often I moved. It was rooted in the fact that I was — and am — a person divided. Much like everyone else in this world, the truth was clear: whether cultural, racial, educational, or otherwise, there is a division within us all. But it’s how we unite those differences that define us.
I grew up with the mindset that the world was my backyard. Especially with my time at an international school, it was a realm that not many knew or understood, but I knew that it was something I wanted to remain being a part of. University gave me that breath of fresh air where I not only could be myself but also see myself. There were other mixed race kids, like me, who were trying to find out if they’d fit in those square or triangular imprints in society. (Turns out, we halfies are all the polygons and shape-shift depending on our surroundings.)
Although I did have a bit of difficulty finding the right post-secondary program, my mother brilliantly found the answer: Carleton University’s Bachelor of Humanities and Biology. It was perfect. Once again, I found a motley endeavour that fit my own variegated self. As part of our studies, we ventured into various cultures throughout time focusing on sociology, music, art, science, politics… the list goes on and on… and I loved it. I consumed it. I also painstakingly realised that my writing befit the creative rather than the academic. Oops!
Throughout these years of continued self-discovery, I found myself coming back to books as my haven. After seeing the success of my friend and mentor, P. L. Stuart, author of The Drowned Kingdom, I had an epiphany and knew what I wanted most in life. I wanted to deliver the same hope and exploration that was given by thousands of authors before me. I had this sudden hunger to create a journey that was relatable, but could give rise to new thoughts and left you homesick for a fictional world. I found my passion, but more importantly, I discovered my purpose. I wanted to pay it forward. To give a home for those who still had yet to find theirs.
And so, my debut novel, Of Us and Them, was born. I could finally scratch that “What if dragons were real?” itch that haunted my daydreams. Luckily, the increasingly popular speculative genre was another perfect fit. And with genre-bending at my disposal, my novel could be as mixed as I am. With multiracial teens, saviour aliens, global dragon mythology, and a high-stakes murder mystery set in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, I wrote a story that highlights everything that’s incredible about our world and would simultaneously cause the reader to question everything they thought they knew… hopefully!
Once I typed “The End” — or in this case “To Be Continued”, I entered the querying trenches (an often long and painful process) to find an agent or publisher. But this wasn’t the end to my journey of self-doubt and identity. There was yet another syndrome to take into account and it’s called Imposter Syndrome.
After being told many times by agents that they didn’t know how Of Us and Them would fit into today’s market, I was left devastated, thinking I was missing the mark and wasn’t good enough. Once again, I was hearing the same thing: you don’t fit.
The world wasn’t ready for this young adult science fiction murder mystery with historical fantasy in the shape of global dragon lore (yes, you read that correctly). To be fair, they were right. Completely spot on. Today’s industry market wasn’t ready for it. It was something new, something that needed a chance to cut a fresh imprint and settle into its place.
Right as I was about to shelve Of Us and Them to wait for the “right time”, I received a response from a small, award-winning publisher, Darkstroke. They specialise in dark fiction and found that my manuscript was right up their alley! Within a month, I was signed. My novel had found its home and was in its next phase of genesis.
Even today, I still can’t believe it happened despite my fingers brushing those deliciously ink-covered pages. My passion project was now a reality. And here I am, reading my book and finally answering my big, burning question about dragons.
As someone who went through this process anxious, green, and doubtful, there was still one thing that remained certain. I created something. I wrote my own story, my own answer that fit who I was and what I wanted to share with the world. That self-validation remained constant.
Ergo, dear reader, if something is nagging your brain and is left unanswered, then answer it yourself! Redefine the definitions. Push the boundaries and see where our incredibly creative brains can go. There will be no right time for this new frontier, so why wait for it?
I walk around my hometown now and see the multiracial, adult faces of the kids I grew up with who have also finally found their spot in society. New generations are joining, swiftly and colourfully. Races, backgrounds, histories, and families are blending, ready to mold this new world. To quote the wise words of Wayne Szalinski at Szalinski Labs: Our future is now!
So grasp it. Grow it. Breathe it. Write it.
You’ve got this. You will find your home… even if you have to create it yourself.
For those interested, Of Us and Them is now available in paperback and as an e-book on Amazon.
You can follow my authorial journey on my website (still seeking literary representation) and on social media: Twitter @TL_Coughlin and Instagram @TL_Coughlin.
OF US AND THEM by T. L. Coughlin
Have Your Last Breath
Seventeen-year-old Evren was born for one purpose: to serve as a vessel for the Leviathans, an alien species hidden in global dragon lore. She longs to join the secret society who concealed them in history — and as last of the twelve prophesied Paladins, she needs to. With the world in ruin, their unification will signal the Leviathans’ return to Earth to protect humans from their worst enemy: themselves.
But Evren’s ambitions are dashed when a Paladin is found dead. The murder sets her world ablaze and now she must stop the saboteur, or risk destroying a celestial plan millennia in the making. However, finding the truth — and the killer — in a society built on deceit won’t be easy, especially with Evren’s fierce and guarded mother as its leader.
— Also, keep an eye out for fun easter eggs! Hint for one: Where do those coordinates lead to?