Storybook Topic Brainstorm

     The first and most promising topic I am considering is a storybook based on The Lord of the Rings. This is a book series written by JRR Tolkien. I have read many of these books and have hard copies of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbit. I love the variety of stories all taking place in this extensive world. There is so much potential and every new tale brings with it a variety of new creatures and interconnecting plots. As I mentioned I already have a number of the hard copies to reference but here is an additional link here.

LOTR Picture

    Next I am considering the Ramayana because it is one of my favorie Hindu epics. It depicts a world very similar to the one in the Lord of the Rings. There is an abundance of potential and every new chapter brings with it new creations never before thought of. I love the complexity of the world and the variety of creatures that can be expanded upon. I have attached a link to an online version here. I think it would be pretty fun to give background to the monkey king or perhaps introduce a new demon with his own nefarious agenda. 

    Next I am thinking about creating a few new parables for the gospel accounts. I have extensive understnading of the gospels but I think there could be new parabls added that could provide some great insight for modern issues. Perhaps the Pharisees might issue a new challenge like this one. Or Jesus might address some other issues like homosexuality or dating in new parables. I think it would be an interesting albeit difficult mental exercise. 

    Finally, my last consideration for my storybook is based on a fiction series I have been reading recently. The series is called the magicians by Lev Grossman. In this trilogy we follow a group of grad students as they are indicted into a graduate college studying magic. It's somewhat similar to Harry Potter with the exception that magic is painfully brutal to learn and there are no wands. We see characters discover a new world and become forced to save the essence of magic itself. Here is a link with lots of information on the series. 

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