Exploring The Mind Behind Task Force: Gaea And Other Mythological Masterpieces
David Berger discusses his inspirations, the art of reimagining mythology, his teaching career’s influence, and how he crafts epic narratives blending ancient myths with modern storytelling in this captivating conversation.
David Berger stands as a beacon of creativity in the world of fantasy and mythology-inspired storytelling. From his earliest days as a boy captivated by the tales of Olympian gods to his current acclaim as an award-winning author, Berger’s journey is one of passion, imagination, and an unyielding love for the written word. His works, including the enthralling Task Force: Gaea series and the Celtic-inspired The Quest of Wyndracer and Fyrehunter, transport readers to realms where ancient myths intertwine seamlessly with modern settings, creating narratives that are as timeless as they are innovative.
Berger’s ability to breathe new life into mythology is nothing short of remarkable. His stories are not mere retellings but vibrant reimaginings, enriched by his deep understanding of mythological traditions and his flair for worldbuilding. Whether through the epic adventures of his novels or the evocative poetry and short fiction in Hippocrene’s Promise and Hippocrene’s Dream, Berger invites readers to explore the extraordinary, offering them a glimpse into worlds where gods, heroes, and monsters come alive.
In this conversation, Berger delves into the inspirations behind his work, the challenges of crafting mythological narratives, and the profound impact of his teaching career on his storytelling. With influences ranging from Wonder Woman to Homer’s Odyssey, his writing is a celebration of the fantastical and the heroic. Join us as we uncover the mind behind these captivating tales and discover what makes David Berger a true master of his craft.
What inspired you to create the Task Force: Gaea series, and how did your love of Greek mythology influence the storyline? In 1985, I wrote a short story in high school called “The Olympus Corps” inspired by my love of Star Trek and Greek mythology (which I had fallen in love with as a child from books like D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths and Edith Hamilton’s Mythology.) I left the story untouched until the late 90s when I shifted from short story to novel, taking the outer space element out and setting the novel firmly on Gaea (Earth). Part of the series has new mythological creatures and gods to keep things fresh and different from the original tales.
Can you share your writing process for blending modern settings with mythological elements in your books? In Task Force: Gaea, I use Boston, my hometown, as the main setting, and I research maps and places to provide specificity and depth. Locations I love have made their way into the narrative, enriching the storytelling and creating places for people to recognize and to which they can attach themselves. By bridging the mythological with the real, the settings come to life in unimagined ways to be the vessel for the ensuing gods and monsters. For Memory’s Curse, the second Task Force: Gaea novel, I had chosen a small town and street in Greece as part of the setting as it was near Mount Olympus, and I had the serendipity to visit that exact street this past summer. What a profound experience seeing the exact location that I had chosen via Google Maps!
How has your experience as an English teacher shaped your approach to storytelling and character development? My love and appreciation for storytelling have certainly shaped my writing because I want to write stories for younger versions of myself—the nerdy and quirky readers. Having had students give their thoughts after reading one of my books has also contributed to other novels and stories focusing on what would work to capture the newer generation of book lovers. I observe what my students read on their own, and that informs my own direction for writing.
What challenges did you face while writing The Quest of Wyndracer and Fyrehunter, and how did you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges was the mythology since I wanted to use Celtic mythology which has roots in Irish, Welsh, Scottish, etc. However, I found myself drawn to the mythology of Ireland most of all having been there numerous times, and I adore the stories of the Sidhe and the Tuatha Dé Danaan. Beyond that, I didn’t have other challenges, unless you count trying to keep the first novel at a manageable length with so much story to tell.
Are there any specific authors, comics, or mythological tales that have had a significant impact on your writing style? As for comics, I take a great deal of inspiration from Wonder Woman, especially for the Task Force: Gaea series, largely due to the female empowerment and the Greek mythology connections. I have been a(n obsessed) fan of hers since childhood, have met many writers and artists who have worked on the comic, and have even appeared in the comic a few times. Authors like Terry Goodkind, Anne McCaffrey, Robert Jordan, Piers Anthony, Madeline Miller, and J. R. R. Tolkien have fueled my love of the genre and influenced how I write. I am drawn to quirky authors who excel in worldbuilding and focus on the otherworldly elements. Tales like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey contributed to the idea of epic storytelling, each giving me landing points for ideas that have become stylistic tools.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write fantasy or mythology-inspired stories? First, read as much as you can in the genre you want to write. Absorb the stories, characters, and stylistic elements that pull you into the novels so you can develop your own style. With fantasy and myth-based storytelling, you have access to so many wells of inspiration that you can do anything. Second, write various types of stories within the genre—in the past, present, or future—so you can see what sparks your joy. Maybe mix mythology with science fiction and create something that transcends the norm.
