Picture a Chicago-based word-wizard who spins ancient myths into laugh-out-loud tales packed with four-letter flair—meet Cory O’Brien! This literary alchemist, armed with an MFA and a knack for the absurd, has carved a niche with irreverent bestsellers like Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes and George Washington Is Cash Money. From mythology to cyberpunk noir, O’Brien’s humor-laced storytelling captivates readers, gamers, and anyone who loves a good tale told with unfiltered wit.
The Making of Cory O’Brien
Born with a storyteller’s spark, Cory O’Brien grew up influenced by his father, a professional storyteller, and the sharp humor of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. With an English degree and a penchant for mythology, he honed his craft at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, earning an MFA in writing. His adventures—camping with gypsies, juggling for food, and driving a veggie-oil-powered car across the U.S.—shaped his eclectic perspective. A chance chat about the myth of Tiresias with a friend sparked BetterMyths.com, the blog that launched his career, blending crude humor with ancient tales.
Cory O’Brien’s Unforgettable Stories
O’Brien’s breakout hit, Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes: A No-Bullshit Guide to World Mythology, retells Greek, Norse, Chinese, and Sumerian myths with a modern, profanity-peppered twist. Think Cronus eating babies or Odin’s bestiality-fueled construction deals, all delivered with a frat-boy rant vibe that’s equal parts hilarious and accurate. Its sequel, George Washington Is Cash Money, applies the same irreverent lens to American history, portraying Teddy Roosevelt stopping bullets with his chest and Harriet Tubman dodging danger via prophetic seizures. O’Brien’s debut novel, Two Truths and a Lie, dives into cyberpunk noir, following a combat-drone veteran in a drowned future L.A., blending humor, romance, and mystery. His work extends to video games like Monster Prom and tabletop games like Inhuman Conditions, showcasing his versatile, cheeky style.
What sets O’Brien apart is his refusal to sanitize stories. He embraces the raw, ridiculous nature of myths, making them relatable through sharp wit and pop-culture references. His conversational tone—think a tipsy friend shouting myths at a bar—keeps readers hooked, while his research ensures fidelity to the source material. This balance of humor and insight has earned praise from fans and critics alike.
Why Cory O’Brien Matters
Cory O’Brien has redefined mythology for a modern audience, proving that sacred stories can be both revered and roasted. His books have briefly outsold Joseph Campbell’s classics, a testament to their accessibility and appeal. By blending humor with cultural commentary, he invites readers to question narratives and embrace the absurdities of human belief. His influence extends to gaming, where his dialogue and narrative design bring the same irreverent energy, inspiring a new generation of storytellers to take risks and have fun.
- Key Works: Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes, George Washington Is Cash Money, Two Truths and a Lie
- Notable Contributions: Wrote for Monster Prom, designed Inhuman Conditions
- Education: MFA in Writing, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Ready to dive into Cory O’Brien’s wild world? Snag Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes and brace yourself for mythology like you’ve never read before—crude, clever, and utterly unforgettable!