Why That Book How Do Readers Decide To Try A New Author

When browsing through the stacks of novels at the local bookstore, how does a customer choose a new author? Marketing research firms spend thousands of dollars trying to determine consumer behavior and ways to manipulate that behavior.

Unicorns - The Mythical Creatures

The unicorn is very likely the most wonderful of all mythical creatures. It is a well-known fact that a unicorn is famous for that he is lost in a dense forest that is situating on the border between the real and magical worlds. The unicorn arouses respect as it is a breathtaking creature. However, the connection of unicorn with human beings is very often dangerous for the fantastic world and for the unicorn itself.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) - Road of Trials (1)

The Road of Trials is all about the dissolution of the Old Self (the dissolving away of the Old Self). The first part of this is the Letting go of the Old Self. The Hero must pull away from his Old World and Old Self. In An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Zach accepts Paula.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Even Where The Hero Is Doomed

Even where the Hero is doomed, Freedom to Live sequences are common. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie dreams of starting over.

Do You Really Think You Understand the Debate - Argue the Other Side

Many people claim to be excellent debaters and they know their information very well, however they know it from a limited skew and their own personal perception. If one really wants to debate a topic then one should be able to also debate it from the opponent's point of view; or the exact opposite or even a third or fourth perspective. Think of the last time you were in a political or verbal debate and ask yourself do you understand the other party's concerns and perceptions well enough to argue their point for them.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Final Conflict - Final Battle

Post the Crossing of the Return Threshold and before the Master of Two Worlds and Selves, a hell of a lot happens that is rarely given mention.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Stage Of The Inner Resolve

Post the Unbearable Antagonism, with newly gained Inner Resolve, the Hero claws back lost ground. In Return of the Jedi (1983), Luke shows he is stronger than Vader. In Cinderella Man (2005), Jim Braddock starts to win. In The Matrix (1999), Neo plays with the bullets.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - The Hero Is A Natural

A Natural. The Hero tackles obstacles with ease, encounters no delaying obstacles and makes no mistake. The hero finds an inner resolve.

Tips For a Successful Meeting With An Agent or Editor

As you decide to become more active in pursuing publication, it is strongly advised to attend conferences such as EPICon, Romantic Times, or any local/regional convention where appointments are scheduled. From previous experience, I can tell you that seeing an author in person makes a lasting impression that outshines any e-mail conversation. I note the sincerity and enthusiasm of each writer I meet, and often can tell when one does submit something to me.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Polar Opposite First Threshold

Polar Opposite. The New World of the First Threshold is markedly different from the Hero's Ordinary World; it is usually the Polar Opposite of the Ordinary World. In The Matrix (1999), the world of the machines is nowhere like Neo's normal World. In Goodfellas (1990), the World of the gangsters is the polar opposite of both Henry's and Karen's parent's World. In Dances with Wolves (1990), Fort Hayes is quiet and uninhabited. John Dunbar has just come from fighting in the civil war.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Fourth Catharsis

One of the Antagonist's Lieutenants (who may be the Shape Shifter) may appear from nowhere and be quickly vanquished. In Die Hard (1988), Karl appears from under the sheet and takes the officer's gun.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Hero's Journey- Femme Fatale Deceit

The detective hero is pulled into a meeting with the femme fatale. It is made explicit that the femme fatale has been spinning a deceit and that the hero was aware of it. The femme fatale uses love and emotion as a manipulation tool. The detective hero is aware of this tool and is also an expert; he may play along, if only to slowly expose the femme fatale. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), Sam visits O'Shaugnessey.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Hero's Journey- Femme Fatale Nature

The femme female will have an element of the mysterious about her, adding to her already dubious status. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), Sam can never reach O'Shaugnessey when he needs to.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Rebirth and Baptism

Once he (or she) has seized the sword, the hero is reborn. But the rebirth occurs in a special place, which the hero travels to (night sesa journey), is baptised (water is involved), symbolically dies (near death) and then reawakens.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Belly of the Whale (aspects of)

In the Belly of the Whale, the hero must do what he needs to do, learns what he needs to do, practices what he needs to do or similar. He engages in that act will serve him or send him to the Road of Trials, where his Old Self will dissolve away. He is preparing for the dissolution of the Ordinary Self. Then he makes the physical crossing where all routes back are cut off - there is no going back.