Post NaNoWriMo Blues

How to handle the blues after the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

Fiction - Writing the Synopsis

A synopsis is an abridgment, an outline or a short presentation of any written work. A synopsis is necessary to tell an editor what the book is about and if its progression is reasonable.

Two Sides of a Coin - Attention Span & Focus

Of the myriad strengths a writer needs, two of the most important are focus and a long attention span. Most writing takes time -- lots of time. An article, a brochure, an annual report, a speech, a training program, a Web site, and, certainly, a book is not conceived in a single brainstorming session or written in a matter of hours. Any of them, as well as many other assignments a writer is likely to encounter, may consume weeks, at least, and many months at most. Attitude is a conscious choice. You create it, you nurture it, you keep it alive through every step of the process, no matter how long it takes or how frustrated you may become. Here are the attitudes I have cultivated over time about each of the steps in the process.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Foreshadows And Inner Caves

Before the actual Push out of the Ordinary World, a Foreshadow is not uncommon. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967).

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Devolution

This is a total expression of the Hero's Ordinary World and Ordinary Self. It is a benchmark. In Tsotsi (2005), Tsotsi is part of a criminal gang.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) - The Hero Is Sent On A Trivial Task

During the Period of Desolation, where the Hero is not committed to the Journey........

To Write Or Not To Write - That Is The Question

Tips on how to get rid of writer's block.

What It Takes to Be a Ghostwriter

Ghostwriting is a form of freelance writing. In other words, it is a business transaction, and you are a supplier of services. The client has full control over the copy and pays you for your services. Do you have what it takes? Take this simple test, and find out.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Aspects of the First Threshold

Emotional Reaction. The vista of the New World causes an emotional reaction. In Dances with Wolves (1990), we see the majesty of the prairies.

188 Stage Hero's Journey Monomyth - First Catharsis

The Hero has no need to kill the Antagonist (Gods need not kill) and lets him live or hesitates. The Antagonist is after all, a shadow of the Hero's Own Self. In Return of the Jedi (1983), Luke critically wounds Vader, he does not kill him.

188 Stage Hero's Journey - Monomyth - Usefulness Of The Loop

Often the loop is closed once the Hero has completed his (or her) Journey and returns to his or her Ordinary World. In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Frodo et al return to the idyllic (and now safe) Shire. In The Great Escape (1963), Hilts and some of the other prisoners return to the camp.

Why Write a Play?

For the writer, there is a wonderful sense of achievement and power - that power being the ability to unleash the emotions of the audience and create a unique experience.

188 Stages Of The Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Push Out Of The Belly Of The Whale

The Hero et al are forced out of the Belly of the Whale. In Romancing the Stone (1984), Zolo catches up with Jack and Joan and starts firing. In Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), both are pursued by the posse.

188+ stages of the Hero's Journey (Monomyth) - Romantic Challenge Polarization

Impressed but no more. At this stage, the Romantic Challenge is slightly less polarized from, but not committed to, the Hero. She is simply impressed that the Hero has chosen to embark on the Journey and the Transformation but he will not conquer her until he has progressed further. In The King of Comedy (1983), Rita is impressed that Pupkin has met Jerry.

Writing -- Use Gender Neutral English and Write With All Your 5-Senses Engaged

Whenever possible, use gender-neutral words and expressions to prevent offending any of your readers. And write with Your Five Senses Engaged to Increase Web Site Traffic.