Write Your Novel Step By Step (Part 11)

In writing my novel, I learnt a lot of things the hard way so I just wanted to put this series out there for would be writers to help them on their path to writing their own book.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) Hero's Journey - Catharsis 2

The detective hero's deceit causes the antagonist(s) to reveal the femme fatale's part in the crime. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), the Fat Man reveals how O'Shaugnessey was involved.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) Hero's Journey - Magic Flight

The detective hero is pulled toward the final confrontation. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), Sam receives the phone call.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) Hero's Journey - Apotheosis

The detective hero realises the true nature and value of the treasure. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), Fat Man tells Sam all about the Falcon.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth)- Detective Genre- Inciting Incident

The femme fatale client will enter the hero detective's office and mention that he was recommended to her. She will spin a yarn. The female client requires that the hero find someone. It will seem like a trivial task, but there will be warnings of danger. Some action will demonstrate that the female client is being liberal with the truth. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), O'Shaughnessy spins her story.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Outer Cave Events

The Outer Cave of the First Threshold is often a place where the Heroes, having established themselves as Fishes out of Water, begin their Changing. By the time they leave the First Threshold, they will be less Devolved. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Jack and Ennis begin chopping wood, sawing, collecting water etc.

Loving Legacy Letters - Writing Gifts to Your Friends and Family

A new connection to family and friends is found through the common love letter with uncommon touches.

Write Your Novel Step By Step (Part 1)

In writing my novel I learnt a lot of things the hard way so I just wanted to put this series out there for would be writers to help them on their path to writing their own book.

Intelligence vs. The Writer

This article inspires one to have confidence in their ability to write. Writing is not determined by one's level of intelligence.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): First Threshold Warning

So the hero decides to follow his call to adventure and makes his first move. This is psychological or physical, but often involves physical movement from one location to another. It's a place he's afraid to go; he's told it's dangerous and once there, there is coming back going back. In Star Wars (1977), Ben tells Luke to watch out for this place (Mos Isley).

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Conscious Decision Required

Post the meeting with the supernatural aid, the hero still isn't very sure about following the call to adventure. Something is needed to push him into it and give him a little determination. A death will do it. You killed my aunt and uncle, right I'm gonna kick your head in (Star Wars, 1977).

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Call to Adventure

Some communication must tell the Hero that the imbalance must be rectified. This may be in the form of a messenger (Herald) or a calling from somewhere. If the antagonist has stolen the princess (Star Wars, 1977) or a demon king is about to strike (Lord of the Rings), a herald may bring the message. If the hero is frustrated, he will be told by someone that he must do something about it (40 year old virgin) or he will know and it will be illustrated through flashbacks or similar (Midnight Cowboy, 1969).

Unexpected Perks of a Freelance Writing Career

An author describes some unexpected benefits of her career. See how writing can broaden our sphere of influence and connect us to others throughout the world.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Metaphoric Characters

Many characters along the hero's journey and transformation are metaphoric and very often symbolic mirrors of each other. For example, The Innocent is often a mirror of the Romantic Challenge. Where the romantic challenge is a female, the innocent tends to be a young male (both sexual primes). Where the Romantic Challenge is male, the Innocent tends to be a young damsel. Just as the hero becomes the master of the two worlds and the two selves, the conquest of both sexual elements represents total mastery. In Spartacus (1960), Spartacus conquers both Varinia and a young what's his name?

Names: Fictitious or Not?

In his recent article What's in a Name? (Guardian Unlimited, Nov 17, 2006 –http://books.guardian.co.uk) John Sutherland explains the legal ramifications of using real names in fiction, whether intentionally or not. In his article, Sutherland tells of several high profile writers who have been sued by the ‘real’ owners of their fictitious characters, mainly because the storyline shows them in a bad light.