Write Your Novel Step By Step (Part 5)

In writing my novel I learned 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.

Fiction - Common Story Mistakes

True writing is revising and rewriting. Rewrites and revisions are for making the story stronger and accomplishing the writer's story goals.

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

The hero enters the first threshold a fish out of water. When he leaves it he is less a fish out of water. In between, he matures on some level. Often he learns new competencies and capabilities (magical spells) and demonstrates them at the exit of the first threshold, to show that he is no longer a fish out of water. In Spartacus (1960), Spartacus learns the gladatorial arts and demonstrates them in the battle for the senator. In The Godfather (1960), Michael sits in with Sonny and Tom, learns the going on in the Don's office, learns how to use a gun, kill a man and cook from Clemenza.

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): Ordinary World and Self

We must meet the hero somewhere and it is often (if not always) in his ordinary world. Hero we learn about the hero, his place in the world, his status, special capabilities and so forth. The hero is often frustrated on some level (willing hero) or not (unwilling hero); the imbalance will force him out of his idyllic ordinary world (Lord of the Rings) or his inner challenges require that he is frustrated and must do something about it (Midnight Cowboy, 1968). The Hero's Ordinary World is representative of his psychology. If he is happy, so is his world (Lord of the Rings); if he is repressed, so is his world (Midnight Cowboy, 1969).

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Romantic Challenge

The romantic challenge is often simply a metaphor for any treasure that the hero finds valuable enough to push him (or her) forward. Further, she [the romantic challenge] is a metaphor for the hero's New Self, which is why she is often a pull toward the new self and accompanies the hero on the journey. In Spartacus (1983), Varinia is the embodiment of Spartacus' new self.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Hero, Antagonist, Shape Shifter

There is only a very slight difference between the hero, shape shifter and antagonist. If, using a Freudian analysis, the hero is the super-ego and the antagonist the id, then the shape shifter is the ego. Which is why he (or she) undergoes a period of dissonance, can jump backwards and forwards multiple times and is a character in almost every successful story.

Have You Got a Book In You?

You'd be amazed at the number of people who want to be writers. Are you one of them? What's holding you back? Come with me to learn how to make the book in you a reality!

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Magical Aids Disappear

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. The Final Conflict (a metaphor for this stage) follows a distinct process. During the hand-to hand battle, the hero loses all magical aids. This is after all a confrontation between his own id and super-ego and he (or she) must demonstrate that he is able to conquer it without assistance. In Straw Dogs (1971), David's gun refuses to fire.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Confidence Of The Antagonist

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. The Final Conflict (a metaphor for this stage) follows a distinct process. One element of the early stage of this part of the hero's journey is the supreme confidence of the antagonist. In Straw Dogs (1971), Chawsey, Charlie and Ratman are playing on their bikes.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Magical Spells

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. The Final Conflict (a metaphor for this stage) follows a distinct process. One element of this stage is the appearance of magical spells (a metaphor for various competencies and capabilities) that he hero draws out from within. In Straw Dogs (1971), David heats up the yellow fluid.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Resisting Engagement

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. The Final Conflict (a metaphor for this stage) follows a distinct process. An element is resisting the Engagement. In Straw Dogs (1971), David tells Cawsey and Charlie to get out of the house and locks the door.

Get Known As A Web Writer And Make Money

Like to make money writing for the Web? You can, and much more easily than writing for print. The Web is starved for writers - any writers. Your first step in your Web writing career is to let the people who need your services know that you're available.

10 Tips To Ensure Your Press Release Is Published

One of the best ways to inform your customers and potential customers about your business is by submitting press releases. The key to getting them published is grabbing the attention of the reporter. Follow the tips listed above and you’ll ensure your press release stays out of the trash can.

Email Interviews Have Their Place: 6 Times For Writers To Use Email

When should a journalist use email for interviewing? Many veteran journalists warn new freelancers and staff writers not to use email to interview sources. Email interviews can be stilted, awkward, confusing (if the subject isn't comfortable with writing), or even too polished. It's also harder to have a natural conversation through email, which can restrict the direction of an interview.