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).

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): Book of Law

It is upon entry into the first threshold that the hero is taught the book of law. These are the rules that the hero must live by to survive in this world. In Scarface (1983), Frank tells Tony what to do to survive as a doper long term.

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?

Theme In Fiction: So Different From Non-fiction

Theme enriches and inspires the reader while saying something profound about the human condition. An experienced author does not pronounce what his theme is about inside his story.

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): Final Conflict: surrender

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 initial stages, the hero seems weak and the likelihood of victory is small. Allies (dark allies, doves etc) may push the hero to surrender. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy wants David to give Henry to Tom et al.

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

Heroes and antiheroes are pushed to the Belly of the Whale. The antihero, fresh from his success in the first threshold and the prize that comes with having completed the trivial task, forces a surprised shape shifter to introduce him to the demon king.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Goodbye to the Period of Obscurity

It is the conscious decision to embark on the journey that precedes the hero's or antihero's goodbye to his (or her) period of obscurity. This is, metaphorically, a goodbye to his old self. In Scarface (1983), Tony and Manny say goodbye to their dishwasher boss.

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.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero: Passing the New World Guardians

Before the Antihero passes into the New World (wherein lies the elixir), he (or she) will very often have to commit a dark act. It is the supernatural aid that presents this gift (magical gift). The antihero is happy to oblige; this is what he does; it is his nature and differentiating capability.

Internet Snake Oil

Don't let the internet scare you! It's the fear of the new and different which makes it seem so daunting. You have been selling ever since the moment of your birth. Nothing changes, you just package your talents a little differently for the web. With good writing skills you can equal the best.

8 Tips for Writing Flash Fiction

What is flash fiction? Depends on who you ask. Some feel a story is flash fiction if it is under 1000 words. Others feel it must be under 500 words to be in that category. Regardless of which one you believe, flash fiction is fun to write.

You're An Idiot: Making Value From Reaction To Your Screenwriting

If you're like me, if someone doesn’t like something about my screenplay, my very first reaction is always the same. You're not as smart as me. If you knew what I knew, you would understand what I wrote. And you don't understand what I wrote, because you don't know as much as I do. About everything, in general. In short, life. You know, people. Planet Earth.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Resistance to the Return

A common characteristic of the Crossing of the Return Threshold is the resistance to it. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy doesn't want Henry in the house.