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?

The Substance of the Story: What Fiction Writers Can Learn from Screenwriters

Storytelling in Hollywood means screenwriting. Thus, it is a good idea for any fiction writer to pay attention to the principles of screenwriting so his story turns out to be energetic and successful.

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

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. It is post the initial catharses, that allies (and enemies) notice that there is something to this hero, see the demonstration of the new self and begin to like it. This is often where the shape shifter, himself (or herself) in a period of dissonance, makes up his (or her) mind.

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.

Dive Into The Heart Of Darkness

This book report from long ago turned itself into a metaphorical journey deep inside the mind of it's audience. Read it slowly and let it take hold. Do not be afraid, just be aware - of your emotions and your sanity.

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.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero is a Superior Being

The antihero is often a superior being, even relative to the supernatural Aid. The antihero's relationship with the supernatural aid will be unequal on some level. It is the antihero who will lead the supernatural aid in some regard - usually he is of higher intelligence and superior capability. In Scarface (1983), it is Manny who plays the supernatural aid role.

How To Write A Good Sales Copy

It can't be denied that there are a of lot boring, unimaginative texts on the internet. Most sales copies are uninteresting and self promoting but every now and then you come across a sales copy, pitch page or article that makes you want to sign up for the web owner’s newsletter, purchase the product, or click the link to their website. The authors behind such content know the techniques to get people to do what they want.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Detested Period of Obscurity

In his new world (post the exile), the antihero (and hero) undergoes a period of obscurity that he detests. He is a world away from the elixir. Worse, the elixir is visible and tempting. Often some doorway or similar is visible; this will mark progression when the antihero eventually crosses it.

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.

Making Your Fiction Writing Sparkle

What do you need to get your books published? What do publishers want? Robyn Opie, author of 61 published books tells you exactly what you need to do to make your fiction sparkle - and why.

How to Write a Children's Picture Book

No matter how carefully you labor over a story's tone, word choice, plot, character, setting, theme and style, you must have a thorough grasp of its structure for it to succeed.

How To Get Started As A Writer

Writing for me, and a lot of other people, has always been quite easy. It helps to have an interest and it helps to have nimble fingers. I read a lot and meet a lot of people. That also helps.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Near Death Experience Confrontation

It is at the stage of the Near Death Experience that a Hero often confronts the antagonism in one form or other. In Straw Dogs (1971), David fires Cawsey et al. In Scarface (1983), the FBI arrest Tony et al.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Using the Magical Gifts

With the giving of Magical Gifts (that will aid the Hero's Journey and help overcome obstacles) comes instruction in their use. In Straw Dogs (1971), Norman tells David to break the gun.