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)- Hero's Journey- First Threshold Guardians

The detective hero arrives at the scene of the crime and must pass low ranking police officers, who are unaware of his status. However, he is familiar with higher-ranking detectives and they facilitate his entry. In The Maltese Falcon (1939), Sam only gets past the police officer because he knows Tom.

Write Your Novel Step By Step (Part 4)

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.

Write Your Novel Step By Step (Part 7)

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.

Write Your Novel Step By Step (Part 6)

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.

Writers Block - Writer's Resources to End Writer's Block

Remember, every writer experiences some form of writers block from time to time but you do not have to make a mountain out of a molehill. Working out an effective strategy to circumvent writers block when it strikes is one of the most important skills a real writer can develop.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Supernatural Aid requirement

The hero requires spiritual guidance, preferably from someone with a track record. He needs a supernatural aid. Someone will have faced the problem before and he will find that person. Plus, the supernatural aid will have magical aids and spells that have been previously helpful. How convenient is that? In Star Wars (1977), Ben knows exactly what to do, has the light sabres under his bed and knows where to go. More than that, he's been thinking about going to this place for a while now to finish off a....

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): Period of Reflection

Every hero undergoes a period of reflection. This is where his path (destiny, dharma) becomes clear to him. It is the (much shorter) equivalent of wandering through the desert for forty days and nights. In Spartacus (1963), Spartacus reflects on his past before coming up with the idea of building an army of gladiators. In The Godfather (1972), Michael sits on the bench and thinks before deciding to embark on the dark side.

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.

How To Make Money With Freelance Writing Opportunities

If you love to write and you want to earn money from home, then freelance writing is the ideal way to make money for you. The internet is a made of information, millions of people over the world use the internet looking for solutions to their problems and answers to their questions. If you can provide the solutions and the answers they want in 200 to 1000 words, then you can easily make money writing.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Final Conflict: Increased Antagonism

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 and the returning confidence of allies, that the antagonist's threat increases. This is often the point of a hand-to-hand battle. In Straw Dogs (1971), Tom tries, for the first time, to shoot the door down.

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.

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.

Write A Query Letter That Sells!

If agents are saying no to your query letters it means your description of the story doesn't convince them your novel will sell. Learn the important steps in writing queries that get attention and accomplish what they are meant to do.