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.

6 Tips for Your First Jab at Creative Writing

The world of creative writing is an ever expanding one as stories or genres continue to evolve in a natural reaction to the changes in time. Having confirmed writing skills, however, is not enough to succeed in creative writing. Having passion for it is more important than having technical expertise. Love for creative writing, and not adherence to the grammatical elements, is what will ultimately guide you to doing things properly and successfully.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): The Antagonism is, Ultimately, the Hero's own id

The Oracle's job is to send the Hero toward that place where he can retrieve the tangible representation of the Expansion of Consciousness. The Oracle has, perhaps, the capability to defeat the Antagonism but this is really for the Hero, as the Antagonism is ultimately the Hero's own id. In Straw Dogs (1971), Charlie asks David to go hunting; he agrees.

How Writing Changed My Life - And How It Can Change Yours Too!

Even today, with close to 15 years under my belt as a freelance copywriter, I still don't consider myself a writer. BUT, I do write and get paid for it, so I guess that makes me a writer. Following are three ways that writing has changed my life.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Progression to the New Self

Every Hero transforms from an Ordinary Self to a New Self. It is the New Self that has the capacity to conquer challenges that the Old Self could not. Progression of the New Self is demonstrated at the stage of the Seizing of the Sword. In Straw Dogs (1971), David walks home and decides to fire the boys. Also, Amy is smoking now.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): The Function Of Injured Animals; Symbolism Again

It is not unusual for the Hero to be led into a new stage of the Journey by an animal, a wounded animal or similar. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy follows the cat.

How to Get Your Children's Book Published

So you want to get your children's book published? Author of 61 published children's books shows you what to do now. It worked for her!

Writing Effective Press Releases

There is a heck of a lot of time being spent in America writing useless press releases that go nowhere. Sometimes even the company commissioning them don't expect them to go anywhere. Why waste time with PR schlock when you could be getting press releases that actually promote your business?

Writing Articles for an Expert Witness Newsletter

Writers are constantly considering potential writing assignments. But as an author or writer you know that you enjoy writing certain kinds of articles and authoring material or books on specific topics. Writing articles for an expert witness newsletter is an interesting assignment. Perhaps you might give it a try?

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Road of Trials 1

A number of things happen on the Road of Trials. Trial 1 takes the Hero et al back to their Old Selves to see if they will successfully pull away. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy changes the plus sign to a minus and David corrects it. The heater stays in the study. And they're all Daddy's chairs.

Could This Be A Hot New Market For Writers? Yes, If You Can Tell Stories!

Storytelling in business is a hot new market - here's how you can exploit it right now.

You are the Box Office Smash: The Personal Screenplay

Right this very second, in the heart of every struggling, undiscovered screenwriter, in the dark, hidden corner deep within, there is a voice, a clear whisper, saying one thing:

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Inner Cave of the First Threshold

It is the Inner Cave of the First Threshold where the Inner Challenge is made explicit. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy is childish, flirty and horny in the car.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): A Mirror of the Self

Symbolism is an underrated aspect of storytelling. A mirror is an often used symbol, that demonstrates the Hero's self analysis at the stage of the Ordinary World. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie look at herself in the mirror. In An Officer and a Gentleman (1983), Zach looks at himself in the mirror.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Inner Resolve

With the coming of the Inner Resolve, the Hero says goodbye to his Old Self and the Old World. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis drives away and this will be the last time they see each other.