Are You an Angry, Frustrated Freelance Writer?

As a freelance writer, it's very easy to become discouraged. Discouragement can lead to anger and frustration, which can stall your career - without you even realizing it. Following are signs to look for, and specific things you can do to get back on track.

188 stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Polarization

A number of things happen in the Inner Cave of the First Trial. One element is Polarization. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie and Blanche argue.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Fear of the Return to the Ordinary World

The Hero - willing and unwilling - often lives in fear of the return to the Ordinary World and the Ordinary Self. In Star Wars (1977), Luke never wants to go back to Tattooine. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie wakes up afraid that Clyde is not there. Even seemingly unwilling Heroes do not return to the same place - the Journey has given them a new capacity and transformed them into a New Self. In The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Andy does not return home but goes to Mexico.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): the Call to Adventure

The Call to Adventure can be very subtle. In Straw Dogs (1971), Charlie helps put the groceries in the trunk. Then Amy suggest that maybe Charlie could help with the garage. Charlie will be happy to do it tomorrow.

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

The antihero's interaction with the guardians reveals his name and his nature. The antihero is obviously an alien to this world (language, clothing, demeanour etc) and will pretend some affinity with the guardians and use any trick and deviance to overcome them. He will disassociate himself from his past, family and friends if need be.

Scoring Free (And Cheap) Sample Magazines: 5 Tricks for Freelancers

Avoid breaking the bank for sample magazine copies with these tips. While sample copies of magazines are tax-deductible for freelance writers, they're a small expense that can add up to a big cost. Try these tips to find free and cheap sample copies--and a few markets you might not otherwise come across.

Ghostwriting: One Size Never Fits All

In ghostwriting, as in custom tailoring, never expect a one-size-fits-all approach.

Print Design and Layout - A Remarkable Achievement in News Magazine Design: The Economist

I've been designing magazines, brochures and a wide variety of printed documentation for over twenty years now and I have to admit that I have not seen a news magazine better designed than The Economist.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): 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. Following resistance to the engagement, the engagement is forced. In Straw Dogs (1971), Tom tries to break in.

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

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. When the battle begins, the Shape Shifter, engaged in a period of dissonance, doesn't believe hero is capable of defeating his (or her) antagonisms. In Straw Dogs (1971), Tom et al continue to attack the house and try to break in. Amy doesn't believe David can keep them out.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Fate of the Demon King

The demon king lives in a world of infinite treasure but is constantly pursued (and must avoid) the forces of good. He has gained his kingdom by committing the vilest of acts. The antihero realises that a kingdom such as this is the elixir. But in order to obtain it, he must follow the same path [of committing vile acts]. In Scarface (1983), Tony wants to take over Frank's dope empire.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Female Infatuation

Female infatuation, the hallmark of the romantic challenge, is simply a metaphor for the hero's new self. His infatuation with her is actually an infatuation with his own destiny and dharma. In Spartacus (1960), Spartacus' infatuation with himself is actually an infatuation with what he can become - she is the pull (or push) that takes him there.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Every Hero Passes Through Unbearbale Antagonism

Every hero undergoes an unbearable antagonism. This is a force that pushes the hero to draw out inner strength and persuades the hero to finally vanquish the antagonism. Even antiheroes experience this. In Scarface (1983), Tony refuses to kill children.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Road of Trials 2

The second part of the Road of Trials is demonstrating Innate suitability to the New World. Further, it is the setting apart of the hero from the ordinary men of this world. It involves demonstrating superiority of differentiation from ordinary men. Sometimes, this is intertwined with the meeting of the Oracle. In The Godfather (1972), Michael meets Appollonia's father and quickly turns him around from objectionable to willing.