188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): A Story Is Transformation

The Hero's Journey (also known as the Monomyth) should really be called the Hero's Transformation. A story IS Transformation.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Apotheosis

It is the breaking out of previous restraints and restrictions. In the Godfather (1972), Don Corleone gives his word not to break the peace, but Michael doesn't.

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

A staple of the Hero's Journey and Transformation. Separate and distinct from the Inciting Incident. A Call for the Hero to set out on a Journey; an implicit Call to face Challenges. It is the undergoing of the Journey that will Transform the Hero and provide him (or her) with the capacity to conquer challenges that were previously unconquerable. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Clyde invites Bonnie for a drink.

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): Making Explicit the Ordinary Self

Whether the Hero et al arrive from an Ordinary World or arrive through the process of swift Exile, the Ordinary Self must be made explicit. This is because stories are all about Transformation and the Ordinary Self is an initial benchmark. In Straw Dogs (1971), David is a Mathematician.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Entering the First Threshold and Fish out of Water

Willingly or not Hero enters a First Threshold, somewhere where he (or she) is a Fish out of Water. In Straw Dogs (1971), David goes into the pub for some cigarettes.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): What Happens Within the First Threshold?

Within the First Threshold, the Hero experiences New Creatures. The Hero is a Fish out of Water. In Straw Dogs (1971), everyone stares as David enters the pub.

Do Low-Paying Freelance Gigs Ever Turn into Higher-Paying Gigs?

Many freelancers, whether they be writers, graphic designers, web designers, etc., will consider lower-paying assignments in hopes that they will turn into higher-paying gigs. And, this can happen, if you make the low-paying gigs work for you in the following ways:

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.

The Match Game: Finding the Right Editor

Setting out to find the right editor for your manuscript puts you on the road to feeling confident you’ve got a good match. To help in your search for find the right editor, get ready for a checklist of questions that a potential editor could ask you.

How And Why You Should Think Like A Tabloid Writer-

Ever wonder why even though you write very professionally, you still aren't getting the results you want? Meanwhile every time you go to the corner store, you see that the tabloids with the craziest new gossip and rumors are almost literally flying off the racks? What gives? Here's a clue: the headlines of a magazine are responsible for 99 percent of its sales. And by taking some time to learn their secrets, you can see a definite increase in results.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero: First Threshold

As with all heroes and antiheroes, the first threshold is viewed from afar. But it is also where character traits further manifest themselves. In Scarface (1983), Manny hits on the girls again and Tony demonstrates his leadership.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Shape Shifter And Antagonist Relationship

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. The Shape Shifter, who has often been close to the antagonist, may be saddened by his (or her) death. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy is saddened at Charlie's death.