I've Been Rejected!

Being a writer is a life that means accepting rejection. Some of the rejections are a matter of rote. Some are just as ridiculous as they are funny.

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

The antihero journeys to his new world (a new physical or psychological domain), where he believes his desires will be met (where he will find the Elixir). Dark allies, most often a loyal ally, will accompany him on the journey.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Magic Flight and Death

An odd characteristic of the magic flight is that it often involves death. In Straw Dogs (1971), Henry kills Janice. In Star Wars (1977), Luke destroys some of the Death Star's fighters. In Scarface (1983), Tony kills Sosa's man.

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): Antihero: Inner Cave

It is from the Inner Cave of the First Threshold, where the antihero personally disposes of the antagonist (hand-to-hand battle), completes the trivial task and is (along with his allies) pushed out of the first threshold.

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.

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): Final Conflict Catharses

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. During this stage, it is post the letting go of the old self that the hero begins to command the situation and incrementally defeat each antagonist, one by one. In Straw Dogs (1971), following further antagonism, David takes out Norman, then Henry. throws the liquid at Tom et al.

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.

Names: Fictitious or Not?

In his recent article What's in a Name? (Guardian Unlimited, Nov 17, 2006 –http://books.guardian.co.uk) John Sutherland explains the legal ramifications of using real names in fiction, whether intentionally or not. In his article, Sutherland tells of several high profile writers who have been sued by the ‘real’ owners of their fictitious characters, mainly because the storyline shows them in a bad light.

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.

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?

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Period of Magic Spells

The Fish out of Water is a benchmark phase that occurs in, amongst other places, the First Threshold. There are two stages - The before and the after. The before-stage demonstrates the hero in his (or her) devolved state. This is where the hero is out of his (or her) depth. The after-stage demonstrates evolution. In between, a period of training or changing must be undergone (metaphorically known as the Period of Magical Spells).

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

Some communication must tell the Hero that the imbalance must be rectified. This may be in the form of a messenger (Herald) or a calling from somewhere. If the antagonist has stolen the princess (Star Wars, 1977) or a demon king is about to strike (Lord of the Rings), a herald may bring the message. If the hero is frustrated, he will be told by someone that he must do something about it (40 year old virgin) or he will know and it will be illustrated through flashbacks or similar (Midnight Cowboy, 1969).