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.

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.

I Never Said That!

I never said everyone could write. What I did say was- Well, read on to find out.

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.

Writing Web Content: What Does a Web Writer Write?

Web writing is the hottest new opportunity for freelance writers. Many writers are making the switch to the online environment because selling what you write on the Web is easy. It's also easy to find writing gigs.

Email Interviews Have Their Place: 6 Times For Writers To Use Email

When should a journalist use email for interviewing? Many veteran journalists warn new freelancers and staff writers not to use email to interview sources. Email interviews can be stilted, awkward, confusing (if the subject isn't comfortable with writing), or even too polished. It's also harder to have a natural conversation through email, which can restrict the direction of an interview.

The Hem of His Garment

The Hem of His Garment releases His ultimate power and everlasting presence into your life for healing, inspiration, deliverance, peace and love.

8 Steps for Dealing with a Slow Editor

You finished your manuscript up, researched your markets, picked one that is looking for your kind of work and sent it off. You list your submission on your tracker sheet and put down how long the editor takes to respond. So you wait for the envelope in the mail. And before you know it, the time frame for his response has come and gone, and still no reply. Now what do you do?

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.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Magical Spells

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. One element of this stage is the appearance of magical spells (a metaphor for various competencies and capabilities) that he hero draws out from within. In Straw Dogs (1971), David heats up the yellow fluid.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Confidence Of The Antagonist

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. One element of the early stage of this part of the hero's journey is the supreme confidence of the antagonist. In Straw Dogs (1971), Chawsey, Charlie and Ratman are playing on their bikes.

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): Mystical Marriage

The mystical marriage applies to that stage of the journey where the hero (or antihero) seizes the sword. The sword is often a fire (representing power) or treasure (that comes with or gives power) or a bride (that comes with it too). The mystical marriage is metaphoric for each of these or all of these. In Scarface (1983), Tony takes Frank's kingdom, with it comes power and also Elvira, his bride. Each is representative of the other. In Scarface (1983), Elvira represents (is metaphoric for) Frank's kingdom. She is the tangible representation of it.