Ten Rejection Rituals for Writers

Is the fear of rejection pulling your writing dreams over to the side of the road? Don't let 'no thank yous'' hinder your progress.

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

Upon leaving the First Threshold, a New Self is slowly becoming apparent. The Hero leaves behind the Old Self. Often this is expressed by a Change of Clothes. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie puts on New Clothes and is dressed nicely now.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Loop

Links the start of the story to the end...not necessarily the first scene to the last.. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), we see the Wyoming landscape. Represents the closing of the story but not necessarily the resolution of all challenges. In Star Wars (197), Vader disappears but is not vanquished.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Brokeback Mountain; Middle Cave

Pushes and Pulls are underestimated. Often a Push or Pull takes the Hero from the Outer Cave to the Middle Cave. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), the bear growls and the horses run. This pushes Jack and Ennis to start hunting.

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

Before the Hero et al enter the First Threshold, they must pass a Threshold Guardian. In Star Wars (1977), Luke and Obi Wan must pass the Storm Troopers into Mos Isley. In Goodfellas (1990), the young Henry Hill gets arrested.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Ordinary World

This is where the Hero is at the start of his (or her) Journey. This is a physical benchmark.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Heralds Journey Characteristics

The Herald's Journey should have characteristics that demonstrate the urgency and danger of the Journey (that the Hero will ultimately embark upon). These include:

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Brokeback Mountain; Apotheosis

Limiting factors are removed. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis and Alma divorce.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Hero's Quality

The Heralds are attracted to the Hero because he demonstrates a quality. In The Magnificent Seven (1960), the farmers are impressed by Chris and Vin. In Star Wars (1977), music when Luke appears signals that there is a quality about him.

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.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Physical Wounds Representing the Transmogrification

Every good Hero is wounded as he begins his (or her) Journey. As that wound heals, so it represents the Hero's Transformation and Transmogrification from an Ordinary Self to a New Self.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): A Newer Self

A further incremental change occurs here [past the Road of Trials] and some symbol of the Newer Self presents itself.

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): Enemies

It is during the Middle Cave of the First Threshold that the Hero (and the audience) also meets Enemies. This can involve separate scenes. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), we meet Moss (who agrees to come along) and then, in a separate scene, we are shown the Antagonism - the shopkeeper recognises Clyde's photo.