Write Your Novel Step By Step (Part 1)

In writing my novel I learnt a lot of things the hard way so I just wanted to put this series out there for would be writers to help them on their path to writing their own book.

Writing - Use Obituaries for Developing Your Characters

Obituaries can be an endless source of inspiration and ideas for developing new fiction characters or putting a polish on the already developed ones. Besides, I always find it interesting to read the life stories of people I've never met; people who have led interesting lives and did their own thing.

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

The hero enters the first threshold a fish out of water. When he leaves it he is less a fish out of water. In between, he matures on some level. Often he learns new competencies and capabilities (magical spells) and demonstrates them at the exit of the first threshold, to show that he is no longer a fish out of water. In Spartacus (1960), Spartacus learns the gladatorial arts and demonstrates them in the battle for the senator. In The Godfather (1960), Michael sits in with Sonny and Tom, learns the going on in the Don's office, learns how to use a gun, kill a man and cook from Clemenza.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Balance Lost

In every story, balance must be lost. Whether it is the antagonism stealing away the princess or the hero's inner challenge being expressed, there is imbalance that is initiated (and must ultimately be rectified). This is a very early, if not the first stage of the hero's journey and most often represents the Greater....

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): The Act of Physical Separation

Throughout the First Threshold and sometimes the Belly of the Whale, the Hero is accompanied by a major First Threshold Guardian. The act of Physical Separation is where the hero rids himself of the major threshold guardian and is allowed to move onto the deeper transformation. In The Godfather (1972), it is the overcoming of Sollozo that allows Michael to travel to Sicily, where his old self will be dissolved away.

Have You Got a Book In You?

You'd be amazed at the number of people who want to be writers. Are you one of them? What's holding you back? Come with me to learn how to make the book in you a reality!

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Magical Aids Disappear

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 the hand-to hand battle, the hero loses all magical aids. This is after all a confrontation between his own id and super-ego and he (or she) must demonstrate that he is able to conquer it without assistance. In Straw Dogs (1971), David's gun refuses to fire.

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): 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.

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): Antihero: Belly of the Whale

Heroes and antiheroes are pushed to the Belly of the Whale. The antihero, fresh from his success in the first threshold and the prize that comes with having completed the trivial task, forces a surprised shape shifter to introduce him to the demon king.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero and Shape Shifter

Whereas the hero encounters a shape shifter that often turns from good to bad, the antihero encounters the opposite. It is not unusual for the antihero to encounter a shape shifter that has authority over him and who is, as is normal, a close associate of the main antagonist (demon king). As is normal, these two characters immediately conflict. In Scarface (1983), Tony meets Omar.

Some Examples Of Commonly Muddled Homonyms (Homophones)

This articles aims to provide examples of correct usage of a few of the most commonly muddled homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently). Common examples illustrated here include too/two/to, there/their/they're, bear/bare and many others.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero: Supernatural Aid's character

Before entry into the New World (wherein lies the Elixir), the Supernatural Aid's character will be developed. He (or she) will have some deviant personality attribute that differentiates him from the antihero. Often this will be some vice that especially attracts the supernatural aid to the treasure (that the antihero will later retrieve), the point being that this is what will cause an alienation between the characters at a later stage of the story. In Scarface (1983), Manny likes girls and will later like Gina.

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.