What Is A Romance Novel

A romance novel can be filled with hot and steamy scenes or gentle persuasions that cause readers to fall in love with heroes while the heroine stumbles around, blind as a bat, to all his good qualities. On the other hand, many a novel heroine waits impatiently for the hero to get it through his thick, stubborn head that she loves him.

The Antagonist in Fiction: What Makes Him So Powerful

Drawing the character of the antagonist is an important part of fiction writing. The quality of any story is directly proportional to the quality of the antagonist.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Book of Law

It is upon entry into the first threshold that the hero is taught the book of law. These are the rules that the hero must live by to survive in this world. In Scarface (1983), Frank tells Tony what to do to survive as a doper long term.

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): Pre The Hand-To-Hand Battle

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 increases antagonism that the hero often demonstrates calmness and confidence. This is illustrated in many ways. In Straw Dogs (1971), David fixes his glasses and plays music, disconcerting his enemies.

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): Goodbye to the Period of Obscurity

It is the conscious decision to embark on the journey that precedes the hero's or antihero's goodbye to his (or her) period of obscurity. This is, metaphorically, a goodbye to his old self. In Scarface (1983), Tony and Manny say goodbye to their dishwasher boss.

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.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero: Passing the New World Guardians

Before the Antihero passes into the New World (wherein lies the elixir), he (or she) will very often have to commit a dark act. It is the supernatural aid that presents this gift (magical gift). The antihero is happy to oblige; this is what he does; it is his nature and differentiating capability.

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.

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.

Start Your Fiction With a Bang!

Publishers rarely read more than the first couple of pages of a manuscript, sometimes less. How can you best start your fiction to impress publishers. Robyn Opie, author of 61 published books shows you how.

Plotting a Children's Book

Got an idea for a great children's story? How do you go about plotting? Robyn Opie, author of 61 published children's books, tells you how, including 7-point plot structure that will work for any story.

Classifying Children's Fiction

What makes a book a children's book? What makes it different from any other kind of book?

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.