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: 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.

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.

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.

Writing Picture Books for Children

How do go about writing Picture Books for children? Robyn Opie, author of 61 published children's books spills the beans.

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 Satisfy an Editor

There are many ways in which you can satisfy any editor that is looking to accept or reject your articles. Contrary to popular belief, editors are not there to make authors' lives a misery, but to ensure that only the best article submissions are accepted.

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.

6 Tips for Your First Jab at Creative Writing

The world of creative writing is an ever expanding one as stories or genres continue to evolve in a natural reaction to the changes in time. Having confirmed writing skills, however, is not enough to succeed in creative writing. Having passion for it is more important than having technical expertise. Love for creative writing, and not adherence to the grammatical elements, is what will ultimately guide you to doing things properly and successfully.

Writing for Profits Online

Writing for profits online is so very exciting. I enjoy doing it, and there are many others online who enjoy it, too. But I think that there is both an art and a science to writing for profits online. I think that there is in a sense a formula to making it work, and I think that there is an underlying art to writing for profits online.

I Never Said That!

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

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.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Foreshadow of the Rebirth

It is the Foreshadow of the Rebirth (previous to the Near Death Experience) where chalenges and a change in response to them is made explicit. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy doesn't want to hide in the study with him anymore.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Magical Gifts to the Sword

Before the Hero sets off to Seize the Sword, it is not unusual for magical gifts to be given. In Straw Dogs (1971), Charlie et al set the trap under the fire and David picks up the gun.

Three Concerns for Writers When Writing Fiction

An author should be unique in writing style, and should possess a voice that attracts readers and inspires them to want to seek out books that mimic yours, rather than leave them guessing for whom you take after. That said, there are a number of tics that readers (and editors) may find more annoying than amusing. In the spirit of previous articles on the subject of style, I hereby submit three more personal nitpicks of mine: devices and phrases I have seen in bestsellers and small press offerings. The following are not necessarily incorrect or improper, but may cause distraction if overused in a manuscript. Grab a pen and proceed with caution.