188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Push to the Oracle

Despite conflict and resistances (often from a Romantic Challenge), there is a push to the Journey to the Oracle and then Sword. In Straw Dogs (1971), David confronts Cawsey and Scott about the dead cat.

K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid

Forget perfect prose. Forget clever words. Chat in writing, that's Natural Born Selling

Writing Research Papers; Some Thoughts

Are you contemplating writing some research papers? If so, then perhaps you might like a few pointers. The first comment is one of finding the right template. Now many people who use Research Paper Templates have complained that when writing research papers in a template format they find themselves concentrating on the structure more than the information.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Third Catharsis

With the Antagonist vanquished, his allies and lieutenants slip away. In Lord of the Rings (2004), the enemy armies disappear in smoke. In The Matrix (1999), the other agents run from Neo after he defeats Smith.

The Rogue Knight of Cinema: Why Screenplay Contests Matter

Screenplay contests are changing cinema. Coming from a person who runs one, your first reaction to this statement is most likely, “The only reason you’re saying that is you want me to enter yours.” Or more frankly, “You just want my money.” Well, coming from one who runs one, I’ll say you’re right. Sorta.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Rebirth

The Rebirth follows the Near Death Experience. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Jack and Lureen (everyone) are older (the parker sequence). Ennis and Alma are older too (Ennis forgets his fishing gear).

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

The Hero often has Allies in his Ordinary World that will accompany him on his Journey (often these are developed or more are encountered in the First Threshold). In Lord of the Rings (2001), Frodo has Sam and Pippin et al. It is these Allies' Challenges that form the basis of the subplot.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Atonement with the Father

It is post the Rebirth through Death Experience that the Hero feels the need to then face the Inner Challenge - to Atone - to be At-One. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie wants to see her Mama.

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

It is post the Seizing of the Sword that the Hero is led on a Night Sea Journey. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis and Jack go to the mountains for a couple of days.

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): Refusal (types of)

Stories are all about Transformation, but change is never easy, especially the Changing of the Self. The Hero resists the Call to Adventure and this can take various forms, including:

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Fourth Catharsis

One of the Antagonist's Lieutenants (who may be the Shape Shifter) may appear from nowhere and be quickly vanquished. In Die Hard (1988), Karl appears from under the sheet and takes the officer's gun.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Demonstrating the Magical Gift

One often missed stage of the Hero's Journey is the demonstration of the Magical Gift. In the Bond franchise, Q also demonstrates the gadgets. In Star Wars (1977), Ben fires up Luke's light sabre. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie dares Clyde to use the gun.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Resisting the Inner Cave

Resisting the Inner Cave is normal. It is, after all, a confrontation with an Inner Challenge. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis sleeps outside in the cold.

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.