188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Inner Cave of the First Threshold

It is the Inner Cave of the First Threshold where the Inner Challenge is made explicit. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy is childish, flirty and horny in the car.

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.

Could This Be A Hot New Market For Writers? Yes, If You Can Tell Stories!

Storytelling in business is a hot new market - here's how you can exploit it right now.

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.

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

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

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Resistance and Conflict to the Oracle

The Oracle will lead to an Expansion of Consciousness, which will separate the Hero from Ordinary Men. There is resistance to this from Enemies as well as Allies, hence conflict and separation are not unusual. In Straw Dogs (1971), David and Amy argue.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Allies and Enemies in the Middle Cave

It is in the Middle Cave where Allies and Enemies are met and their capabilities demonstrated. In Straw Dogs (1971), Tom breaks the glass and starts a fight. And Magistrate tells Tom to behave himself.

How To Make A Living As A Writer - Or, Advice Your Mother Wouldn't Give You!

Writing for a living is a dream for many - but what's the reality? Professional writers spill the beans.

How to Get Your Book Published

You've written a book. How do go about getting it published? Writing guru Rob Parnell examines your options.

Independent Freelance Writing: Create Passive Income Streams

If you want a great income as a freelance writer, you need to spend time generating passive income - that is, income which doesn't depend on the hours that you put into writing. Here are three ways to create passive income streams.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): The Antagonism is, Ultimately, the Hero's own id

The Oracle's job is to send the Hero toward that place where he can retrieve the tangible representation of the Expansion of Consciousness. The Oracle has, perhaps, the capability to defeat the Antagonism but this is really for the Hero, as the Antagonism is ultimately the Hero's own id. In Straw Dogs (1971), Charlie asks David to go hunting; he agrees.

What's Your Publishing IQ?

Most writers have only a vague idea of how a publishing company works. That knowledge can be very helpful to your career as a writer, however, and the sooner you understand how the process works, the better. These insights will give you a more realistic picture and a better appreciation of the other side of the desk.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Magic Flight

The magic flight, supernatural in nature [In Straw Dogs (1971), Henry runs in the fog], is often, but not necessarily centred around escape. In Straw Dogs (1971), Henry runs from Tom et al.

How to Write a Children's Picture Book

No matter how carefully you labor over a story's tone, word choice, plot, character, setting, theme and style, you must have a thorough grasp of its structure for it to succeed.