An Ancient Storytelling Technique That Will Transform Your Writing
The Mission News: November 2, 2017
“What I think is that a good life is one hero journey after another. Over and over again, you are called to the realm of adventure, you are called to new horizons. Each time, there is the same problem: do I dare? And then if you do dare, the dangers are there, and the help also, and the fulfillment or the fiasco. There’s always the possibility of fiasco. But there’s also the possibility of bliss.” -Joseph Campbell
Ready for the understatement of the century?
Writing is hard.
Woah. Who would have guessed?
One could akin being a writer to being in an abusive relationship. The low points are so angering they leave you pulling your hair out and thinking you should just dump the whole gig (aka writer’s block). But ooohhh boy, when times are finally going well, all the struggle seems well worth it!
Today, we’d like to focus on a storytelling framework that can help dig you out of those low points so that you can happily tackle NanoWrimo!
This framework appears everywhere; ancient myths, famous sagas, modern novels, and everyday life. You’ve probably (definitely) heard about it before… it’s the Hero’s Journey.
Our founder and CEO, Chad Grills, has prepared a 17-step guide for you that will undoubtedly help you form a killer plot for your novel. Definitely check it out!
The following are resources that you can use to learn more about the Hero’s Journey and why it’s had such massive success.
News that matters
➜ The Houston Astros won the World Series yesterday! 🎉 🎉 With 7 home runs and amazing plays on both sides, this whole series was incredibly exciting!
What we’re reading
This is a stellar example of The Hero’s Journey in action. Which was your favorite book?
What we’re listening to
Here are some tunes to get you in the hero writing mood.
What we’re watching
(ALL OF THEM)
Going out on a limb here… but we are going to assume it’s been AGES since you last binged some Star Wars. The Hero’s Journey framework runs rampant here and is a great story to watch if you are looking for some plot ideas (or just want to watch epic sci-fi battle scenes).
Decide to watch it? Take a pic and tag us in a post on Twitter with the hashtag #HerosJourney! 🚀 👽
Originally published in our M-F Newsletter.
The Mission publishes stories, videos, and podcasts that make smart people smarter. You can subscribe to get them here.
