Writing 101: Can You Write A Joke?

Can you write a joke? Starting from an existing joke might help. We’ll give it a try with five bar jokes. Then it's your turn!

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

Post the Road of Trials, the Hero must journey toward an Expansion of Consciousness, which is represented by a tangible (the Sword). It is the Oracle that guides them towards this tangible. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), they’re losing oil - they gotta swipe another car and that will lead them to kidnap the owners of that car.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Four Classes of Challenge

The Four Core Challenge categories can be viewed as classes Heros often have to resolve Four Core Challenges: the Inner, Outer, Romantic and Greater Antagonism. Each Challenge is made explicit and resolved in a very specific order. Each Core Challenge can be viewed as a class.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Pushing past the Period of Desolation

The Hero will suffer an Unbearable Antagonism that will force his hand (and push him past the stage of Lack of Commitment). In Star Wars (1977), storm troopers kill uncle Owen and aunt Beru. In The Incredibles (2004), Mr Incredible sees a person on the street being mugged. This causes him to snap.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Apotheosis

It is the breaking out of previous restraints and restrictions. In the Godfather (1972), Don Corleone gives his word not to break the peace, but Michael doesn't.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Transcendental Powers

Previous to the Crossing of the Return Threshold, all Transcendental Powers must remain behind. The Hero must fight his (or her) final battle alone - how else will he or she know that the Antagonisms (which in no small part are psychological) have certainly been overcome. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Buck is shot and Blanche captured.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): The Hero Loses A Part Of His Old Self And Gains A Part Of-

Before entering the First Threshold, the Hero loses a part of his Old Self and gains a part of his New Self. Often some tangible symbol or behaviour will be lost and gained. In An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Zach leaves his bike behind and tries to cover up his tattoo. In Raging Bull (1980), Jake's wife leaves him.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): New Self in No Mans Land

It is in No Mans Land that the Hero's New Self becomes apparent. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Jack tells Pop, the ignorant son of a bitch, to sit down. Ennis finds out that Alma knows he is gay.

Character Emotions

Directing audiences to ways of creating believable character emotions.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Entering the First Threshold and Fish out of Water

Willingly or not Hero enters a First Threshold, somewhere where he (or she) is a Fish out of Water. In Straw Dogs (1971), David goes into the pub for some cigarettes.

Copywriting Training: The Fundamentals You Need To Understand When Writing Copy

Copywriting training secrets is considered one of the most extraordinary skill to learn in this world. To learn how to write a great copy, here's how to get started.

Why Freelance Writers Are Lacking When It Comes to Technology

I'm constantly amazed at the lack of technology know-how among freelance writers - and I wholeheartedly include myself in this category. So, why do freelance writers lag in this area? Following are my theories, and how to go about changing this:

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Atonement and Inner Challenge

The Atonement with the Father is the confrontation with the Inner Challenge. This stage often contains some mentor / father figure representative. In Straw Dogs (1971), David and Amy are in the church hall, the priest lectures and Amy has flashbacksabout the rape.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero's Legend

The antihero's legend will have travelled before him and symbols of his nature will be visible – scars or actions of his past. These will reveal the antihero as a dangerous being and explanations will be elicited.

Scoring Free (And Cheap) Sample Magazines: 5 Tricks for Freelancers

Avoid breaking the bank for sample magazine copies with these tips. While sample copies of magazines are tax-deductible for freelance writers, they're a small expense that can add up to a big cost. Try these tips to find free and cheap sample copies--and a few markets you might not otherwise come across.