The Hero's Journey

I was first introduced to the "hero's journey" a couple years ago at a small writer's conference.  The workshop instructor used the movie Star Wars (the original one with Luke still on his home planet) and then pointed out all the different stages of the journey for the hero. 

Not long after, a friend recommended the book The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler.   Based on Joseph Campbell's mythic story structure, Vogler breaks it down so that anyone can understand and apply to their writing.

One of the things I like about the hero's journey is how it's kinda like a road map.  It gives you a general direction of where to go and mileposts along the way.  And while this sounds like something that only works in fantasy stories, it applies to all genres.  Even a mystery has a "Call to Adventure," "Tests, Allies, Enemies," and "Return." 

I'd encourage everyone to learn more about the hero's journey and it just so happens someone out there formed a group so we can do that.  This group is dedicated to learning, using and teaching the mythic structure for writers called The Hero's Journey.  You can find it here.   It's a new group, just getting started so give it a look see. 

Also, get the book The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler.  I've got "LOTS" of writing books but this is one of my favorites.

Market Monday

Hey all...

Maybe I'll get back on a posting schedule...

Here's a Steampunk Anthology.   I really didn't think I'd like steampunk, but I was pleastantly suprised.  So, even if you don't want to write it, give it a read.

It Came From Her Purse - This sounds like a fun anthology.  it's for sci fi, fantasy and a few horror stories.  I think anything that came from my purse would be a horror story. :-)

Shock Totem -   for dark fantasy and horror short stories.    They also want some non-fic so might we interesting to check out.

Lightspeed Magazine -  For all science fiction short stories. 

Spectra Magazine - This is another spec fiction market. 

These look nice however, I haven't totally checked them out.  I just offer them as a suggestion.  Remember to read the submission guidelines and contract info before signing. 

Have a great week!

World Building or is it Worldbuilding...

Whichever it is, that's what I've been doing.  But not only the geography but lots of other stuff such as government, religion, customs and trade.  Plus so much more.

Thing is, for fantasy writers who create their own world, these are things you have to know. 

So, for all who who create your own worlds, here's a really, really, really nice worldbuilding questionaire by Patricia C. Wrede.

Also, a Map Workshop from Holly Lisle.

Hope you enjoy.  And I promise, I'll do better this month.

Sigh...

Forgive me blogger for I have neglected you way too long...  I did think about you though...and I really do feel bad about the neglect.  It's just things have been so busy and life has been unusually realistic lately.

So, here it is, midnight.  The hubby is asleep and all's quiet and dark.  And I only have a couple things that I should be doing so it seems the perfect time to catch up here.

On the reality side of things, our fridge decided to give up the ghost.  And the week after we got a new one (to us anyway) the hot water heater died.  No warning...just died.   If that wasn't enough, our satellite tv is out and they can't get a repair guy out to look at it until next week.  So, it's going to be a LONG weekend.  Oh...and not to mention it's been hot as bleep here...heat indices up to 110.  However, things may cool off if Bonnie sends up any rain.

On the writing side...

First, I received another rejection letter for  my zombie romance.  If I can't find a place for it soon, I'll hold it and post it here for Valentine's Day.  The zombies are upscale and sophisticated so I think that's the problem  since they aren't the normal zombie.  I do have a couple flash fiction places in mind to send it as soon as I catch my breath.

Next, I finally sent in the manuscript for my dragon fantasy novel.  It's called Dragons of Jade.  It's about a young woman who is transported to a world of dragons in order to save them from the person killing them.  While there, she finds a bit of romance and discovers she's not the person she thought she was.  I really like the story and the world so I'm excited about getting it ready to share with the rest of the world.   

As the revision/editing/publishing process goes along, I'll keep you informed about what's happening. 

Lastly...I'm now the editor for the Roughdraft which is the newsletter for the local writing group I belong to.  This month I put together my first issue and it turned out really nice.

Now, tell me what y'all have been up too. :-)

Targets

This past weekend I had another lesson thrust upon me.  The importance of target markets.  Now, we all know it's important to tarket your readers when marketing your book or story.  But do you realize how important it is to target your readers beforehand?

For example, if you are writing romance, then your first readers should be familar with the romance genre.  A thriller reader might not be the best choice for the most helpful comments.

If you write literary prose, someone who loves hardboiled detectives may not have the knowledge of the genre needed to be an effective critquer.

Now I'm not saying you can't get some valuable feedback from them, however you have to take into consideration their writing experience and background.

This also applies to instructors. Whether you take classes online, at conferences or at a school of some sort, if your instructor isn't familar with the genre you write, then you may be getting some wrong information.

So, another lesson learned.  Now on to the next one.:-)

Monday Markets

Steam Punk anthology - I have to admit, when I first came across "steam punk" I didn't think I'd care for it but was pleasantly surprised.  Deadline is October so come up with a story and send it in.

Crimefactory - this is a new one and they want queries first.  Yeah, that's right, query first.  However, they like hardboiled and noir especially so if that's you...give 'em a look see.

New Love Stories - this looks like a really nice romance magazine. They want traditional romance in most of the subgenres with word counts from 2,700 to 3,800.

The Western Online - It's a non-paying market but looks good.  Be sure to read their guidelines though.

Bad Advice

There's a lot of advice out there in the writing world on how to write.  And there's a whole lot of advice on how not to write too.  Thing is, it's darn hard to know what's good advice and what's bad, especially if you are just getting started in the writing industry. 

Often what works for one writer, won't work for another.  Take for example the "don't get it right, get it written" advice.  I don't know how many times I've spouted this one and while it works for some folks, it doesn't work for me.  I rewrite as I go along.  Yes, it takes me longer to get a complete first draft, but that's the way I work.  And, if this is the way you work best, then you must ignore that advice.

So, my question to you, what bad writing advice have you been given?  Share that advice in the comment column so we can all benefit from it.

Here's a great article that lists some other bad writing advice.