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The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers

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Readers find 'The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers' by Christopher Vogler to be an insightful guide that explores how Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey mythology can be applied to strengthen individual writer's stories. Vogler discusses the archetypes of hero, mentor, threshold guardian, herald, shape shifter, shadow, and trickster, as well as explains each stage of the hero's journey. The book uses over 100 films as examples to illustrate the power of writing fiction and provides a framework for writers to create compelling narratives.

Characters:

The book explores character archetypes thoroughly, providing insights into their roles and significance within stories.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is designed to be reader-friendly and uses familiar film examples; however, some parts may lack depth and specificity.

Plot/Storyline:

The book presents a structured approach to storytelling inspired by the Hero's Journey, featuring clear stages that can guide writers in crafting their narratives.

Setting:

The setting is primarily within the context of storytelling traditions and cinematic examples that reflect archetypal journeys.

Pacing:

Pacing is inconsistent; initial sections may maintain interest, while later portions might lag or feel overly repetitive.
The waves are still rolling in from the pebbles in the pond that were the original Writer's Journey and its second edition. Since almost a decade has gone by since the second edition was launched, the...

Notes:

Christopher Vogler's book is based on Joseph Campbell's theory of the Hero's Journey.
It outlines a 12-step story structure for writers.
The steps include Ordinary World, Call to Adventure, and Meeting with the Mentor, among others.
Vogler connects Campbell's archetypes to classic movie characters.
The book provides examples from popular films like Star Wars and Titanic.
Some readers find it more useful for screenwriting than novel writing.
Vogler emphasizes that writers shouldn't strictly follow his formula, but use it as a guide.
Critics note that applying the formula to unconventional stories can feel forced.
The book is acknowledged as a fundamental text for Hollywood screenwriters.
Vogler's work is recognized for making Campbell's complex ideas more accessible for writers.

From The Publisher:

Shows how writers can use mythic structure to give coherence and weight to both narrative fiction and nonfiction

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