Books Like...
'The Hero's 2 Journeys' by Christopher Vogler and Michael Hauge is a practical guide for writers, especially in the realm of screenwriting and novel structure. It delves deep into Joseph Campbell's monomyth structure and how it can be applied to storytelling, focusing on the Inner and Outer Journeys of a hero. The authors provide insights on how to intertwine these journeys into a screenplay or novel, offering a unique perspective on story structure.
offers a comprehensive overview of the Hero's Journey, connecting it to the act structure of a film and suggesting key points where events from the monomyth cycle can be introduced. It is praised for its ability to provide valuable insights for writers at any stage, offering a powerful combination of practical advice and theoretical knowledge that can enhance the understanding of story structure and character development.
If you liked The Hero's 2 Journeys, here are the top 7 books to read next:
"Mastering Suspense, Structure, and Plot" by Jane K. Cleland is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricacies of plot structure, suspense, and character development. Cleland emphasizes the importance of suspense in all genres, providing practical exercises and examples to help writers craft compelling and engaging stories. not only covers traditional suspense elements found in crime fiction but also explores how suspense can be integrated into various genres, making it a valuable resource for writers of all backgrounds. Cleland's writing style is informative and engaging, offering a mix of theoretical concepts and hands-on activities to help writers enhance their storytelling skills.
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.
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...- #3
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Dave King and Renni Browne is a comprehensive guide to editing fiction, focusing on key elements like characterization, dialogue mechanics, point of view, and more. The authors provide practical advice, examples from real books, and exercises to help writers refine their prose and storytelling techniques. The book emphasizes the importance of self-editing in the writing process and offers checklists for writers to apply the techniques to their own manuscripts. With a straightforward writing style and clear explanations, this book serves as a valuable resource for writers looking to improve their craft.
The conversation was barely begun before I discovered that our host was more than simply a stranger to most of his guests. He was an enigma, a mystery. And this was a crowd that doted on mysteries. In... - #4
The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression is a comprehensive resource for writers seeking to enhance their ability to convey emotions effectively in their writing. With detailed descriptions of 75 emotions, including physical signals, internal sensations, and mental responses, this book provides writers with a wide range of nuanced reactions to help bring their characters to life. The book also delves into the importance of using body language and nonverbal cues to show emotions rather than relying on clichés and familiar expressions. Overall, it is a valuable tool for writers looking to add depth and authenticity to their characters' emotions.
This exchange is fairly easy to write—but not so easy to read. Readers are smart and can figure things out for themselves. They don’t want to have the scene explained to them, which is what happens wh... - #5
'The Hero With a Thousand Faces' by Joseph Campbell is a masterwork that delves into the universality of hero stories and myths across cultures. Campbell's scholarly text demystifies the concept of the monomyth, analyzing a broad spectrum of cultural myths to reveal the common hero archetype present in all of them. The book provides detailed insights into the hero's journey, drawing parallels between myths from different societies and shedding light on the underlying similarities that connect humanity through storytelling. Campbell's writing style, although at times perceived as dry, offers a comprehensive exploration of the hero's tale, making it a fascinating read for those interested in mythology and literary criticism.
Typical of the circumstances of the call are the dark forest, the great tree, the babbling spring, and the loathly, underestimated appearance of the carrier of the power of destiny. We recognize in th... 'Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life' by Anne Lamott is a humorous and candid guide to the writing process, intertwined with insightful anecdotes and practical advice for aspiring writers. Lamott's writing style is described as witty, tender, funny, and forthright, making the book an enjoyable and engaging read. Through personal stories and reflections on life, Lamott offers a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of being a writer, blending writing advice with life lessons in a relatable and honest manner.
The book delves into the nuances of the writing life, exploring topics such as the creative process, self-doubt, and the importance of perseverance. Lamott's narrative style is described as enchanting, blackly funny, and like a conversation with a close friend, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with readers. By sharing her own experiences and insights, Lamott encourages readers to embrace the messy and imperfect nature of writing, inspiring them to find their voice and navigate the complexities of both writing and living.
The very first thing I tell my new students on the first day of a workshop is that good writing is about telling the truth. We are a species that needs and wants to understand who we are. Sheep lice d...- #7
'On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft' by Stephen King is a unique blend of memoir and writing advice. It delves into King's journey as a writer, offering insights into his life experiences that shaped his craft. The book is written in King's signature readable style, making it an engaging read for both aspiring writers and fans of the author. It covers topics ranging from practical writing strategies to personal anecdotes, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling and guidance.
A year or so later, my mother, my brother, and I were in West De Pere, Wisconsin. I don’t know why. Another of my mother’s sisters, Cal (a WAAC beauty queen during World War II), lived in Wisconsin wi...