Katy and I are filling up the ol' backpack to hike our rear ends off on the Spottsylvania Battlefield. Great fun is to be had by the whole two of us.
Also, the trip is tax deductible as I write historical fiction! Woo-hoo!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Spy Story Using The Hero's Journey
Good day, Writers,
As promised, I am posting another storyline using The Hero's Journey as the model. This time we have a spy story outlined.
If you want to know, this took me no more than five minutes to construct. Which goes to prove how easily The Hero's Journey adapts to any story.
Ready? Here we go!
Ordinary World
A wealthy woman, Rachel, hears of her husband’s death while he was traveling home from Europe to the US. The Husband was an official on government business.
Call to Adventure
As the funeral ends and she receives visitors at her home, she notices a mysterious man standing outside watching the house.
Refusal of the Call
After the mourners leave, the man who was watching the house knocks on the door. The man, Jackson, introduces himself to the maid and hands her a letter. He asks if the maid will give it to Rachel and if Rachel will see him, even though the hour is late.
Meeting the Mentor
Rachel, enraged by the contents of the letter and not believing its authenticity, agrees to see him in an effort to determine why Jackson is attempting to upset her.
Crossing the Threshold
Jackson tells Rachel to check a hidden drawer in the house to prove the letter is genuine. She does and learns her visitor worked for her husband and that both men were spies working in an effort to overthrow the sitting government. Jackson informs Rachel her husband was murdered for his involvement in the spy ring and she agrees to join Jackson and use her wealth and influence to continue his work.
Test, Allies and Enemies
Jackson introduces Rachel to many of his cohorts and learns of many high ranking officials in the government who are attempting to start a war for the money they can earn.
Approach to the Innermost Cave (Point of No Return)
Rachel is found out by the authorities and must alter her life so as not to be caught. She must give up her home and fortunes in this endeavor.
The Supreme Ordeal
The corrupt government officials chase and eventually attack Rachel and Jackson, who have now become lovers. Rachel escapes, though Jackson is caught and taken somewhere sinister.
Claim the Treasure (Reward)
Rachel finds Jackson and helps him escape. Together they topple the corrupt officials just before war breaks out.
Journey Home (Road Back – Second Ordeal)
Those officials, now deposed, attempt to assassinate Jackson and Rachel and almost succeed.
Resurrection
The dishonest politicians are finally caught and tried.
Return with Elixir
Rachel has her home and fortunes returned and she and Jackson get married to live happily ever after.
As promised, I am posting another storyline using The Hero's Journey as the model. This time we have a spy story outlined.
If you want to know, this took me no more than five minutes to construct. Which goes to prove how easily The Hero's Journey adapts to any story.
Ready? Here we go!
Ordinary World
A wealthy woman, Rachel, hears of her husband’s death while he was traveling home from Europe to the US. The Husband was an official on government business.
Call to Adventure
As the funeral ends and she receives visitors at her home, she notices a mysterious man standing outside watching the house.
Refusal of the Call
After the mourners leave, the man who was watching the house knocks on the door. The man, Jackson, introduces himself to the maid and hands her a letter. He asks if the maid will give it to Rachel and if Rachel will see him, even though the hour is late.
Meeting the Mentor
Rachel, enraged by the contents of the letter and not believing its authenticity, agrees to see him in an effort to determine why Jackson is attempting to upset her.
Crossing the Threshold
Jackson tells Rachel to check a hidden drawer in the house to prove the letter is genuine. She does and learns her visitor worked for her husband and that both men were spies working in an effort to overthrow the sitting government. Jackson informs Rachel her husband was murdered for his involvement in the spy ring and she agrees to join Jackson and use her wealth and influence to continue his work.
Test, Allies and Enemies
Jackson introduces Rachel to many of his cohorts and learns of many high ranking officials in the government who are attempting to start a war for the money they can earn.
Approach to the Innermost Cave (Point of No Return)
Rachel is found out by the authorities and must alter her life so as not to be caught. She must give up her home and fortunes in this endeavor.
The Supreme Ordeal
The corrupt government officials chase and eventually attack Rachel and Jackson, who have now become lovers. Rachel escapes, though Jackson is caught and taken somewhere sinister.
Claim the Treasure (Reward)
Rachel finds Jackson and helps him escape. Together they topple the corrupt officials just before war breaks out.
Journey Home (Road Back – Second Ordeal)
Those officials, now deposed, attempt to assassinate Jackson and Rachel and almost succeed.
Resurrection
The dishonest politicians are finally caught and tried.
Return with Elixir
Rachel has her home and fortunes returned and she and Jackson get married to live happily ever after.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Strange Dream
I dreamed the first scene of my next manuscript last night.
That is either the start of a disturbing trend or the beginning of a new level of writing in my life.
Personally, I hope the latter...
That is either the start of a disturbing trend or the beginning of a new level of writing in my life.
Personally, I hope the latter...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Funny Story about Dick Cheney
I heard an amusing, and true, story at the Museum this afternoon.
Past VP Dick Cheney visited the museum a few months ago and stopped into the gift shop on his way out. He placed his purchases on the counter and the cashier rang them up. As his purchase was over $100, the clerk looked him straight in the eye and, as she is supposed to, asked for his ID.
One of his secret service agents cracked up laughing. He then said, "How soon they forget!"
Well, Mr. Cheney gave her his ID, then personally picked up his purchases, took them to his car and drove himself off.
Maybe you had to be there...
Past VP Dick Cheney visited the museum a few months ago and stopped into the gift shop on his way out. He placed his purchases on the counter and the cashier rang them up. As his purchase was over $100, the clerk looked him straight in the eye and, as she is supposed to, asked for his ID.
One of his secret service agents cracked up laughing. He then said, "How soon they forget!"
Well, Mr. Cheney gave her his ID, then personally picked up his purchases, took them to his car and drove himself off.
Maybe you had to be there...
Looking to Sell More of Your Books?
Maybe you should buy this one first. http://www.happilypublished...
Monday, September 14, 2009
News from the Editor
I heard from my editor, Joyce Wells, over the weekend. She's got "a lot" of recommendations for "Born to be Brothers." Although I hate to think of the work still ahead, Joyce does her work well and I always have a better book because of her tireless work.
By the way, check out her book, "The Peace Seekers."
By the way, check out her book, "The Peace Seekers."
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Back from the Reunion
Good day, All.
Returned home from VA. Beach and seeing friends from 40 years ago. (40 years! How in the hell did that happen?)\
Had a great time. It was nice to reacquaint with so many old buddies.
Returned home from VA. Beach and seeing friends from 40 years ago. (40 years! How in the hell did that happen?)\
Had a great time. It was nice to reacquaint with so many old buddies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)