As a strange god once said, writing is hard. It feels like there are near limitless aspects to consider during the writing process. With any luck, you should find answers to questions and learn new things in this collection of discussions.
Feel free...
Does it ever feel like you're consuming the same story over and over again? In film, literature, and other forms of media, The Hero's Journey is the most common plot line. Why? We love it. This formula is tried, true, and beloved by many. Of course, there are always haters of that which is popular and accepted as good. Haters, feel free to skip this section.
Examples of the Hero's Journey: The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien, The Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling, The Matrix (film), The Wizard of Oz (film), The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer
(Please let me know if you have an example to add to the list, I know there are thousands)
The Hero's Journey is a formula, a set of basic plot points and characters that add up to a story. It still fits on the outline given in (3) Notes and Outline. It can be manipulated to belong in many different genres, as you can tell from the example list.
You've likely seen a chart kind of like this first one in school or in your life as a writer. This first one works fine, but we're going to reference the second one for the sake of sanity. It is numbered, which is rather nice.
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As you can probably tell already, there are tons of graphics and guides online to help you understand The Hero's Journey. I will try to give some insight as I compile that information, but it's the same information pretty much everywhere you look.
The section labeled 8: Ordeal could also be called Climax, which should help you to see how it lines up on the standard outline. However, some stories consider 11: Atonement to be the climax of character. If you make that choice, the standard outline can be adjusted. It is fairly vague and generalized, after all.
(1) The Ordinary World
This is your main character's home, your chance to describe their normal life in your world before their adventure. It allows us to see them and their interactions with others, how they handle stress or stimulus, and what their goals and ideals might be based upon.
Do not fall into the trap of showing readers a character's daily routine. Show something unusual, but not unfamiliar. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan does this by taking Rand to an annual event, a festival in the village. Eragon by Christopher Paolini does this by taking Eragon through a long hunt, something he does usually in shorter stints. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling opens with an annual event, Dudley's birthday shenanigans. There are limitless methods to choose from that are not "she woke up, brushed her hair, and got dressed." Don't do it. Please. It isn't fun to read, it makes your characters look bland.
