Great life transitions are like a hero's journey

While trying to understand how to turn life into story, I found that much of the theory of storytelling is available in books for screenwriters. Perhaps there is something pure and simple about screenplays. They can only convey what they can show in scenes, and they are over in two hours, so everything must fit into that space. In addition, screen writers must reach a big audience, so they are always looking for tricks to tap into the mass psyche.

In my research I came across Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, which I found fascinating but too complex. Then I found a lovely book that turns Campbell's work into a straightforward, accessible system for screenwriters. If you are interested in learning more about how stories work, I highly recommend Chris Vogler's book "The Writer's Journey."

If you are interested in a workshop to walk through the steps, join me at National Association of Memoir Writers, starting Monday evening March 8 where I'll coach you on how to use the steps of the Hero's Journey to turn your great transitions into stories.

Best wishes,
Jerry

Fascinating! Another resource

Bluegate said:

I agree entirely. Screenwriting is like learning the skeletal structure of a story. Every single word on the paper has to earn its space and the three act structure can't be beat for keeping your story on track. A lot can be learned from looking in on the screenwriting forum right here on AW. Excellent suggestions Jerry!

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Nice suggestion Bluegate. Or should I say "Doh" - it never occurred to me to look at the screenwriting section because I don't write screenplays. But I am in awe of the storytelling process, and want to learn everything I can about it, and if that's what they are into, perhaps it will be a good place for me to hang out.

Thanks,
Jerry