My crit partner recommended this book, which I bought and then set aside, thinking it applied solely to “quest” stories. Was I ever wrong!
I've read Joseph Campbell and know about the Hero's Journey, but Vogler's approach is geared exclusively toward writers. He explores each of the Journey's stages and gives examples from memorable books and movies in a surprising range of genres. It’s truly a format anyone can adopt.
Vogler’s scope can't be addressed in one blog post, but I think you’d be surprised at how easily stories fit this structure. Does your main character have a goal that involves stepping outside a comfort zone, challenging norms, righting wrongs? Bingo! There’s your Call to Adventure.
Having trouble figuring out a character's purpose? Check out the Archetypes and you'll find a wealth of choices, each with its own psychological and dramatic function. How cool is that?
This is a hefty volume (nearly 400 pages) and I’m only a quarter of the way through, but already I’m approaching my work with a new perspective.
I think you will, too.
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I heard WONDERFUL things about this book and like you bought it then set it aside. Guess it's time to crack the spine. Thanks for the motivation, Kathryn. :)
ReplyDeleteDo you think that Vogler leans heavily on Campbell's work?
ReplyDeleteVR: I thought of you whenever Vogler mentioned a mystery or detectives. ;-)
ReplyDeleteStephanie: Vogler says his concepts of storytelling were shaped by Campbell and Carl Jung (hence the archetypes). Campbell has more stages to the journey, but Vogler's general concept is basically the same as far as I can tell. ;-)
I have this book, too. Is good! I'll have to pull it out again.
ReplyDeleteKathi: A good reference book never loses its value. I have a feeling I'll be using this one often.
ReplyDelete;-)
I remember doing Vladimir Propp in film studies - he managed to boil all plots down to one essential narrative, based on Russian fairytales. It sounds very similar to this book, which I think I'll go out and pick up!
ReplyDeleteIcy: This is the second time this week the name "Vladmir Propp" has appeared on my computer screen. Obviously, I'm meant to investigate.
ReplyDelete;-)
Hi Kathryn! A great post on Vogler's book and it looks like you're inspiring other bloggers to pick it up as well. I keep The Writer's Journey at my side even in the final stages of my (knock on wood) final edit of Guardian Cats. When I'm stuck at any stage of the journey, I delve into it, never failing to receive the inspiration or trigger that I need. It's my #1 favorite resource!
ReplyDeleteBreaking news: I just revise my old Blogger blog this evening. I was having so much trouble posting on WordPress for some reason. Already I'm loving being here. Come join me. I need friends. :-)