ann. bib. #11

Vogler, Christopher. “The Writer‘s Journey,” “Stories are Alive” . The Writer's Journey : Mythic Structure for Writers Third Edition. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007.
Summary
In “The Writer’s Journey” Vogler relates the hero’s journey to real life, specifically the journey of a writer. The elixer would be a good story. A judgmental editor could be the threshold guardian, and things like accidents and computer problems could be considered tricksters. Distractions could be called the shapeshifter during the writer’s journey. Vogler also compares a writer to the shaman saying they could play that role over the course of the journey.
In “Stories are Alive”, Vogler talks about how stories can help because they can relate to the characters. He examines the story of Rumplestiltskin, broadening on the different aspects of the story. He points out the wishing is an important part in stories, and that done at the beginning of a story is a good way to orientate an audience to the story. He explains the concept of “Not Only…But Alas”, how you can know the truth on something but that there is another side to that truth that you may not know. He goes on to state that a good story will have the audience interacting with it, wishing with the hero and getting upset is not all goes well. He also explains the concept of a hero willing.
Reaction
Once again I found the first section pointless. He was just restating everything that he has said in the last couple of chapters, and seemed to be giving himself his own little praise. The second section was interesting and provided new, pertinent information. I did not realize everything that he mentioned surrounding the use of wishing and willing with characters.
Questions
1)Do you think Ruplestiltskin could have been the father of the baby?
2)Do you think it is important for a villain to get his “justice” for a story to be good?
3)Do you think every story teaches a lesson?