We are discussing the stages of Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey through personal essays and storytelling. Campbell proposed a monomyth, a universal story arc called the hero’s journey, that he said was found in myths and stories from cultures around the world. The hero sets forth on an adventure (departure), faces obstacles and trials (initiation), is victorious over them, and returns with boons and gifts to share with the rest of the world (return). The hero’s journey can be an external adventure though it always involves an inner transformative journey. You might be familiar with books or movies that use this arc (for example, Star Wars). In your life, you might look for parallels where you overcame your fears, the discouragement of others, or other internal or external blocks and took steps towards a goal. Maybe you had to learn new skills, take on rivals, and do things that pulled you out of your comfort zone, and regardless of the outcome, engaging with this process changed you forever.
Nice! Good that you overcame that internal critic and got this out. It’s a common battle for many of us writers and the only way is through. Sometimes I put out posts I’m not happy with but invariably I’m surprised at what they teach me. Onwards!
I'm glad you were able to step back into the ring when you felt ready. I too have felt unsure and unclear, despite messages from people I admire and who I know are great writers. I wish there was a way we could banish that voice, however, I suspect it's part of what makes our writing cathartic and empowering when we do get on with it. Take care.
I really related to this one, especially this part — “but I’d found a hundred excuses not to. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t good enough. I am still figuring out my novel. I’ll do it once things are more settled, once I’ve taken care of what’s on my plate, once everyone is happy, once they give me permission, once I’ve hung up the moon, straightened the stars, etc. etc.” — I remember asking myself at one point, when will I be ready? And that seemed to offer the stark wake-up call I needed.
It is so interesting that once you started writing on substack the dreams stopped. I find it amazing that our subconscious nudges is through our dreams like that. It’s amazing.
I also think it’s great you took some time for yourself and then returned to this post when you was ready. I want to be consistently putting my writing out as well, but I also don’t want to force it or put things out I’m not happy with - and I find this is a hard balance to strike.
🦋The road of trials
Your writing is inspiring!
Nice! Good that you overcame that internal critic and got this out. It’s a common battle for many of us writers and the only way is through. Sometimes I put out posts I’m not happy with but invariably I’m surprised at what they teach me. Onwards!
I'm glad you were able to step back into the ring when you felt ready. I too have felt unsure and unclear, despite messages from people I admire and who I know are great writers. I wish there was a way we could banish that voice, however, I suspect it's part of what makes our writing cathartic and empowering when we do get on with it. Take care.
Wonderful piece Priya.
I really related to this one, especially this part — “but I’d found a hundred excuses not to. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t good enough. I am still figuring out my novel. I’ll do it once things are more settled, once I’ve taken care of what’s on my plate, once everyone is happy, once they give me permission, once I’ve hung up the moon, straightened the stars, etc. etc.” — I remember asking myself at one point, when will I be ready? And that seemed to offer the stark wake-up call I needed.
It is so interesting that once you started writing on substack the dreams stopped. I find it amazing that our subconscious nudges is through our dreams like that. It’s amazing.
I also think it’s great you took some time for yourself and then returned to this post when you was ready. I want to be consistently putting my writing out as well, but I also don’t want to force it or put things out I’m not happy with - and I find this is a hard balance to strike.
Thanks Priya :)