The secret to the hero’s journey
What’s driving you?
A basic rule of writing a story is to have a protagonist with a goal, and then put as many obstacles in the way that you can think of, to separate the hero of your story from what they want.
In the Annette Bening and Jodie Foster film Nyad—which I can’t recommend enough—long distance swimmer Diana Nyad has a dream to swim from Cuba to Florida. Along the way, she is foiled by every mishap you can think of: storms, sharks, jelly fish, lack of money, lack of team.
But her dream is so big and so powerful, she can’t help herself: She must cross the finish line, even if it kills her.
A coach of mine used to say that if you have a goal and you’re not hitting it—not committed enough, not urgent enough about it—maybe it’s because that dream is not big enough.
It’s something I coached one of my authors on last week, when she admitted she was feeling disconnected from her book. I asked her about her why—had she forgotten why writing the book was important to her, perhaps? It turns out, she had.
After reconnecting her to her why—all the people she would help by sharing her story (tip: the more people you can roll into your why, the more motivating it will be)—she was lit up and excited to get back to writing her book and doing whatever it takes to make it happen.
In short, writing a book isn’t the finish line. Finishing the book is not a why. Few authors would be compelled to do what it takes to complete if that was the end goal.
So whatever your passion project—whether it’s a book, a business you want to grow, or even just doing better at school, as I chatted about with my kids last week—if you find yourself running out of steam or ambition, remember your why and ask yourself if it’s big enough.
It could be time to dream bigger.
Cat xo
Go Team!
Like Diana Nyad says in the film, "It looks like a solitary sport but it takes a team."
That goes for writing too. The sooner you lean into community and networking, the faster and further you'll go.
One way to find your people is to join my Passion Project Publishing Academy, where you'll discover resources on how to write, finish, publish and market your book, as well as a like-minded community of writers, authors and mentors.
Join us for monthly meetups, to network, talk about your book, and get coaching, mentorship and advice on your book, publishing and marketing strategy.
New for 2024, I am adding a second monthly meetup/power hour, to help spark creativity and provide additional support and accountability.
And if you sign up now, you'll also receive access to my Power of Story and Future of Content Marketing VIP video library bundles, as well as my guide to How to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book – Your Top 10 Questions Answered. Click here to sign up now.
Hero's Journey
It takes courage to dream, which may be why so many of us turn to books and stories, as a way to find it.
As Hollywood screenwriting consultant Michael Hauge puts it: The hero’s journey is about going from living in fear to living courageously.
As you move through your book and screenplay, ask yourself, what is your hero afraid of? And what will it take for them to overcome that fear?
That is, essentially, the heart of your story.
Here's more storytelling, and screenwriting, gold from Michael:
If you’re telling a story, your primary objective must be to elicit emotion. You must be creating an emotional experience.
When in doubt, go deep. Understand your hero better/more. What drives them? How were they wounded in the past?
You must create a relationship with your reader/audience, and your story must have relevance for them.
Watch my interview with Michael here.