Vogler Annotated Bibliography #11

Vogler, Christopher. “Epilogue: The Writer's Journey and Appendices: Stories Are Alive”. The Writers Journey. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998. 293-312.

Summery
"The Writer's Journey" explains the connection between the Hero's Journey and the journey a writer must go through to write a story. Vogler explains that "Writing is often a perilous journey inward to probe the depths of one's soul and bring back the Elixir of experience- a good story" (293). Each of the stages of the Hero's Journey is reflected in the Writer's Journey as they help or inhibit the writer to come up with their story. The stages, such as the Shadow as low self esteem, can be found both within story and within the lives of those who write them. Vogler also comments on the power of letters and words and goes as far as to say that "Writers, like shamans or medicine men and women of their cultures, have the potential to be healers" (294). A certain combination of letters and words can create stories for present generations to enjoy and stories that can serve as time capsules as they are read and interpreted for generations.

One of Vogler's final observations is that "Stories Are Alive". He lists many qualities of stories such as how they show and help the evolution of human thought, how they can help humans deal with emotions, and most importantly how "stories are somehow alive, conscious, and responsive to human emotions and wishes" (300). Stories are not just words strung into sentences that form a story, but they have underlying meanings and agendas. Most stories come off as entertainment sources, yet are meant to teach lessons and help connect the reader to the world through these lessons. Vogler suggests that "wishing may be an underlying principle of storytelling" (304). Many times stories are based on a wish that is acknowledged by a character in the first act that leads them into their Hero's Journey. In conjunction with making wishes, many stories are based on characters discovering, through their journey, not what they wish for, yet what they truly need.

Reaction

Vogler makes an interesting connection between the Hero's Journey and the Writer's Journey. Just as the Hero's Journey can be compared to real life, it can be compared to the Writer's Journey in the same manner. I like how this helps the writer visualize how both the writing process and the Hero's Journey can be utilized in creating a good story. When Vogler says that stories are alive it gives storytelling another meaningful aspect. Most of Vogler's book is about the specific parts of the journey and how to use them to write a good story, now he gives the journey a greater purpose than just entertainment. When stories have a meaning it gives the writing process a greater purpose than when Vogler discusses it for pure money and entertainment successes.

Questions
1. What are examples of the stages of the Hero's Journey that writers commonly encounter?

2. What are the similarities and differences between "wishing" and "willing"?

3. Why should the audiences "wishes" be considered when writing a story? How are their wishes usually reflected in the outcomes of stories?