WORKSHOP FOCUS
Cultures all over the world have myths of individuals who leave the ordinary world, face trials or obstacles, and return home transformed into heroes. This mythic journey—often called the “hero’s journey”—is at the core of almost all good fiction and is the underlying structure of all successful plots. Tapping into the universal patterns within the hero’s journey will strengthen your stories and guide you in your own journey—toward publication.

In this workshop, you will

•  discover the stages of the hero’s journey;
•  meet the archetypal characters that heroes encounter along the way;
•  explore the mythic structure common to great stories around the world; and
•  learn how to use this structure to inform your work.

You'll also

•  critique your work with faculty and fellow writers;
•  pinpoint problems in your manuscript and solve them; and
•  learn how to turn rejection into acceptance.

Kim T. Griswell
Kim is the coordinating editor of Highlights for Children. Her service has spanned the worlds of publishing and teaching, leading her to positions as senior editor, book development manager, a university instructor, and a teacher with the Institute of Children’s Literature. She holds master’s degrees in teaching writing and in literature. A prolific writer and committed editor, Kim has published more than two hundred short stories, articles, and columns. Her children’s book, Carnivorous Plants, was recently published by Kidhaven Press.