ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers

Okay kiddo, let me tell you a story about how writers often structure their stories using a formula called "the writer's journey."

It all starts with a hero. The hero could be anyone, from a brave knight to a curious child. This hero is living their everyday life until something happens that changes everything. This is called the call to adventure.

The hero might hesitate at first, but eventually they decide to answer the call and leave their ordinary life behind. They embark on a journey filled with challenges, obstacles, and dangers. Think of it like a video game, with each level getting harder and harder.

Along the way, the hero will meet allies and enemies. Allies will help the hero on their journey, while enemies will try to stop them. These characters can be people, animals, or even magical creatures.

As the hero moves closer to their goal, they will face the ultimate challenge. This is the climax of the story, where everything comes to a head. The hero must use all the skills and knowledge they have gained on their journey to overcome this challenge.

Once the hero has succeeded, they return home, changed and transformed by their experiences. They have gained wisdom, strength, and a new understanding of themselves and the world around them.

So there you have it, the writer's journey in a nutshell. It's a formula that many writers use to craft their stories, and it has been used for centuries in myths and legends from all over the world.