The writer's journey2

Refusal of the call: The hero who hears the call to adventure initially may hesitate and refuse to leave the comfort and tasks of their everyday existence. Perhaps they are afraid of what might be happened to them. Perhaps they do not see the call as important, being more engrossed in their current activity. The Hero may not be willing to make changes, preferring the safe haven of the Ordinary World. They have responsibilities and do not want to leave their family. Meeting with the mentor The Hero meets a mentor to gain confidence, insight, advice, training, or magical gifts to overcome the initial fears and face the Threshold of the adventure. Sometimes the Mentor provides the hero with important information from the past. The hero may also remember important lessons learned early in life as a kind of "inner mentor" or personal code.

The refusal may well be prompted by an individual. This becomes an essential stage that communicates the risks involved in the Journey that lies ahead. Without risks and danger or the likelihood of failure, the audience will not be compelled to be a part of the Hero's Journey. Their frailties remind us of our own. Though each has at one time or another refused destiny's call, they have returned to the hero's path, stronger and more ready to fulfill their role in the tapestry of myth.

In the introduction to the story we may already have been shown the need and the refusal of the hero to respond positively to the call may thus frustrate us, initiating tension in the story. It may not be obvious right away how this stage applies to our particular heroines, but it does apply. The hero returns to his calling after trying to run away from it. Indeed, it is often these tales of reluctant heroes that win our hearts because the hero seems more human. The Refusal can also be evidenced by the medieval heiress who doesn’t want to marry. In romance, the mentor is often a best friend, a roommate, a personal maid, or some other kind of influencer.

1. Have you ever had one of those moments when you suddenly know yourself for who you are?

2. Can you think of mentor characters in your favorite stories and/or movies? What type of mentors are they and why?

3. Can you point to a mentor in your own life? What qualities does your mentor have that you would like to incorporate into your life?