Writing Your Own Hero’s Journey

What does "Star Wars," "Harry Potter" and "Spider-Man" all have in common? They follow the Hero's Journey!

High school students interested in crafting a victorious adventure story are invited to join us for a virtual workshop, "Writing Your Own Hero's Journey," on Dec. 7 from 1 - 3 p.m. EST.

The workshop taught by educator Blake Pynnonen will start with a primer on the Hero’s Journey, particularly as it pertains to the concept of “monomyth” — that many of the world’s most popular stories follow the same plot points. Students will get a chance to discuss how their favorite stories, whether from comic books, movies, mythology, religious texts or other sources, follow the structures of the Hero’s Journey.

During the workshop, students will see examples of writing that follows the “Hero’s Journey” structure. They'll then be encouraged to start writing their own “Hero’s Journey” stories, starting with facilitated brainstorming, prewriting, drafting and sharing sessions.

Students will leave the session with foundational knowledge of the Hero’s Journey and a basis to write a personal narrative, which can be be dramatized or fictionalized.

Tickets:

• General admission is $45.
• A few spaces are reserved for Detroit high school students to attend for free via Coaching Detroit Forward. First come, first served.

Tickets are nonrefundable. Attendees will be emailed a Zoom link the day of the workshop. Registration closes on Dec. 7 at noon EST. Attendees will receive a video recording.

When not working on his screenplay, relaxing, hanging with family, or sleeping, Blake works as a teacher at The Roeper School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan where he teaches second and third grade to gifted children from all over the Detroit Metro Area. Blake has also taught creative writing, in both virtual and in-person environments.

Blake has an M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, in addition to a B.A. in Philosophy, with minors in Linguistics and Film Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude on a full-tuition, academic scholarship.

One of Blake’s favorite concepts is Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey,” which he has taught to elementary and middle school students, and now wants to share that knowledge with high school students.

The Detroit Writing Room offers an inspirational community for writers, creatives and professionals. Whether you’re working on the next Great American novel or a resume, the DWR has 30 professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs. We also host book talks, writing workshops, and literary events. Visit detroitwritingroom.com to sign up for coaching, memberships, events and more. Check out newyorkwritingroom.com to see our New York-based coaching team.

Coaching Detroit Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coaches Detroit high school students in writing, photography, graphic design and other creative fields. Award-winning local journalists, authors, communications professionals, photographers and designers teach students and share their expertise through summer camps and workshops . Through Coaching Detroit Forward, students gain mentors who guide them through internships, jobs and careers. Visit coachingdetroitforward.org to learn more.

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