The hero’s journey is a basic story construction that has been used for hundreds of years. This timeless storytelling approach encompasses the three core facets of a protagonist’s journey. Utilizing it in fiction usually looks like widespread sense, however the secret is to make use of it in nonfiction as properly.

On this article, I’ll outline what the hero’s journey is, clarify how highly effective it may be when utilized in nonfiction, and like at all times, give examples for higher understanding. After we start to make use of fiction writing methods in nonfiction, our tales might be that rather more highly effective.   

Whereas there are some facets of fiction writing that we will’t use in nonfiction, many fiction guidelines apply to nice storytelling. Nonfiction is a kind of storytelling, so let’s dive into easy methods to use the hero’s journey in our nonfiction. 

What Precisely Is The Hero’s Journey?

Twenty-one time New York Instances bestselling writer, Jerry Jenkins, describes the hero’s journey as three particular levels: Departure, initiation, and return of the hero. Let’s talk about the three facets after which dive into easy methods to apply it to nonfiction. 

#1 – Departure 

In fiction, the hero’s journey usually begins as they depart from their regular life. Whether or not it’s Katniss Everdeen leaving house to compete in The Starvation Video games, Frodo Baggins leaving the Shire, or Buttercup setting off on her journey in S. Morgenstern’s basic, The Princess Bride, the journey related to heroes begins with them leaving. 

#2 – Initiation

Enter, battle, obstacles, and trial and error. At this level within the story, a hero meets sudden points. How will they overcome the obstacles they face and enter into battle in a manner that ends in victory?

Katniss is armed along with her talent with a bow and arrow, Frodo is only a younger hobbit, and the Buttercup’s journey takes her into locations she’s by no means seen earlier than. These initiations reveal the character of protagonists and are an important level within the hero’s journey.

#3 – Return 

When a hero returns, they’re modified ultimately. Whether or not Katniss has come out a victor, Frodo emerges from Mordor having succeeded in his quest, or Buttercup escaping right into a fortunately ever after, their return bookends the story. 

The Highly effective Position It Performs In Nonfiction Writing

However what does a hero’s journey should do with nonfiction? The protagonist’s of your favourite nonfiction carry rather more heroic weight than chances are you’ll understand. Consider Lopez Lomong in Working For My Life. His journey is heroic from first to final web page. 

Think about Rick Bragg’s nationwide bestseller, All Over However The Shoutin’. A memoir, this evocative story will maintain you on the sting of your seat. Keep in mind Simply Mercy, Bryan Stevenson’s New York Instances bestseller, highlighting one among his first circumstances, regarding Walter McMillian.

What do these books have in widespread? They inform a narrative, an actual story, however they achieve this by additionally sharing the journey of the protagonist. It’s not easy to jot down a nonfiction story, particularly about your self, and share each the highs and lows of your journey. 

One of these writing takes deep interior reflection, humility, and a dedication to telling the reality with out a filter. Nonetheless, one of these storytelling resonates with readers. There’s a purpose these books are so cherished.

3 Examples Of The Hero’s Journey

Reasonably than merely let you know that it’s vital to incorporate a hero’s journey in your nonfiction storytelling methods, it’s vital to see actual life examples. Figuring out writing guidelines is solely a step in changing into an incredible author. Really using the writing guidelines takes you a step additional. 

Generally, seeing the instance of a author who has come earlier than is the precise bridge we have to fill within the gaps between head information and execution. Let’s dive into our first instance. 

#1 – I’m Potential: Leaping Into Concern and Discovering a Lifetime of Objective

Jeremy Cowart is a photographer who has captured the photographs of people comparable to:

• Taylor Swift
• The Killer
• Gwyneth Paltrow
• Barack Obama
• The Kardashians
• Chris Stapleton
• Dolly Parton

The listing goes on, however he has additionally been revealed in Rolling Stone, ESPN The Journal, Individuals Journal, Leisure Weekly, Wall Avenue Journal, and labored for firms comparable to Nike and Warner Brothers Data. 

Nonetheless, in his guide, Jeremy shares his journey to reaching the success has right now. In reality, in class his steerage counselor approached Jeremy’s mom because of concern for his delinquent habits. 

The journey from shy little one to profitable artist is stuffed with battle, highs and lows, and a return to what he loves and retains him grounded. 

#2 – Changing into Elisabeth Elliot 

New York Instances bestselling writer, Ellen Vaughn, shares the lifetime of the younger missionary Elisabeth. Full with photographs, journal entries, and a minute-by-minute recounting of the day Elisabeth’s husband, Jim, was tragically killed, Vaughn shares not simply the heroic aspect usually related to Elliot, however the interior turmoil as properly. 

In fiction, well-rounded characters are humanized, and in nonfiction, people should be revealed as human as properly. Tales that stick with us are ones we resonate with, hook up with, and ones the place we will put ourselves within the protagonist’s place.

Whereas we probably haven’t misplaced a husband in the way in which Elisabeth Elliot did, all of us can, ultimately, relate to loss and overcoming tragedy. 

Humanizing nonfiction characters is essential to connecting with readers, but in addition a key facet within the hero’s journey. 

#3 – The Experience of a Lifetime: Classes Discovered From 15 Years As CEO of the Walt Disney Firm 

Bob Iger shares his journey and the management model that ultimately led him to turn into CEO of Disney. Sarcastically, he launched his story in 2019 and stepped down from his place as CEO in 2021. 

Nonetheless, based on the Los Angeles Instances, “Bob Iger returned to the function of chief government of the Walt Disney Co. in November 2022, changing Bob Chapek, his hand-picked successor.”

The hero’s journey of Bob Iger has had many twists and turns, to place it evenly. In his bestselling guide, Iger shares, with hanging humility, successes in addition to the failures which have paved the trail to the place he’s right now. 

In his guide, he states that, “Wherever you might be alongside the trail, you’re the identical individual you’ve at all times been.” 

It is a essential assertion to remember as you write your personal nonfiction or fiction, and craft your hero’s journey. 

Heroes will develop and alter alongside their journey. They may depart, face battle, and in the end, return. A few of the finest writers take the time to delve into the core of who they’re and reveal that it doesn’t matter what comes their manner, they merely come out stronger ultimately—a real hero. 

What If I’m Not A Hero?

Writing your self because the protagonist, and due to this fact hero, of your story might really feel a bit uncomfortable. This discomfort is comprehensible, however don’t let it maintain you from sharing your story with readers who will profit. 

All of us see successes and failures. It’s a part of being human. How we deal with them, painting them, and develop from them is what defines the hero’s journey. Completely happy writing!