It suggests how to embellish memoirs into a metaphoric hero's journey:
MHdiaries has simplified this literary structure into a comprehensive checklist against which individual posts are measured. It consists of endless one sentence statements covering the major elements of creative writing. You simply decide to what degree you wish to reference it for inspiration.
Memoirs, anecdotes, reflections, observations, confessions, sequences of incidents and resumes of achievements seem to magically elevate into a plotted hero's story worthy to tell – your story.
For example, it encourages you to:
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to build tension by adding urgency;
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revise goals in a realistic and mature way as twists occur and problems are being resolved;
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take note of significant character growth along the way;
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be an active participant in the climatic resolution of conflict as it arises;
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describe the new equilibrium and insight achieved because of the journey;
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It reminds to acknowledge and elaborate on how you:
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revise life goals in a realistic and mature way as twists occur and problems are solved;
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undergo character growth and significant change;
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become an upstander rather than a bystander and an active participant in the climatic resolution of conflict;
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end up at a new equilibrium and insight for the journey.
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It suggests techniques to heighten tension. The addition of rising action and urgency to the entries instill a forward impetus or a sense of momentum to the inevitable climax. Incidents build on top of each other, raising the stakes.
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It advocates to establish a single unifying act to force the various characters in your life to confront one central problem. Character progression and action tends to become logical and sequenced with direction. Key characters end up arriving at one place at one time, to apply the solution.
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You learn to deal with sacrifice and life threatening situations.
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It prompts how to flesh out ideas and feelings. For example, if your diary post describes:​
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a friend, family member or associate, you are cued to expound on them by describing their emotions, attitudes, values, beliefs, worries, ambitions, attire, etc.
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a private moment, you are encouraged to drop your guard and open a window into your heart and mind. This will encourage empathy from future readers.
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a situation requiring your attention, you are reminded of personal goals you have identified and asked to consider the costs of dong nothing.
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addressing a problem, you are spurred on to confront the necessity to act deliberately with urgency and avoid watching from the sidelines.
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the outcome of a struggle, you are challenged to foreshadow it by sowing seeds of the resolution in earlier posts? You are asked to describe what you have learned in the process and how you have changed as a result?
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