{New Release} Of Sand and Storm

By law, any child born in Idara is free, even if that child is born in a slave brothel. But as Cinder grows into a beauty that surpasses even that of her mother and grandmother, she realizes that freedom is only a word. There are other words too, stronger words. Words like betrayal and prison and death. And there are words even stronger still. Words like courage and family and love. 

In the end, if Cinder is to escape the fate of her matriarchs, she'll have to fight for her freedom. Because true freedom is never free.

Purchase links: 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ODLLrH

Amazon Int’l: http://authl.it/5cs

iTunes: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/of-sand-and-storm/id1066945070?mt=11

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-sand-and-storm-amber-argyle/1123022616?ean=2940152483727

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/of-sand-and-storm-1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20734705-of-sand-and-storm
~
I remember reading an article a while back. It was about a girl taken captive by ISIS. The men and older women in her family were taken outside and shot. She and her female relative were taken to an older building, where men would come and bid on them. The man who ran the slave market hid her when the other men came. She thought he was being kind. He wasn't. He took her as his own.

She was smart and resourceful. They went from house to house (Christian homes, the owners dead or having fled). She pretended not to like one after another until they finally stopped at a house with a balcony off the master bedroom. It was from there that she escaped with another girl.

I read her story and I thought, this is the kind of stuff that happened in medieval times. Not now. Not in a world where people complain about WiFi cutting out on jet planes or that ketchup packets are too small.

But sex trafficking and abuse have never really stopped, have it? We all think we're civilized and past such darkness, but we're only a war away from being dipped back into that kind of evil. The girls ISIS has taken know this. Even here, amidst the strip malls and protest for "social justice", there are girls and boys hidden in the shadows. Used and discarded like trash while people scream about supposed offenses that are really just differing opinions.

When I saw the Abolitionists, I felt helpless. What could I do? How could a mom from the fields of Idaho raise her voice? The answer became clear. I had to write one of these girl's stories. Not a real girl, but a fictional one. Cinder's story was born. The story of a girl fighting a system designed to keep her under the control of people who have long ago lost their morality.

Part of me wants to apologize for this story—for exposing such darkness to the light. But there are people hidden in the shadows of slaver. If no one ever turns to look, help will never come. So I ask that you look. See them—those forced to give up the right to their own bodies. I ask that you be someone’s Darsam. To learn how you can help, visit the Abolitionists, a group who works to free children from sex trafficking: http://ourrescue.org/.

{Cover Reveal} Summer Queen by Amber Argyle

Summer Queen

By Amber Argyle

Nelay never wanted to be queen.

Poised to become the most powerful priestess in Idara, Nelay doesn’t have time to become a pretty bauble for the king. She’s too busy saving her people from the invading army sweeping across her kingdom.

But in defeat after defeat, Nelay begins to realize a bigger power is at play than that wielded by mere mortals. Only she can stand between the cinders of her once-great nation and the vengeance of a goddess.

As always, Laura Sava did a wonderful job on this cover. I adore her work! 

I wrote this book during perhaps one of the hardest times of my life. My son was in and out of hospitals with a noncancerous bone tumor. He had two surgeries and was in a wheelchair and not allowed any type of physical activity for months.

We also moved to another state, I broke my leg, had surgery, and played single mom while my husband was away. Insurance was, and still is, a nightmare (I'm looking at you, Humana).

This book is perhaps the strongest straight-up fantasy novel I've written. One of the themes I explore is leadership. To quote from the book: “To be a true leader, one must not simply be strong. One must also be selfless.”

And I can't mention one of my books without talking about the main characters. Nelay doesn't start off as this weak, timid little thing being oppressed. She's poised to become the most powerful woman in her kingdom. But as with most of those in power, she lacks empathy.

Rycus knows who he is and what he wants, but unlike Nelay, he is also willing to sacrifice for those he loves. And Rycus loves Nelay "as the sun loves the sky." 

I also want to announce that I've written a prequel for Summer Queen, entitled, Of Fire and Ash. It's with my editors now and will be published as soon as it's finished. You can find both on Goodreads here and here.  I hope you're as excited for the next installment in the Fairy Queen Series as I am. 

Feel free to copy and paste this blog post, or snag the elements you want and make your own. 

Final Thoughts on Witch Fall

I always like to do a post on my soon-to-be released books. How I'm feeling about the book and the process. Each book is different, but none of mine have ever been easy. I usually get stuck somewhere in each book and have to scramble to figure out what to do (why does plotting always fail me? Why?!). Sometimes that scrambling last longer than others.

Witch Fall was a bugger. After flying through the beginning, I became stuck between 1/2 and 2/3 of the way through the book. I knew how it needed to end--I'd even wrote the ending. But I couldn't figure out how to connect those dots (one of my biggest pitfalls as a writer). I struggled with it for MONTHS. Writing, rewriting. Stopping and writing the prequel. Swearing. Glaring. Eating lots of chocolate.

And in the process, I learned something that will help me with all of my future books: if you get stuck in the middlish, it's because your villain isn't fully devoloped. The villain is what drives the middle of the story toward the conclusion.

Light-freakin'-bulb.

Seriously, I learn so much with each book. I'll never know it all--there's simply too much to learn--but it does get easier.

And now it's FINALLY done. Such a relief. Like no longer being pregnant relief. And now I'm already turning toward my next project (Summer Queen--finally a book that doesn't start with a "W"!).

And now on to my feelings about it's reception.

Witch Fall is a fast paced, though perhaps not as much as my other books. I like it though, because it gives the reader a chance to breath and have a little fun. I think you guys will like it too.

I'm really excited about Jolin. She's such a character. She was inspired by Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. She's scary brilliant and self centered and all sorts of socially awkward. Each chapter starts off with a little quote from her. I think her comments are hilarious and surprisingly telling, but I know some readers might not like it. I think the payoff is worth the risk.

I love the romance between Lilette and Han. For some of my books, I pick an avatar for the characters. Lilette's avatar is a falling star. Han is the darkness around the star that lets her shine. It's beautiful and perfect.

Without getting too spoilery, my favorite scene from the book involves a love potion. It's hilarious and a little steamy. I still giggle every time I read it.

My biggest worry for the book is that I broke a big rule. A very BIG RULE. I can't tell you what it is, because that would ruin the entire story, but it's a little intimidating to take on something so huge. Still, you can break the rules if you know them well enough. I believe I pulled it off. I'm excited (and a little nervous) to know what you guys think.

You can enter to win a copy on Goodreads (below). Also *whispers* some sites already have Witch Fall up for sale (I'd love to see your reviews!). I hope you all love Witch Fall as much as I do!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Witch Fall

by Amber Argyle

Giveaway ends April 05, 2014.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Random Acts of Publicity

The 3rd Annual Random Acts of Publicity, September 6-8, is a week to celebrate your friend’s book, or your favorite book, by doing a Random Act of Publicity: Blog, Link, Like, Review, or Talk about the book . (BLLuRT it Out!)

The event is hosted by Elana Johnson. Go to Elana's blog and enter to win a free copy of Variant by Robison Wells.

So today, I'm talking about my friend Michelle Argyle's Monarch.

Here's my review from Goodreads: Monarch is an intricate blend of the literary and thriller genres. The pacing is relentless. The scenes gritty and real. The characters as intricate as the plot that twists around them.


If you crave literary books with a plot as strong as the writing, you'll love Michelle Argyle's Monarch.

Here's the BLLuRT's for Michelle's book.

• Michelle's Website
• MONARCH on Amazon
• Michelle on Facebook
• Michelle on Twitter
• My review of MONARCH on Goodreads
• Enter to win MONARCH on Goodreads list (make sure you add it to your "to read" list!)
• Become a fan of Michelle on Goodreads

What's one of your favorite reads for 2011?

Book Tour links for those following along:

Monday, September 5: (The Interview with Jessica's will be moved to another date and time). Instead, you can read a real life recipe from the book (Honeycakes and Golden Curry Soup) as created by Christy Dorrity at Dearest Dreams. http://www.dearestdreams.com/2011/08/tasty-tuesday-golden-curry-soup-and.html

Tuesday, September 6: Cassandra at CA Marshall (Character Interview) http://www.camarshall.com/2011/09/witch-song-desert-island-edition.html

Wednesday, September 7: Amy at Reading Teen (Review) http://ReadingTeen.net/

Thursday, September 8: Christie at The Fiction Enthusiast (In Her Own Words) http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com/

Friday, September 9: Nicole at Books Complete Me (Tens List)
http://www.bookscompleteme.com/2011/09/witch-song-by-amber-argyle-top-ten.html

And another review: http://ayareader.blogspot.com/2011/09/review-witch-song.html

Character Interview with Joshen

Today we're chatting with Joshen (who I always pictured as a cowboy) about what it's like to be Senna's Guardian. But not here, you have to go here: Precious at Fragments of Life (Character Interview)

Also, I'm part of another blog tour that will post the first 5 chapters (1 chapter each) on their blogs. The links and dates are below:

8/28th- Page Turners http://www.pageturnersblog.com/


8/29- Fire & Ice http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/

8/30- Once Upon A Twilight http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/
8/31- We Fancy Books  http://wefancybooks.blogspot.com/

9/1- Mundie Moms http://www.mundiemoms.blogspot.com/ 
 
Thanks so much to Katie of Mundie Moms for setting this up!

Giveaway of The Third (signed!) by Abel Keogh

First impressions: As I've said before, I love the cover. It conveys the dystopian feel of the novel perfectly. The white, embossed font is a great contrast against the gritty earth colors. Here's the cover copy:

When Ransom Lawe, a recycler in the Pacific Northwest, finds out his wife is pregnant with their third—-and therefore illegal—-child, he’s forced to choose between the government who proclaims a desire to save the planet and his hope for a place where his family can live in freedom. But with the Census Bureau Sentinels closing in on his wife and unborn child, Ransom’s choice will either save his family or tear them apart forever.


My thoughts:

I love a good dystopian novel, but to be honest, they're all starting to read alike. The Third is completely different. First, the main character is male, married, and mid-thirtiesish. No love triangles. No hiding secrets from mom. Honestly, it was a refreshing change.

My favorite character was Esperanza. I like characters that are a bit of a juxtaposition. Esperanza is a little Hispanic woman with a baby--totally helpless, right?

 Nope. Esperanza runs an underground operation to smuggle women pregnant with illegal thirds out of the city. She also carries a little dart tipped with a powerful sedative which she uses to knock out men twice her size.

As tough as she is, she's also compassionate and full of confidence. In all honestly, I wouldn't mind a whole book centering around Esperanza and how she got her start in the baby/momma smuggling business.

If you'd like an adult dystopian, I think you'll enjoy it. Check out Abel Keogh's website to read the first chapter.

OR you could win your very own signed, numbered (#57) copy. All you have to do is read and share your thoughts on the first chapter of WITCH SONG <--this is a link, click on it to read the first chapter.

• 1 point for sharing a quick thought on Facebook or Twitter (2 pts for sharing on both) with a link to the first chapter: http://bit.ly/kpXDzf 
• 5 pts for blogging about the first chapter, make sure you include the link: http://bit.ly/kpXDzf 
• 5 pts for mentioning it in on forum/website/anywhere else. 
• Leave me all appropriate links.

Have fun!

Also, don't forget to enter to win a signed hardcopy of MATCHED by Allie Condie.

Interview of Tracy Hickman, Author of Song of the Dragon

In conjunction with my signed giveaway of Tracy Hickman's Song of the Dragon (which closes on the 24th), I interviewed Tracy. Enjoy!

(AA) As I said in my review of Song of the Dragon, I love your twist on mythical creatures—creatures that are normally cast as evil (manticores, chimera, etc) are the good guys. While creatures like that are normally pure (elves) become the villains. What inspired such a drastically different perspective from the common perception of Tolkienesque angelic elves and other creatures?

(TRH) I believe that reading should -- on some level -- be uncomfortable and by that I mean challenge the way we think. A little cognitive dissonance is a good thing, helping us to grow in our thought and perspective on the world. Speculative fiction has long been the province of presenting new ideas in a 'safer' form by setting the more difficult issues in a fantastical setting -- but having been in fantasy for most of my professional life I like the idea of the stereotypes of fantasy also being turned on their head and a little uncomfortable as well.

(AA) Is your take on Dragons as drastically different as your take on Elves? Can you give us a description of your dragons? If not, how about just a glimpse?

(TRH) We will be visiting the dragons of the northern lands extensively in our second book which I am just finishing now. What intrigues me the most about the northern dragons is that they are not unified but have political factions within their ranks -- they are not united by any means. Their high level of telepathic communication also has presented a number of narrative problems and the central question of the dragons betrayal of humanity is finally addressed. It has made for some intriguing dragons as characters.

(AA) I love the interplay between the villains Ch’drei and Soen. The very last chapter, you hint that Chi’drei’s betrayal might have pushed Soen over to the good guy’s camp. Any backstory from their long past you’d like to share?

(TRH) Soen and Ch'drei certainly have a long and somewhat checkered history, it is true but I think I would like to leave that in the mists of the past. The tower on a distant hill is a romantic vision -- compelling and filled with wonder -- until we visit it, wander it's dusty halls and blow at the cobwebs. Then it become 'real' to us but loses it's romance.

(AA) The gnomes in your books are very simple creatures that have no possessions except for the stories they tell. Because they have no possessions, they are nearly impossible to corrupt. In contrast, the Elves are rich beyond imaginings and seem to be constantly vying for more. Do you think this is true in real life? What do you think we should do about it?

(TRH) I believe that there is far more to life than being defined by the things we own ... which in turn seem to own us. While I am hardly one to run off to Walden Pond and live in a shack, I believe that we are defined more by our stories and our relationships than by our possessions. So I do believe that on a basic level that being obsessed with our 'precious' possessions -- 'precious' in the Gollum sense most certainly -- holds us like an anchor to the ground when we should be soaring instead. As to what should be done about it ... I think that is part of each one's personal mythic cycle through their lives; to rise above the mundane and reach for higher perspective and ideals.

(AA) What’s the one question you think someone should ask you and never does? (yes, I’m cheating)

(TRH) The one question I'm never asked is "Why are you a Mormon?" Religion and faith are taboo subjects these days and the very idea that there might be an answer to a religious question seems to be frightening to interviewers.

(AA) Tell us about your next project? Could you share your first 13 lines from Book 2?

(TRH) Right now I am engaged in far too many projects but I can tell you that I am finishing the second Drakis novel at the moment. I have a number of book projects this year coming up but I am perhaps most excited about our Scribe's Forge Writing Seminars and Workshops. After over thirty years as a professional fantasy writer we believe it is time to pass on what we know of the craft to a new generation of writers.

Here are the first two paragraphs (from the original manuscript, unedited) of the second Drakis book: Citadels of the Lost.

"The throats of a thousand dragons answered the call.

Drakis took several steps back from the towering statue, awestruck by the shapes rising from the craggy peaks beyond. He glanced back at the statue, the craning neck with the ridge of scales curving down to the horn-spiked head with blade-like long teeth onto the ancient marble base, the enormous stone wings rising straight up over a hundred feet, and the gigantic claws gripping the glowing crystal globes. His eyes jumped back to the mountaintops and the shadows pulling their way closer to him through the evening sky. Dragons ... real dragons! Even from this distance of several leagues he could make out some details of the enormous monsters, their great wings sweeping forward and scooping the air down and back with every stroke. The sound of their shrieking calls rolled down the mountainside and shook the wide pedestal on which he stood, carrying away with it every other sensation. It encompassed him, shot through him and drowned out everything else. Somewhere nearby the muffled voice of Urulani shouted through the noise, calling her men to gather closer around the statue and ready their weapons. What were their names, he vaguely thought. The dwarf, he knew, was also shouting nearby but his voice sounded more distant that the dragon calls and his movements somehow slow. Ethis was pulling at the dwarf, dragging him back on to the pedestal and closer to the fold – the magical portal sphere of radiant blue light that had opened at the base of the statue. Beyond the portal fold and through its shining blue haze he could see a land of dense foliage and distant towers but it seemed so very far away. Mala lay sobbing hysterically at his feet..."

Ohhh, I don't know if I can stand the wait! I love dragons. And I'm excited to see Tracy's take on them--especially since he's known to twist our preconceived notions on their heads.

Thanks so much, Tracy, for giving me the opportunity to interview you about your fantastic new series!

If any of you have a chance, sign up for his workshops. I had an opportunity to take one of Tracy's classes at the recent conference, and I can say without a doubt it was the best one I participated in.

Also, make sure you're all signed up to win the signed, hardcover of Tracy's Song of the Dragon. In addition to all 7 signed bookmarks.

Also, if you missed it, Witch Song is now available for preorder! I'm blown away by how many of you have preordered it and/or shared the news. Thank you so much!

Amber

These Elves Scared the Crap Out of Me

Song of the Dragon is not a book you bust through in one setting. It's a book you read slowly, savoring the complex characters and myriad races. A book were world building and history are as important as plot and pacing.

In Hickman's world, the numerous races have lost their memories and their free will to the all powerful elves.

Lest you expect Tolkienesque, angelic elves, let me warn you, Hickman does a fantastic job of twisting the genre's preconceived notiton of elves on their heads. Here's his description of one of the elves great beauties:

"Shebin . . . unpinned her hair, which fell down around her shoulders, revealing the long bald strip typical of her race between her forehead and the back of her elongated crown.

Drakis drew in a sharp breath.

Shebin was easily numbered among the greats elven beauties . . . To Drakis, her wraithlike, angular, and bony form appeared hideously cadaverous--a living corpse whose fingers now lightly stroked his chest and body."

Notice the masterful juxtaposition of beauty and horror. He takes elements that our culture finds alluring--thin bodies, silver white hair pinned up with carefully styled curls--and shifts them a few steps further. Until they become gruesome.

All in all, a powerfully woven tale by a master storyteller.

And you, dear reader, can win a signed hardcopy. Just click on this link to enter my contest (or simply scroll down).

Upcoming events/announcements:

• I'm attending to Life the Universe and Everything (LTUE) at BYU in Provo this weekend (Feb 17-20th). If you're coming, lets do lunch! Email me at amberargyle (at) yahoo (dot) com
• Next month, I'll be giving two signed books by David Farland (Chaosbound and The Wyrmling Horde).
• For those of you who read last weeks post, I'm done freaking out (for now). Just thought you'd like to know.
• I'm up to 75 pages on Witch Song 2!

Get Some Character Sparkle

No, not like Edward Cullen sparkle-in-the-sunlight sparkle.

I'm talking about how do you take your characters from flat to three dimensional and dynamic?

First of all, look at writers who are great at characterization. Stephanie Meyer immediately comes to mind. Now you can say what you like about Twilight, but there are very few authors whose books inspire the debate that her characters do ("Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?"). Her characters had personalities that run the board from shy to overt and everything in between.

Have you ever noticed that Stephanie compares her characters to animals? If you think about it at all, you'll quickly realize that Edward is the powerful, sleek cougar who's trying not to eat the shy, wide-eyed doe (Bella).

The best writers use simple methods. This is one of them. Pick an animal avatar for your character. Is your hero a small, cunning fox? A powerful, roaring bear? A delicate and flighty bird?

Another method is to use personality colors. There are lots of different systems out there. I use Hartman. In a nutshell:

Red (the power wielders)
Blue (the do-gooders)
White (the peacekeepers)
Yellow (the fun lovers)

Everyone has one dominate and one or more passive traits.

In Witch Song:
Senna is a white blue
Joshen is a yellow blue

Senna is naturally shy and fearful. Her avatar is an abused dog. She longs to bond with someone, but she's been maltreated to much to trust. Joshen loves people and food . . . and well everything. He's the optimist of the two of them. He's always seeing adventure in and excitement in even mundane things.

Any guesses as to what his avatar is?

A monkey. *giggle*

See how much fun it is when you know a few tricks?

What tricks do you use?

8 Master Archetypes

8 Master Archetypes for females

1. The Boss (male version is The Chief)—motivation is control, success, career

· Virtues
o Confident
o Dynamic
o Competative

· Flaws
o Blunt
o Workaholic
o Arrogant
o Aggressive

Examples: Martha Stewart, Oprah, Murphy Brown
Villain-Bitch

2. The Seductress—motivated by finding security for herself

· Virtues
· Clever
· Strong
· Assertive
· Flaws
o Cynical
o Insecure
o Manipulative

Examples: Evita, Jessica Rabbit, Scarlet O’Hara
Villain=Black Widow

3. Spunky kid—motivated by finding their own niche

· Virtues
· reliable
· loyal
· tolerant

· Flaws
o sarcastic
o self depreciating
o skeptical

Examples: Bridget Jones, Lois Lane, Mimi from The Drew Carey Show.
Villain=Backstabber

4. Free Spirit—motivated by following her heart

· Virtues
· sincere
· upbeat
· imaginative

· Flaws
o impulsive
o meddling
o undisciplined

Examples: Lucy from I Love Lucy, Emma, Phoebe from Friends (hippies or ditz)
Villain=Lunatic (they live in a different world and you threaten it—extreme environmentalists)

5. The Waif—motivated to be loved. Mistreated, damsel in distress.

· Virtues
· pure
· trusting
· kind
· enduring—bending willow

· Flaws
o Impressionable—too trusting
o passive
o insecure—low self esteem

Examples: Rose from Titanic starts as a waif and changes to a spunky kid
Villain=Parasite (latches onto someone)

6. The Librarian—motivated by intellect and knowledge

· Virtues
· efficient
· curious
· dependable

· Flaws
o rigid
o repressed
o perfectionist
o sulky

Examples: Scully from the X-files
Villain=Evil Genius/Schemer

7. The Crusader—motivated by a cause.

· Virtues
· tenacious
· principled
· persuasive—especially in recruiting others to cause

· Flaws
o Self righteous
o judgmental
o rash

Examples: Mulan, Buffy, Xena
Villain=Zealot

8. The Nurturer—motivated by love

· Virtues
· selfless
· optimistic
· capable

· Flaws
o idealistic
o uncompromising—strong moral code
o martyer—no life because she lives for others

Examples: June Cleaver, Marry Poppins
Villain=Smotherer, Matriarch

8 Master Archetypes

My favorite presenter was Tami Cowden, author of Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes and Heroines—which I plan on buying. I went to both her workshop on Dynamic Heroes and Dynamic Heroines (I’ll do heroines later). Fabulous information. Here’s my notes (with some of my own thoughts mixed in), enjoy!

Dynamic Heroes

Archetypes (reaccuring symbol, model, or pattern) are created by the character’s motivations and actions (the two can be conflicted).

· Core Archetype—character remains the same throughout story
· Evolving archetype—begins as one/transforms to another
· Layered—more than one archetype
o World views and attitudes—not actions of 2 archetypes
o Ie: MacGyver—warrior and professor, Rhett Butler—chief and bad boy.

Tips for creating realistic archetypes:

1. Goals must be both tangible and intangible (ie—Hero wants to save the farm because it’s been in the family for 4 generations=intangible. Hero wants to save the farm because he needs a place to live=tangible).
2. Villains should never think of themselves as evil. Their actions seem right to them.
3. Character=views and motivations

8 Archetypes identified:

1. The Chief (alpha hero)-powerful. Motivated by the need to control.

· Virtues
--goal oriented
--decisive (follows through)
--Responsible

· Flaws:
--married to careers
--not family guys (unloving)
--stubborn (always right)
--unsympathetic
--domineering

--ie-Fitzwilliam Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, Tony Soprano in The Sopranos, Nicholas Cage in Family Life

Villain=Tyrant

2. The Bad Boy—sons of Chiefs. Motivated by rebellion (in control of others, but not themselves).

· Virtues
--Charismatic
--Intuitive
--street smart (savvy)
--can do the right thing, but are resentful/spiteful about it

· Flaws
--Pessimistic
--Bitter
--volative

--ie Founding Fathers, Rebels, Dr. House, Wolverine

--Villain=Disfavored son.

3. Charmer—motivation=Do as little as possible to get what they want.

· Virtues:
--creative
--witty
--smooth

· Flaws
--Irresponsible
--elusive
--insincere

ie. McDreamy in Grey’s Anatomy, Cary Grant, Charlie Harper in Two and a Half Men, Magnum PI

Villain=Devil

4. The Best Friend (often side kicks)—motivation is to fit in and family.

· Virtues
--stable
--supportive
--tolerant

· Flaws
--complacent/lacking ambition
--myopic—optimistic
--unassertive
--people run all over them

Ie—George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, George in Grey’s Anatomy, Sam in LOR

Villain=Traitor. Someone’s moving on and leaving them behind.

5. The Lost Soul—motivation is to become part of the family of man

· Virtues
--devoted
--Vulnerable/sensitive
--discerning
--sentimental

· Flaws:
--brooding
--unforgiving
--fatalistic
--overly sentimental
--tortured by past/disfigured/traumatized/Dark past they are trying to recover from

Ie—Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, Dexter, Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Monk.

Villain=The outcast.

6. The Professor—motivated by knowledge/truth.

· Virtues
--expert
--analytical
--genuine

· Flaws
--insular—don’t feel emotion
--Inhibited—don’t express emotions
--Inflexible

Ie-Spock, Gil Grissom, Dr Reed in Criminal Minds

Villain=evil genius

7. The Swashbuckler—Motivated by adventure

· Virtues
--fearless
--exciting
--capable

· Flaws
--unreliable/chases fun
--foolhardy/risk-taker
--selfish

Ie—Hans Solo, Layne Frost (bull rider), Austin Powers, Jack Sparrow

Villain—sadist

8. The Warrior—motivated by their cause

· Virtues
--tenacious
--principles
--noble

· Flaws
--self righteous
--merciless
--rigid

Ie—Luke and Anakin (sp?) Skywalker, Maximus, Superman, Spiderman

Villain=Terrorist

So what's your opinion? Are there really 8 Master Archetypes? Can you think of more?

Whew! Awesome stuff though. Gives you some idea of where your characters fit and what flaws you can give them to be more realistic. It’s kinda fun to go through this and place all your characters.

Well, I'm back to my antibiotics and nasal steroids (will I have hairy nostrils and a muscular nose now? Imagine my nose as the Arnold Swartzenegger of noses. Perish the thought!)