The Writing University Podcast

In the simplest of fairy tales or the grandest of myths—“Snow White,” say, or the Odyssey—both Snow White and Odysseus must spend time in the woods, or the underworld. Those of us writing fiction understand that our protagonists must grapple with darkness in order to rise to light; similarly, a descent into difficulty is a necessary element of memoir. Why is going “into the woods” so important to the weaving of a compelling tale? And what other lessons can be drawn from story elements found not only in a mythic “hero’s journey,” but in Snow White’s plunge into the forest, or Jack’s up the beanstalk? Sands Hall addresses these fascinating ideas, and offers ways to fold these strategies into your own, or your protagonist’s, journey.