The Key: How to Write Damn Good Fiction Using the Power of Myth [Paperback]

The book is basically a rehash of Christopher Vogler's classic "The Writer's Journey." Frey's book covers exactly the same concept, however, his focus is more basic and directed toward novelists versus screenwriters. (If you read Vogler's book, and you're a novelist, you'll do just as well if not better.)

I might have liked this book more if I hadn't read Vogler's first which covers the concept much more comprehensively. One reviewer noted he's using Frey's book as a 'template' rather than a 'guideline.' Fine, if your goal is cookie-cutter fiction. (Vogler's book specifically warns against using mythic concepts in this way.)

If you want a simple introduction to myth-as-story, this book will do. (In fact, the entire book is summarized in a single chapter toward the end. If you must have it, borrow the book from the library and photocopy the chapter.) But if you really want to fully explore the potential mythic structure has to offer, this book comes up a bit short.

On a subconscious level, anyone who is interested in literature recognizes the structure and key elements of the epic story where the archetypical hero leaves the security of his home, goes into the unknown 'woods', confronts evil and is somehow transformed by the whole adventure. Some built-in human chemistry allows this kind of story to excite us, no matter how many times we have heard it. The elements are all familiar, but unless you've read Campbell or taken a course on the mythical hero, you have not put all the elements together in a format that is easy to understand and utilize. Frey does just that.
Frey looks at the power of myth and creates a template that will help any level writer create a journey of transition. He employs various examples to back up his premise and analysis and relies heavily on outlines discussed in his two previous "Damn Good" how-tos. (I don't have either of the other works and I was able to make perfect sense of Frey's suggestions.) Frey's analysis provides fledgling writers such as myself a way in which to formulate a concrete foundation before actually attempting to delve into the literary process that entails the use of distinctive language. I am hoping that in employing his tips I will avoid my usual sandtraps---adding too many scenes simply because I enjoy placing my fictional creations in situations that have little to do with the message of my book.

Bottom line: I believe Frey's ideas wonderfully readable and easily employable. He suggests fleshing out each character by defining him/her physiologially, sociologically and pyschologically and then writing a journal in the character's voice to better facilitate 'stepping into that character's shoes.' Along with this he defines certain qualities that are de rigueur for a mythic hero and for the hero's nemesis, "the Evil One.' Other secondary characters are explored along the way, as Frey explains the different stages the mythic hero lives through in order to accomplish his mission and transform himself in the process.

The Flaw: While every one of Mr Frey's suggestions make sense,I believe that without some real intuitive writing---and Frey does warn of this--- the outcome,if one merely follows his formula would be just that---formula. Frey uses examples that run the gamut of the literary spectrum--i.e. Homer's "Odyssey" to Grisham's "The Firm"--he illustrates how the mythic hero template fits over each of his examples--- but I don't want to write a novel that simply bestsells as in the Grisham case, I want my work to actually mean something. His example, "The Blue Light", detracts from the otherwise great advise that the book offers. 'The Blue Light', is typical of the sensationalized writing that unfortunately seems to sell. Okay,its just an example and just a first draft, but the characters are trite, in particular the macho woman armed with itching powder, fearless and unwilling to do just about anything to get her story--blah,blah,blah---any mass media paperback that you pick up at the drugstore contains the same type of character---so why do I want to write a 'movie-of-the-week' wannabe that pretty much everyone else and his brother are writing?

Nevetheless, I enjoyed reading 'The Key'; I found my mind spinning with ideas on how to fix something I am working on and at the same time tighten all the loose ends that would otherwise destroy the essential ideas. The format is fun and easy to read --Frey does not teach you how to write--he helps outlines a structure that if applied is sure to help your story become a personal success.

The 'Key' mentioned in the title is what the author describes as the monomyth. A supposed model of a mythic story that contains certain elements and has been replicated for centuries and across many societies because it is basic to humanity.

While the idea of extracting a universal pattern from great literature is intriguing the result is not necessarily useful. The book consists largely of a long laundry list of elements that may or may not be found in a particular story. Included are a large number of self serving references of the form 'as I said in my other book...' which I found irritating since I bought this book not another.

The author has attempted to support the idea of a great model by including an example based on using the techniques described. You would think that if you were writing a book on how to write, and demonstrating a great technique, that you would make sure your example was a wonderfully written piece. It isn't. The author's excuse it by adding at the end that it is 'Only a draft'. I'm unimpressed by the example and the technique.