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

by James N. Frey

Myths, says James N. Frey, are the basis of all storytelling, and their structures and motifs are as powerful for contemporary writers as they were for Homer.

In The Key, novelist and fiction-writing coach Frey applies his popular "Damn Good" approach to Joseph Campbell's insights into the universal structure of myths, providing a practical guide for fiction writers and screenwriters who want to shape their ideas into a powerful mythic story.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Research, Mythology, Self Help, Reference

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

James N. Frey is an American novelist and acclaimed writing teacher, best known for his influential guide How to Write a Damn Good Novel. He has authored both fiction and non-fiction, including thrillers and several popular books on writing craft. Frey taught at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1994. He continues to lecture on creative writing at various conferences and institutions. His fiction has earned critical recognition, including an Edgar Award nomination. Frey lives in Berkeley, California.

Reviews

[Burger · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is not a proper how-to on writing engaging fiction. Watching this author compile an example story about a blonde protagonist with "ice blue eyes" while attempting to teach methods on writing "damn good fiction" was just painful. No teacher should assert that there are particular paths one must take with particular roles or characters. The greatest myths have utilized moral, philosophical, and humane grey areas. This book references NOTHING of the sort.

However, to those of you who have picked this up to join the legions of writers in the fanfiction community, you're in luck-- this book has plenty of the most dumbed down archetypes ideal for your Harry Potter or Sasuke to fall in love with. Under James Freys' guidance, you too will be able to master the art of channeling your creative energy into simple-minded battles of good versus evil.

[Adam Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your basic introduction to Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey (or Monomyth) as the grounding structure of all stories. This one isn't nearly as good as Christopher Volger's The Writer's Journey, but helpful in some ways nonetheless.

[Winnie Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Frey, it makes total sense why The Empire Strikes Back really, really works. (And lots of other stories, too.)

[Joshua Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to be a better writer, read anything by James Frey.

[Judy Cyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stirring, inspirational, a heroic work. Mr. Frey explains what makes a story ring inside you, last and resurface, and how to accomplish that as a writer. Like Donald Maass' The Emotional Craft of Fiction, this book blows embers into flames that make the story come alive with challenge, memorable characters, and satisfying endings (happy or not) by setting out the Hero's Journey for the author--how to put life into your story. Whether you're a fan of suspense, romance, mystery, or fantasy, these steps and skills can make your story rise and endure. Highly recommended. I can't wait to apply the ideas to my current story.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

If, like me, there’s any confusion over the varied & sundry terminology associated with the hero’s journey, then this the book for you.

I’ve read Frey’s other Damn Good help books, but this one is far & away the best of them. Or maybe I’m just more ready for this one. Either way, this one is totally worth the time.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Porta un ottimo esempio di come il monomito può essere applicato anche ad opere contemporanee. In più l'autore spiega la teoria in modo chiaro e comprensibile. Il punto debole sta negli stessi limiti della teoria del monomito. Buona lettura per chi desidera approfondire la conoscenza delle teorie di Campbell.

[Joe Stamber · Rating 3 out of 5]

No doubt many will find this useful, but despite some good information and advice, I didn't enjoy the style and found it a chore to read.

[Paschalis]

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[Ponydera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me critically review my characters and what roles they played along with how to make them better.

[Sally]

Also published as "How to Write a Damn Good Novel, II: Advanced Techniques for Dramatic Story Telling"

[Austin Neaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about the monomyth, which is essentially a pattern of storytelling found in stories around the world. As far as I know, the term comes from (or at least is strongly associated with) Joseph Campbell who wrote a popular book in 1949 called The Hero with a Thousand Faces. So what are some examples of the monomyth? Think Star Wars, or Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter - Those big epics where a hero faces some great face of evil.

Falling somewhere between a paint by the numbers “how to” and a choose your own adventure story, this book lays out in simple terms the formula for creating this age old story. What this book does well is simple: it takes famous monomyths and points out similarities (the clichés). It’s also easy to read. Those are the good points.

As for the bad, there is plenty to skip and skim through – mainly the sections that try to tell you how to write such a book. He even creates a (rather painful) rough draft story to serve as an example for each step. My advice is to skip these sections completely. They offer nothing but bad writing.

I picked this book up because I’m interested in the monomyth. And after reading this book, I’m still interested in it. I suspect you’d be better off reading the work the vast majority of it is based on: Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a thousand Faces, which I’ve added to my to-read list.

I’d give this book a 2.5, which I’ll round up to a three out of five.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even despite being lack of time for scribbling some lines from time to time, there are days when I pick up books about writing. Without having serious reason for it. Although, there is no need to have a reason to pick up a book.

Returning to this one. Comparing to [Book: Writing down the bones], which inspired me a lot, this one is a practical material for getting some tips about writing. Mostly the author here is concentrating on details like what is the ideal beginning, what characters attract readers and so on. Nothing extraordinary, still interesting to read. I suppose only examples from different works saved the book for it to remain more or less readable.
I did not agree with some interpretations of the works showed as examples. But we all know - there is no the one right interpretation in literature. Nonetheless, the idea I totally agree with (after a long discussion with myself) - if you want to write, set a time for writing and do not let anyone (family, friends, whatever) disturb you during that time.

[Peter West · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book. It informs you that all the rules you've been told in other writing books are rubbish. It does go on to explain why this is the case and makes its points well. It covers premise, creating dynamic complex characters (very good), hooks and suspense, and several other useful topics which you should learn once you've learnt the basic rules.

This book is for people who have read all the other books and are ready for the next step in their fiction writing search for enlightenment. In one place he says ask yourself what it is you are trying to do. What do you want people to think about your work? What are you saying with your work? I'm damned if I know, I have to admit. It's a bloody good question though, and one that does need thinking about.

(originally reviewed by PJW in 2003)

Updated comment for 2012: I think I know the answer to that question now. Let's see.

[Eben Mishkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Key is a fair writing book in general but it excels in the discussion of protagonist and antagonist creation, identifying essential qualities of Heroes and Villains and what distinguishes one from the other. That's the real reason I would recommend it but there's a second advantage to this book over the sea of other creative writing books, Frey plots out a sample book as part of his explanations, so it's a rare opportunity to see an expert at work and follow along.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book builds on Frey's previous work, How to Write a Damn Good Novel, by going into the specifics of using elements of classical mythology - both character types and plot structure - in putting together all kinds of stories. It draws on the work of Joseph Campbell and uses examples ranging from Star Wars to Pulp Fiction. Fascinating for anyone, but especially for aspiring storytellers.

[Amanda Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A precise well-crafted explanation of the hero's journey. James N Frey is one of my favourite authors of how-to-write books. He is not to be confused with the confused Frey of a Million Little Pieces.
If you haven't read them yet, buy How to write a damn good novel and How to write a damn good novel II.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handy little book that gave me several good ideas for my current project. Quick and easy to read, and I was able to benefit from it without reading the author's previous books, though he presumes some level of familiarity with his process. For maximum benefit, readers should probably start with his other two "how to write damn good fiction" books.

[Stephen Simpson · Rating 1 out of 5]

A more obnoxious recapitulation and simplification of Joseph Campbell's basic themes and theories, the book is painful reading. It's not worth the short amount of time it will take to read. If you've never tried to write any fiction ever before, and haven't read much of it, maybe (and I emphasize maybe) there is some use to this book ... but even then I'm doutbtful.

[Paula Quinene · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because the first half of this book is TERRIFIC! Great tips on developing the hero and villain. I like that the author wrote the book...as opposed to quoting/giving too many examples from novels. For the last half, Mr. Frey uses a make believe book to show what he writes...still better than too many excerpts from novels.

[RuthAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only do I have a better sense of how to put a story together and why certain elements work and some don't, but I also understand how the myth is put together, and it makes reading even more enjoyable.

[Mike Trapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in two days. I thought it was an excellent and concise rendering of the subject. I feel it contains all one might need to know to go ahead and structure a novel for publication. I will likely use this as a reference when I write my novel.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains a well-thought out procedure for using the Joseph Campbell mono-myth structure to create a fully fleshed out story. The step outline and character-building sections were particularly helpful.

[Jeannie Faulkner Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Frey uses his wit and intellect to draw the reader in. He concentrates on the tradtional "myth" to tell a story, but takes a "no-nonsense" approach in order to applies his ideas.

[Eric Witchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by James N. Frey. Added to, or used without, Joeseph Campbell's work, this book delivers excellent mythic tools to the aspiring writer.

[Sharee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It gives insight into how the monomyth can be tailored for any kind of fiction! Just what I was looking for! :D

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! Great ways to incorporate the heros travels to make your book more powerful.

[Carlie Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

had some good stuff.

[Jeffrey Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gained great insight to craft of fiction and refer to this book often.

[Liene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very unusual and useful book with good advices.