DO YOU KNOW YOUR SHADOW SIDE? by KC Heath [originally published in Word By Word Writer's Society, June 2006 newsletter]
If you haven't already bought it, Christopher Vogler's WRITER'S JOURNEY is one of those "must buys" for writers. It not only covers the Quest Plot in minute detail, it also gives you great ideas on characterization for all works of fiction. One attribute Vogler brings out is that aspect of our personality called The Shadow Side.
"Shadow" means "repressed" or "hidden", it does not mean "bad" or "evil". It is that aspect of ourselves that triggers reactions to situations where everyone looks at you with a strange expression: "Why'd you do that?!" Sometimes we don't even know ourselves.
If you are having problems dealing with life, I heartily suggest thinking about your shadow side. Think back. Is there something from your past that now creates a driving force within you? I know my shadow side and the "blown out of proportion" reasons behind it. But being a shadow, it is difficult to control. Usually though, I am able to funnel it into positive productivity. Occasionally however, it does rear its ugly had and steer me into dangerous waters. At least I know and understand what's going on...thanks to Vogler.
Do you know your Shadow Side?
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