SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP
ENGAGING THE FEMININE HEROIC
Beyond the Hero's Journey — Her Side of the Story
About this Workshop
Though it's empowering to see films today that celebrate women in traditionally masculine heroic roles, the Feminine Heroic runs far deeper. It is not a tale of conquest or physical dominance, but an ancient mythic journey—a descent into the shadowy depths where creation sparks and renewal begins. Hers is the fearless passage through the dark corridors of the soul, transforming pain into power and sorrow into the waters of life. From these depths, she rises not as she once was, but reborn -- bringing the light of greater consciousness into the world.
The Feminine Heroic journey isn't bound by gender; it is an archetypal pattern central to the human experience—a story we all, in some form, inevitably reenact. No matter the genre, all narratives are greatly enhanced when external conflict ignites the need for internal transformation. This pattern lies at the heart of all stories, but too few of our modern tales engage it, leaving us disconnected and isolated from ourselves and from each other. To rebalance our cultural narrative, we need to honor this inner journey as much as the external adventure.
In this immersive day-long workshop, we dive into ancient myths and contemporary stories to uncover powerful archetypal patterns that can be harnessed to elevate our storytelling. Through engaging lectures, evocative film clips, inspiring writing exercises and playful exploration, we'll unlock the creative flow and connect with the timeless wisdom of the Feminine Heroic.
Discover
Ancient mythic patterns that can transform your storytelling and character development
Analyze
Contemporary films and stories through the lens of the Feminine Heroic
Create
Through guided writing exercises that unlock your creative potential
Connect
With fellow writers and storytellers in a supportive, collaborative environment
Ready to transform your storytelling?
Seats are limited. Register today to secure your spot!
Meet Your Instructors
Learn from two of the most respected experts in transformational storytelling and creative writing
Dara Marks, Ph.D.
Dara Marks, Ph.D., is a leading international story consultant, seminar leader, and author of the bestselling book, Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc. This groundbreaking work on authentic storytelling has inspired writers and filmmakers around the world to craft deeper, more meaningful narratives. A passionate educator, Dara believes that storytelling is the voice of the culture and that every writer has a vital role in shaping it. Her innovative method of story analysis has earned her top ratings from Creative Screenwriting Magazine as the industry's leading story consultant. Her expertise is sought after by major Hollywood studios, independent filmmakers, and television writers, producers, and directors.
With a doctorate in Mythological Studies, Dara loves diving into the rich, symbolic language of story. She's currently writing her next book, The Feminine Heroic, an exploration of the deep, often-overlooked patterns of transformation that shape our lives and our narratives. Alongside her teaching partner, Deb Norton, she recently launched The Inside Story Writers Training Program, an online course designed to help writers master the transformational arc and bring their stories to life.
Deb Norton
Deb Norton is a writing coach and author whose book Part Wild: A Writers Guide to Harnessing the Creative Power of Resistance was lauded by HuffPost as "a must read for any aspiring or seasoned writer." Deb champions our natural desire to create with powerful story making tools that tame self-doubt and inspire writers to trust the genius of their own unique voice. Her dynamic workshops, intimate writing groups and immersive retreats are in demand world-wide.
Deb is a graduate of The American Conservatory Theater and has worked as a dramaturg for STAGE at the University of Chicago, developing multi-media theater pieces inspired by science and technology. Her play The Whole Banana was reviewed by the LA Times as an "hysterical post-feminist lark." It's a theme that influences her current work-in-progress -- an epic sci-fi fantasy novel featuring a menopausal superhero. Deb lives on a wildflower farm on Washington state's Upper Peninsula with her husband, Chris, where she finds inspiration and renewal in the wonder of the natural world.