READ,WRITE & LIVE YOUR TRUTH

Category: I Write Therefore I Am

I write fiction. Stories, myths, fables and lore have shaped the human experience more than we think or even appreciate. Reading and storytelling, however, are  not only desired but are needed activities for us to be who we are and discover our truth. Storytelling  truly makes us human.

  • Best Quotes Ever. Searching for More -PART TWO

    E.G. Kardos

    I love quotes! And I am always searching for the best quotes ever.

    In a recent post, I shared how my search for one or two quotes led to over 500 of the best quotes ever for my book Zen Master Net Door: Parables for Enlightened Everyday Living.

    A person walking on a beach near the ocean

    Drawing from that post, where I shared some of the quotes I found for my book, I want to share a few more. These quotes cover topics such as: Simplicity and Living in the Ordinary, Happiness, Imagination, Compassion, Truth, Humility, Friendship, Kindness, Forgiveness, and Love.

    Photo by Parker Coffman

    Over Five Hundred of the Best Quotes Ever

    Quotes are relatable because they are simple, powerful words that, regardless of culture, religion, or upbringing, help show how little separates us. Many times, they remind us to let go and live inspired lives.

    Quotes tug at our emotions and serve as a kind of balm for what ails us.

    They give us validation when, unfortunately, others miss the chance to do so.

    The connection they create is incredible, as some of the greatest minds over a thousand years have thought and felt the very same things as us.

    We all strive for the same things in life, no matter our upbringing, religion, culture, or circumstances.

    Folks, we’re in this together; we are the same.

    Enjoy exploring some of the best quotes ever!

    Simplicity and Living Ordinarily

    Mental toughness is many things.  It is humility because it behooves all of us to remember that simplicity is the sign of greatness and meekness is the sign of true strength.  Mental toughness is spartanism with qualities of sacrifice, self-denial, dedication.  It is fearlessness, and it is love.

    –Vince Lombardi

    Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does Nature, because in her inventions, nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous.  Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.  

    –Leonardo da Vinci

    Simplicity in character, in manners, in style; in all things the supreme excellence is simplicity

    -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

    There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and     truth. 

    –Leo Tolstoy

    All great change in America begins at the dinner table.  

    –Ronald Regan

    Simplicity is the final achievement.  After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.

    –Frederic Chopin

    It’s true.  I’m a simple person.  Some people tend to live from trauma to trauma, and that energizes them.  I have a hectic schedule, but my mind seeks simplicity – like being in nature, a long bike ride, or sitting on the back porch. 

    –Amy Grant

    Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves. 

    –Aesop – The Astrologer 

    What we have to learn to do, we learn doing.

    –Aristotle

    Happiness

    Be content with your lot. 

    –Aesop – The Fox and the Crab

    Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

    –Mahatma Gandhi

    There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself. 

    –Henry David Thoreau

    Happiness can exist only in acceptance. 

    -George Orwell

    To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind.  If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. 

    –Buddha

    Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness.  It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. 

    –Helen Keller

    Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. 

    –Eleanor Roosevelt

    Imagination

    Everything you can imagine is real.

    –Pablo Picasso

    Imagination is more important than knowledge.

    –Albert Einstein

    Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the organ of meaning.

    –C.S. Lewis

    Compassion

    Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

    –Dalai Lama

    Forget injuries, never forget kindness.

    –Confucius

    The individual is capable of both great compassion and great indifference.  He has it within his means to nourish the former and outgrow the latter. 

    –Norman Cousins

    I believe that man will not merely endure.  He will prevail.  He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. 

    –William Faulkner

    The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. 

    -Thomas Merton

    Truth

    Whatever is, is right.

    –Alexander Pope

    We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. 

    –Plato 

    From the evening breeze to this hand on my shoulder, everything has its truth. 

    –Albert Camus

    Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone. 

    –Jesus 

     

    Humility

    We often make much of the ornamental and despise the useful. 

    –Aesop – The Stag and His Reflection

    Humility must always be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in the blood of his followers and the sacrifices of his friends. 

    –Dwight D. Eisenhower 

    Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance. 

    –Saint Augustine 

    Power is dangerous unless you have humility. 

    –Richard J. Daley 

    There is no gardening without humility.  Nature is constantly sending even its oldest scholars to the bottom of the class for some egregious blunder. 

    –Alfred Clayton

    Friendship

    Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead.  Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow.  Walk beside me that we may be as one.

    –Ute saying

    Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.        

    -Aristotle

    The only way to have a friend is to be one. 

    –Ralph Waldo Emerson

    I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world. 

    –Thomas A. Edison

    But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine. 

    –Thomas Jefferson

    Kindness

    No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. 

    -Aesop – The Lion and the Mouse

    Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people.  A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. 

    –Franklin D. Roosevelt

    Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom. 

    –Theodore Isaac Rubin

    Kindness and faithfulness keep a king safe, through kindness his throne is made secure. 

    –King Solomon

    Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. 

    –Mark Twain

    That best portion of a man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love. 

    –William Wordsworth

    Forgiveness

    Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom. 

    –Hannah Arendt

    Life is an adventure in forgiveness. 

    –Norman Cousins

    Forgiveness is the answer to the child’s dream of a miracle by which what is broken is made whole again, what is soiled is made clean again. 

    –Dag Hammarskjold

    To err is human; to forgive, divine. 

    –Alexander Pope

    He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven. 

    -Thomas Fuller

    Love

    There is no remedy for love but to love more. 

    –Henry David Thoreau

    Love takes up where knowledge leaves off. 

    –Saint Thomas Aquinas

    To love another person is to see the face of God. 

    –Victor Hugo

    Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better. 

    –William Shakespeare

    The greatest pleasure of life is love. 

    -Euripides

    Love has features which pierce all hearts, he wears a bandage which conceals the faults of those beloved.  He has wings, he comes quickly and flies away the same. 

    –Voltaire

    Love is a chain of love as nature is a chain of life. 

    –Truman Capote

    Where there is love there is life. 

    –Mohandas Gandhi

    Without love in your life, you have nothing. 

    –Wynonna Judd

    Love is life.  And if you miss love, you miss life. 

    –Leo Buscaglia

    Meditation and Prayer

    You become what you think about all day long.

    –Ralph Waldo Emerson

    If you begin to live life looking for the God that is all around you, every moment becomes a prayer.

    –Frank Bianco

    Prayer for many is like a foreign land.  When we go there, we go as tourists.  Like most tourists, we feel uncomfortable and out of place.  Like most tourists, we therefore move on before too long and go somewhere else. 

    –Robert McAfee Brown

    It is the prayer of my innermost being to realize my supreme identity in the liberated play of consciousness, the Vast Expanse.  Now is the moment, Here is the place of Liberation. 

    –Alex Grey

    Prayer indeed is good, but while calling on the gods a man should himself lend a hand. 

    –Hippocrates

    Prayer is a thought, a belief, a feeling, arising within the mind of the one praying. 

    –Ernest Holmes

    I like the silent church before the service begins better than any preaching.

    –Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Experiences

    Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. 

    –Charles Adams

    If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us, we’d all be millionaires. 

    –Abigail Van Buren

    Life is the art of drawing without an eraser. 

    –John W. Gardner

    Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely. 

    –Auguste Rodin

    If you enjoyed this post, take a look at these: Searching for a Quote, and Finding the Best One or Maybe More,If You Were Able to Talk to Your OLDER Self, Eddie Zen: A Zen Master Next Door, Love is a Strange Thing, The Time We Have

    All quotes within this manuscript have been found in publications and the internet and remain the intellectual property of those to whom they have been attributed.  Usage of all quotations adheres to the fair use copyright principle. 

    Share your favorite quotes in the comment section below!

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

    Latest Posts

    Most Viewed Posts

    All Posts

    Please notify me when you publish a new blog post.

  • Storytelling Within a Story, What Mentors Do Best

    E.G. Kardos

    Storytelling within a story. What’s that all about?

    Many of the most powerful stories ever told feature a mentor who guides the protagonist throughout their journey. Don’t we all love mentors, both in real life and in fiction? I know I do.

    Hopefully we’re connected with some amazing women and men who help us along the complex jounrey of our lives. A few names come to my mind who guided me at various times of my life, and they have made a difference. I bet you can rattle off a name or two as well.

    In literature, thse mentors are crucial to the flow of the story, and many times, they are characters who we love.

    Some fictional favorites come to mind: Gandalf, Yoda, Miss Jean Brodie, Haymitch, Mr. Keating, Helen Burns and Dumbledore. Great stories with memorable characters.

    There are so many more who enrich the stories we read, we tell and we see.

    Common Qualities

    Side view of a senior man with expressive features and a contemplative look in a dark setting.

    Mentors in books inspire the protagonists’ ongoing journey of understanding, growth, transformation, and connection to their true selves. They help the character make sense of their relationship with a power greater than themselves… and we get to experience a spectacular ride. 

    Photo by Trưởng Bản Review

    All mentors we meet in fiction share the common quality of possessing a strong and natural desire to give of themselves for someone else’s benefit.

    Above all, they have wisdom and that’s why they guide the protagonist with storytelling within the story .

    They know how to build genuine and healthy trust, and their timing is perfect. They understand exactly when, where, and how to share their wisdom to the protagonist at that very moment they need it the most.

    Like Us, Protagonists Learn Through Stories

    Storytelling within the story is done with vivid imagery, with allegory and symbolism. Sometimes these stories push the protagonist to act or give them a signal or clue of what’s to come. Sometimes it just to teach and to remind the protagonist of what they may already know.

    They Build Trust and are Relatable

    Mentors, with their stories, build trust. Relatable, mentors often reveal their own weaknesses and flaws. They are like the protagonist in some way–and they are like us.

    If a mentor doesn’t show compassion or has empathy, they are not a mentor.

    Wisdom is knowledge tempered by experience, and because of this, they make sound judgments. But they can’t tell the protagonist this.

    Oh no, they must find out on their own.

    So there story within the story is crucial for the protagonist to begin to understand themselves, their purpose and their quest.

    The protagonist of the stories we love, keep the ideas and the stories the mentor shares in the forefront of their minds as they decide the best move to take on their, sometimes, lonely path.

    Lonely or not, their path is usually dangerous, complex and tricky so, even with a mentor and their sage advice, it is not easy. 

    In the series, The Elias Chronicles, Elias’ mentor is Zoltan. The sorcerer, guides Elias through dark and uncertain times to help him to understand why he must take his journey—one he reluctantly began.

    Here’s an example of storytelling with a story. Enjoy a chapter from the first book, The Amulet: Journey to Sirok in this trilogy where Zoltan tells a story to Elias about The Tree of Life.

    18

    Tree of Life

    Exhausted from their journey to and from Budapest, Elias slept late the next morning. When he rose, the only sign of Zoltan was the breakfast coffee being kept warm on hot coals and a hardboiled egg on a small plate. Elias ate in silence. 

    He walked out of the cave into bright sunshine and sat on the ground under The Tree of Life in solitude with his thoughts. He sat at the exact spot he had fallen to his worst fear. Cimbora lay at his feet. 

    Trying desperately to tie together all his experiences, he brooded and wondered whether or not he was ready to confront the Sarkany. Zoltan walked up the path in silence and sat on a stump about twenty paces away. Minutes passed.

    “Elias, do you know why I am able to rest my weary bones on this old and decaying stump?”

    Elias looked up at him, said nothing but answered him by shaking his head.

    “Fear, Elias, fear.”

    “Huhh?”

    “Legend has it that the enormous tree, or the one which is giving you shade right now, produced a sapling that was growing as a healthy tree. A young boy nurtured the tree and would visit it frequently. It brought him joy to see it grow, weathering harsh winters and dry summers. That sapling grew for half a century and, as that boy became a man, he came back from time to time. Nevertheless, he would return to sit in solitude to ponder life and reflect on what he found in his soul. 

    “Although the man did not know for sure, he hoped the tree he cared for was an offshoot of the Tree of Life just mere paces away. Over the years as he watched it grow, he would admire them both—The Tree of Life and the tree he had nurtured. His contribution to its growth humbled him.

    “When the man became old, he came back to spend time and sit under the tree with a book. One day when he was hiking to the where the tree grew, he heard a troubling sound. He hastened his approach. He dropped his book and ran, and out of breath he approached the tree. Shocked, he realized it was too late. A young man with an axe had one or two final swings before the tree would fall. To the old man’s horror, he saw the tree that once pointed to the heavens fall to Earth.

    “‘What did you do? That was a precious tree and a one-of-a-kind gift to this planet! With all the other trees in this forest, why this one? There must be many trees closer to your home for your fire,’ the old man screamed. 

    “The young man replied, ‘Oh, this is not for firewood. I had to destroy this tree because I feared its magnificence would overshadow The Tree of Life. It may have become too beautiful and rival what we have come to know and depend on.’

    “‘You idiot!’ the old man said. ‘You fear the wrong thing. Fear not what may become beautiful and magnificent. There’s plenty of room for what is good. Embrace it and become part of it. Destroying what might be, dishonors today and disregards our hope for tomorrow.’ 

    “With that last swing only moments earlier, the old man knew, then, that there was nothing he could have done to save the life of the tree. There was only one place the old man could go from there—forward. With great difficulty and from a place of grace, the old man forgave the young man for his foolish wrongdoing, lowered his head, and he walked away in great sorrow. 

    “A month later, the old man came back with renewed joy in his heart knowing that the time he had spent nurturing the tree and sitting under her shade during his long life gave him refuge from a tired and fearful world. For that, he was grateful, and this memory would be cherished. However, on this day, he brought with him a sapling that he knew he would never live long enough to enjoy its shade but knew others would. He planted it and took care of it until he died. Some say they still see the man in the woods. Some say they feel his presence.”

    “So, Zoltan, which tree did he plant?”

    “It is the tree to my right. It is the tree that is home to the songbirds which bring me such delight. Listen, I hear one singing.” 

    Elias looked up and saw a beautiful tree, and then back to Zoltan. The music of the songbird came to the forefront and the air was full of life. They smiled.

    “Do you know what else the old man realized?”

    “I think so.”

    “Good Elias. Well?”

    “This is just my guess, but aren’t all trees…well all things, like The Tree of Life.”

    “How so?”

    “We live on a round ball. Doesn’t that make us all at the center of the world?” Elias asked.

    “Precisely. All beings are of value and have their place—no being is more worthy than another. I see you have been thinking. Now do you see what I am talking about?”

    “Little by little. I’m starting to understand myself,” said Elias

    “Good, Elias, good! Will you tell me what you have learned from your experiences of your quest so far?”

    “My deepest fear is not failure to follow the path to my dream. My true fear is what will become of me if I succeed. If I follow my heart, will others still love me for who I will become? Will I be able to handle success? Will I be honest and kind? Will I become arrogant? Will I still be me?”

    “My dear man, let me add that we do a disservice to ourselves and the light of humanity that has come before us, to purposefully be anything less than our authentic self. We cannot strive to be anything less than who we truly are.”

    “Understanding is one thing—doing it is another,” Elias said.

    “Yes, Elias you are right. I am embarrassed to say this is why I lost my finger. The finger that made me different and reminded me of who I was and still am. I so desperately wanted to be like the others that I…that I…”

    “Say no more,” interrupted Elias.

    “What I will say is that I regret my actions. I don’t want you to regret yours. So, as I see it, you have no choice in the matter. We must love ourselves enough to fully embrace our true nature. As our self-belief magnifies, we attract others to our light.”

    “Zoltan, you have it all together.”

     “Elias, a day does not go by without reminding myself what makes my heart beat. Our very nature is genuine—it’s real. It is how we were made.

     “I now know the significance of the amulet,” said Elias.

     “Shush, Elias. Since you know, and I know, we have no need to discuss it—do we?”

    Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

    If you enjpoyed this post, take a look at these: Fantasy Fiction and Real Life are the Same, More Ways to Think About Character Development, Mentors and Young Adult Fantasy, Why Fantasy is a Good Read, Developing the Protagonist.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

    Latest Posts

    Most Viewed Posts

    All Posts

    Please notify me when you publish a new blog post.

  • Searching for a Quote, and Finding the Best One or Maybe More

    E.G. Kardos

    I love quotes- all kinds of quotes.

    Wisdom

    Quotes say so much without taking up a lot of space on the page. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could express our thoughts in a sentence or two rather in a lengthy disertation?

    Photo by Feng Yu 

    Often, I find myself searching for a quote for various reasons. Like me, I bet you stop, read a quote, and take a moment to reflect on it. Sometimes, you smile afterward; sometimes, you feel puzzled; and sometimes, it’s something else entirely. 

    Not Long Ago

    I was searching for a quote for the book I wrote, Zen Master Next Door: Parables for Enlightened Everyday Living. It’s a book of seventeen short stories that suggest spiritual growth can be found in the most unexpected places, such as a child’s reaction to an event, a stranger who enters our lives, or even our neighbor next door. 

    Tongue in Cheek

    The stories are a little tongue-in-cheek to keep the reading light, and I must admit, they were fun to write. While the stories and the simple idea I used for each are straightforward, the message is anything but fluff. 

    Using everyday, relatable situations, I aimed to show how we all strive for the same things, regardless of our background, socioeconomic status, or where we are in life.

    Here’s the thing about searching for a quote: once I started, instead of finding one perfect quote I thought would demonstrate this concept, I began searching for a quote for each of the stories. 

    And it Snowballed

    I became so immersed that I decided to add, not one or two but many quotes throughout. I even created a section in the book filled with quotes that highlight the very human parts of our lives—quotes about our journey, love, loss, wisdom, and determination, to name a few

    —and I found quotes from diverse people as a true reflection of each aspect of our humanity.

    Five Hundred plus

    The more I delved into it, the more I realized that we all want and need the same things, no matter who we are. While searching for quotes, I compiled about five hundred that support the idea that simple, powerful words—regardless of culture, religion, or upbringing—help reveal how little separates us and remind us to let go and live inspired lives. 

    Through this search for quotes, I enjoyed writing a unique book full of stories that reflect the best parts of who we are, supported by quotes from those known to many of us. Here are some of the quotes in Zen Master Next Door.

    So, if you’re searching for a quote, take a look at these…more to come in a future post.

    The Journey

    Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire, the reality of your own nature should determine the speed.  If you become restless, speed up.  If you become winded, slow down, you climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion.  Then, when you’re no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn’t just a means to an end but a unique event in itself.

    Robert Pirsig

    In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time. 

    Leonardo da Vinci

    It’s taken me all my life to learn what not to play.

    Dizzy Gillespie

    Our life is a long and arduous quest after the truth and the soul requires inward restfulness to attain its full height.

    Mahatma Gandhi

    Yes we can.

    Barack Obama

    May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.  May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.

    Edward Abbey

    Today

    Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.

    Albert Einstein

    Never let yesterday use up too much of today.

    Will Rogers

    The past, the present and the future are really one: they are today.

     Harriet Beecher Stowe

    The future starts today, not tomorrow.

     Pope John Paul II

    Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero. 

    Translation: Seize today, and put as little trust as you can in the morrow.

    Horace

    Knowledge and Wisdom

    Seek Wisdom, not knowledge.  Knowledge is of the past, wisdom is of the future.

    Lumbee saying.  “Lumbee” is the name of a Native American tribe in North Carolina.

    Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.

    Alfred Lord Tennyson

    As soon as a man does not take his existence for granted, but he holds it as something unfathomably mysterious, thought begins.

    Albert Schweitzer

    To know that you know, and to know that you don’t know—that is the real wisdom.

    Confucius 

    Doubt

    Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise.

    William Shakespeare

    Believing hath a core of unbelieving.

    Robert Williams Buchanan

    Laugh at yourself, but don’t ever aim your doubt at yourself.  Be bold.  When you embark for strange places, don’t leave any of yourself safely on shore.  Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory. 

    Alan Alda

    Determination

    Self help is the best help.  Heaven helps those who help themselves.

    Aesop – Hercules and the Wagoner

    One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged.  Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.

    Lucille Ball

    What saves a man is to take a step.  Then another step.

    C.S. Lewis

    It’s all about the attitude, gut, heart and determination to go out and give 120% every time to try and help the team win. 

    Bo Jackson

    Faith and Hope

    Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.  

     Saint Thomas Aquinas

    Hope is the thing with feathers

    That perches in the soul.

    And sings the tune

    Without the words,

    and never stops at all.

    Emily Dickinson

    While there’s life, there’s hope.

    Cicero

    Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.  Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

     Helen Keller

    Believe in yourself!  Have faith in your abilities!  Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. 

    Norman Vincent Peale

    Not truth, but faith, it is that keeps the world alive. 

     Edna St. Vincent Millay

    To disbelieve is easy; to scoff is simple; to have faith is harder. 

    Louis L’Amour

    Gentleness

    The greatest strength is gentleness.

    Iroquois saying

    Only the weak are cruel.  Gentleness can only be expected from the strong.  

     Leo Buscaglia

    Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.

     Saint Francis de Sales

    Gentleness is the antidote for cruelty. 

     Plato

    Peace

    Peace comes from within.  Do not seek it without.

    Buddha

    Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone

    lives. Do not fear death so much, but rather the inadequate life.

    From The Mother by Bertolt Brecht

    There can never be peace between nations until there is first known that true peace which is within the souls of men.

    Black Elk, Native American

    For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

    The Bible, Matthew 6:21

    While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.  

    Leonardo da Vinci 

    Self 

    Those who would mend other, should first mend themselves.

    Aesop – The Quack Toad

    Seek not good from without; seek it within yourself or you will never find it.

    Epictetus

    Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

    The Bible, John 8:32

    You only grow when you are alone.  

    Paul Newman

    If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die. 

    Maya Angelou

    There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.

    Benjamin Franklin 

    When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.  

    Billy Graham

    Friendship with one’s self is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.

    Eleanor Roosevelt 

    Introspection

    The night wind with the big dark curves of the night sky in it, the night wind gets inside of me and understands all of my secrets.

    Carl Sandburg

    Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.

    Carl Jung

    I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within, It is there all the time.

    Anna Freud

    We forge gradually our greatest instrument for understanding the world – introspection.  We discover that humanity may resemble us very considerably – that the best way of knowing the inwardness of our neighbors is to know ourselves.  

    Walter Lippmann

    On being human

    We are what we believe we are.

    C.S. Lewis

    We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.

    Dalai Lama

    All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it!

    Bob Newhart

    The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection.

    George Orwell

    A human being is a deciding being.

    Viktor E. Frankl

    The ideas that have lighted my way have been kindness, beauty and truth. 

    Albert Einstein 

    You don’t have a soul.  You are a Soul.  You have a body.

    C.S. Lewis 

    The mind is never satisfied with the objects immediately before it,   but is always breaking away from the present moment, and losing itself in schemes of future felicity… The natural flights of the human mind are not from pleasure to pleasure, but from hope to hope.                                             

    Samuel Johnson

    Giving

    God gave us each a song.

    Ute saying

    Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.

     C.S. Lewis

    For it is in giving that we receive. 

    St. Francis of Assisi

    Time and money spent in helping men to do more for themselves is far better than mere giving. 

    Henry Ford

    Pity may represent little more than the impersonal concern which prompts the mailing of a check, but true sympathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one’s soul. 

    Martin Luther King Jr.

    I had found a kind of serenity, a new maturity…  I didn’t feel better or stronger than anyone else but it seemed no longer important whether everyone loved me or not – more important now was for me to love them.  Feeling that way turns your whole life around; living becomes the act of giving. 

    Beverly Sills

    Let us not be satisfied with just giving money.  Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them.  So, spread your love everywhere you go. 

     Mother Teresa

    I have many more quotes in Zen Master Next Door, so I’ll post round two of Searching for a Quote soon.

    If you enjoyed this post, take a look at these:Best Quotes Ever. Searching for More -PART TWO,If You Were Able toTalk to Your OLDER Self, Eddie Zen: A Zen Master Next Door, Love is a Strange Thing, The Time We Have

    All quotes within this manuscript have been found in publications and the internet and remain the intellectual property of those to whom they have been attributed.  Usage of all quotations adheres to the fair use copyright principle. 

    Share your favorite quotes in the comment section below!

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Fantasy Fiction and Real Life are the Same

    E.G. Kardos

    I’m certain that fantasy fiction and real life are inseparable.  First of all, I should say that real life is full of conflict, split-second decisions, emotional upheavals, villains, and monsters. Real life is about doom, redemption, joy, and sorrow. Loss, power, injustices, and morality are all part of real life.

    Unless you are completely unacquainted with fantasy fiction or movies, you will agree that fantasy fiction includes all the above and more.

    Thus, fantasy fiction and real life are one and the same.

    But some readers and critics say fantasy fiction is mere escapism. They want something “real”. Well, I’ll say it is a good escape as are other sub genres in fiction, but it is so much more than that. It is about real-life issues, but most time these real-life issues are displayed with more color and, perhaps, in a more satisfying way. There, I said it.

    It’s a Mirror

    Night fantasy image of mystic woman riding deer in magical forest illumination . Sublime Generative AI image .

    In fantasy fiction, writers use supernatural, whimsical, and bizarre settings primarily to reflect our lives and everything within them in a relatable and intriguing way.

    Dragons aren’t just creatures that spit fire; they symbolize something larger and sometimes more sinister. Other times they represent something entirely the opposite. The evil sorcerer isn’t just some strange outsider to ignore but represents the evil and injustices we should stand against. Living in 2025, we should be able to connect with, as well as look for such symbolism in fantasy fiction.

    Universal Themes

    If you’re human, you can relate to themes such as power, loss, social injustice, death, birth, love, and hope. Using symbolism the author shines a light on these themes as they are brought to life for the reader to ponder, but with some distance. This distance is what lies between the symbol and what it represents. It makes us think—to feel—rather than the representation being spelled out.

    This distance is powerful. 

    The reason readers keep coming back to fantasy and fiction of all sorts is that universal themes are the engine that propels not only a good story, but gives our lives substance.

    Here’s Why Fantasy Fiction Can Feel so Much Like Real Life

    Commentary of our world

    You may have heard the term “world-building”. Authors may design a fictional world to critique real-world social structures to include the political climate, the social focus and the internal landscape within the character to project a very human story.

    Sometimes these worlds depict oppression, rebellion, inequality, and other injustices. These fantastical worlds are thought-provoking and real.

    Belief Systems

    We all have them. The structures we need to build walls around our lives and to make sense of them. Hopefully, these walls have doors and arches so that we may pass through them and attempt to understand other belief systems that we don’t hold as our own.

    These structures are religions, politics, and various other associations we “need” or seek out in our lives. Fantasy fiction uses these structures that are near and dear to us to tell a story. Good versus evil comes to mind.

    Basic Human Emotions

    Fantasy stories are deeply embedded in the human experiences. Love and loss, trust and betrayal, ambition and indifference and the mere struggles we have getting from one point to another.

    The Characters

    Like in all fiction, fantasy fiction allows us to experience life through the eyes of a character that we have come to love, and by doing so, we feel for that character. Our empathy grows while reading fantasy fiction we become the hero of the journey. As our compassion grows we begin to understand and are open to others and their struggles beyond the fantasy workd and into the real world.

    Although fantasy fiction on the surface seems to many as pure escapism, it is so much more as it reflects our own lives and the world we live in. Like other types of fiction, the aim of the author is similar, but fantasy writers choose to use other ways to tell the story.

    Fantasy fiction and real life are the same. There is no way to get around that.

    Other posts about fantasy: Why Fantasy is. a Good Read, The Time We Have, From a Struggling Reader to a Writer of Fantasy, About Fantasy (category)

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Bless the Poor: Pretty Timeless Subject if You Ask Me

    E.G. Kardos

    Nearly sixteen years ago (December 2008) I wrote Bless the Poor as a holiday story. It’s historic fiction about a legendary King. It’s not about a particular religion, but about how we should treat our fellow man. It is about how the powerful, and not so powerful, can help those less fortunate.

    Bless the Poor, although written a decade and a half ago about a king and a young boy who lived in an ancient world is timely and a reminder for us in 2025 that we can make a difference. As I learned from my mother as a young boy, everyone needs a helping hand from time to time. She was never a world leader but perhaps should have been.

    Bless the Poor, again has nothing to do with religion but all to do with how we treat each other around the world.

    Now that I’ve read it again, I think it is a good read for any and every month including December.

    Bless the Poor

    Based on the legend of Good King Wenceslas

    A millennium or so ago, a good man who happened to be the king of Bohemia uncharacteristically rose late the day after Christmas. But his Christmas day was like most others in the past, as he often devoted his time to sharing what he could with others.

    As was his custom, he gave his servants the day to themselves. One page, however, insisted on spending the day with the king as he marveled at his wisdom.

    As the morning began, the king spent his time in deep introspection and prayer. With great promise, the day began with golden rays of the sun sparkling on the newly fallen snow from Christmas night. But with each passing hour, the day grew bleaker, and the sky became gray. More snow fell. His chamber, though, was warm as his page made frequent visits to stoke the fire giving new life to the failing embers.

    The good king told his page, all of thirteen years of age, to rest by the fire he cared for.

    “Why do you tend to me when I have declared this day a time for rest and renewal?”

    “Why Sire, my faithfulness to you gives me comfort,” said the page.

    “You are not like the others,” said the good king.

    “You are a righteous man–forgive me, a righteous king, and I am where I should be as I am calmed by your spirit. I see what you do.”

    “And I see what you do. You’re a good lad,” said the king with a smile.

    The hours passed and after many discussions, the young page nodded off. The king closed his eyes and, too, fell asleep.

    The winds picked up in a menacing way and its howl was chilling. Coming out of his sleep, the king peered toward the window. The page was still curled in a ball on a bed of hay in front of the meager fire. The room was becoming dark as the beams of a full moon filled the room.

    Winter Blast A cold harsh wind during winter often carrying snow

    The erratic winds were laced with the sound of crunching snow just outside the walls. The king walked to the window. He first looked to the bright and ominous sky and saw a well-defined illuminated heavenly body that gave light. He then looked down and saw a fellow man.

    photo by Leisan

    He summoned his page.

    “Page, do you know this man? Who might he be?”

    “Sire, he is a mere peasant and lives outside the walls of the kingdom. The man comes out at night to gather the fallen twigs and branches to keep his family warm. He is a good man whom I met. He is from my village, and means no harm for his trespasses.”

    “Where is his dwelling?” the king asked gently.

    “He lives near the foot of the hills near St. Agnes’ fountain. It is a good league from here,” said the page.

    The king stroking his beard thought out loud, “That is an hour by foot on a good day.”

    Spinning on his heel, he turned, bent down, and looked in the eyes of the page. “Bring me meats and bring me wine. Gather pine logs too. Tonight, you and I will see him dine.” His eyes gleamed, and with a smile on his face, the page heard the king’s charge and began to assemble the gifts.

    They both loaded sacks of meats, breads, pine logs and a small gift and strapped them to their backs. They entered into the night’s foul cry. The wind was stiff, and the snow was clad by an icy crust, giving struggle to the most seasoned traveler. The wind tore at the bare-faced page as he pulled his collar up for warmth.

    An hour into their journey, the boy called out, “Sire, the moon now hides, and the wind is wicked. I am afraid. My body is paralyzed with cold and can go no further. Continue on your journey and leave me.”

     ” This is your journey, too my son.”

    With love in his heart, his words lifted the boy.

    “Mark my footsteps, my good boy, and tread them ever boldly. Step in my footprints and you’ll find that winter’s rage will diminish. With each step you take you will find your soul will warm; there is nothing you cannot do. Remember, son, just where we’re headed.”

    Without a hint of question, the page trod where the king’s newly formed steps were made. Heat came from the very prints where the good king had been.

    Not long after, they reached the peasant’s home and shared their bounty and their good spirit. They were invited to stay the night which they did. The family offered their beds, but the king, a humble man slept on a bed of hay. The boy curled up under a worn blanket near the fire.

    On the journey home the next morning, the king asked the boy, “Did you defeat the cold as we traveled last night because of my nobility and wealth?”

    Without thought, the boy spoke up, “I don’t think so.”

    “Why then?” The king nodded with delight waiting for the boy’s reply.

    “Because I followed you.”

    “Oh? Perhaps it is more than that. Think of it this way, we journeyed together with one purpose and one heart. Your generosity of spirit flowed forth. It was all you, my boy, all you.

    The boy looked to the king and smiled.

    The king said, “Remember, those like you, my good boy, who bless the poor, shall too find blessings.”

    December 21, 2008

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • More Ways to Think About Character Development

    E.G. Kardos

    A reader must connect in some way with one or more of the main characters in a book for that reader to keep reading—next word, next paragraph, next page.

    As a writer, my hope is that the readers might think, that’s what I would think, too, if some jerk said that to me. Or I’ve always wanted to do that but never dared to. We might even think, I really like this guy—kinda reminds me of….

    Cropped portraits of group of people on multicolored background in neon light. Collage made of 7 models

    For me, character development is crucial as my books are character driven. So, first, I want to create characters that in some way resonate with me. If I am successful in doing this, the character has depth and just enough substance so that a reader can grab hold to something about that character that intrigues them as well. 

    Character Development Takes Some Probing

    By probing into and exploring what the character thinks and feels, it is only natural for me to feel connected to the character on a deeper level. During this process, I draw an endless stream of thoughts and feelings from within and use them like bricks to build the character.

    The joy of both reading and writing comes from the same place; a well-developed character.

    I’m convinced that this is what makes exceptional characters, and it is what most readers want when they choose to invest their time, and heart, into reading.

    In Reading, Writing, and Yes, in Real Life Too

    Unless you’ve fully immersed yourself in remote work or spend your days and nights only chatting with an AI without a soul on the internet, you meet people in everyday life. This is a good thing because we are social beings. When we meet others and spend just thirty seconds with them, our minds tend to race. We might focus on one word they say, zero in on their eyes or hair—or something physical. Sometimes, we learn more about that person than we want. We wonder if we will see them again or if we hope we never do. Is it fate or coincidence that this person has entered our lives? And what, if anything, do we want to do about it?

    In other words, we evaluate the person much like we evaluate characters in a book.

    I see, think, and feel a blend between reading, writing, and the “real” world. I want the characters I read about and those I write about to feel as real as the people who come into our lives, whether for a moment or a lifetime.

    Because I have written four novels and a book of seventeen short stories, I’ve created many characters. Some are more developed than others, but overall, they are all unique—they are individuals. I’ve crafted characters that, to me, seem so real that when I type the final period of a story, I immediately miss them as if they were living beings.

    When you read good fiction, don’t you feel the same? 

    If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy these: Writing Literary Fiction and What I’m Learning, Developing the Protagonist, Why Read Fiction.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Bill Moyers, The Power of Myth, and a Moment of His Time

    E.G. Kardos

    Our life is all about moments. We string togehter our moments and that is our life. We hope we have more good moments than not, but all of those moments no matter what make us who we are. I try to remember my moments that made a difference for me like the one I had with Bill Moyers .

    That one moment — and it was just that, a single moment — that I have never forgotten is when I received a message from the late Bill Moyers,  (June 5, 1934 – June 26, 2025).

    Photo from the ap

    Reaching Out to Bill Moyers

    I wrote to Bill Moyers assistant inquiring if he would be interested in accepting a copy of the first book in my fantasy trilogy, “The Amulet: Journey to Sirok”. It didn’t take long before she responded, sharing with me that he would be happy to receive my book.

    I sent him the book with this email:

    August 4, 2017

    Dear Mr. Moyers,

    I am very honored to have this opportunity to not only send you my book, The Amulet: Journey to Sirok, but to tell you that The Power of Myth and Joseph Campbell inspired me to write it. I have read the book several times, as well as other books by or about Campbell, but your interview style and questions bring great clarity to the vastness, and sometime complexity, of mythology. Thank you.

    My book takes a new spin on the Hero’s Journey as I feel I have written it for our time. This is a time when stereotypes are been thrown to the wind and, those who have their eyes open and looking forward, are embracing humanities beautiful differences.

    I would like to urge you to read my story. I hope you can sharewith me your thoughts. Please share with (assistant’s name) that I appreciate her warm and inviting response to me.

    Thank you for your consideration, and I hope for only the best to come your way.

    Warmly,

    Ed Kardos

    Ten Days Later, Mr. Moyers Responded

    Aug 14, 2017

    Dear Mr. Kardos:

    Thank you for your generous words about THE POWER OF MYTH and for your book. I look forward to reading it.

    My best to you,

    Bill Moyers

    There are many other articles written about Bill Moyers that reflect the generous and powerful impact he made during his lifetime, but what I found profound was the moment he gave to me. It was both generous and powerful.

    Most folks of his stature, and those with far less stature (and we all know who they are), would have dismissed my original email. But in less than two weeks, Bill Moyers not only accepted a copy of my book, thanked me personally, and, according to his assistant, “took the book home”. There’s so much packed into these moments.

    He validated my place as a writer.

    I meant it when I shared with him: “I have read the book several times, as well as other books by or about Campbell, but your interview style and questions bring great clarity to the vastness, and sometime complexity, of mythology…”.

    Those “questions” that brought “great clarity” made all the difference for me

    My Take on The Power of Myth

    The Power of Myth explores how universal themes and symbols in myths provide insight into our humanity. This includes our relationships with others, the powers of the universe, and ourselves.

    The “Hero’s Journey” is analyzed and clearly demonstrates that following one’s bliss has been essential to humanity since our earliest thoughts and will remain so as long as we exist. In other words, myths are just as important today as they were long ago.

    As the Hero’s Journey is central to my work, I have read this book and a dozen others about Joseph Campbell’s work many times. I recommend this one in particular because of Bill Moyers’ contributions.

    Mr. Moyers made numerous contributions during his lifetime in many areas and we are better off because of him. What a wonderful man.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • If You Were Able to Talk to Your OLDER Self

    E.G. Kardos

    Have you ever wanted to talk to your older self?

    I frequently hear the question: if you could talk to your younger self, what would you say? Intriguing, but why ask this question or for that matter, why give it much thought?

    After all, we can’t do it — never. 

    A figure sits, contemplating in a surreal setting.

    The allure of the question lies in the supposition that we are now wiser; if we could just have a moment back, say from twenty or thirty years ago, we would be able to share our new found wisdom with our younger selves and we would benefit from it. I get it, really I do. Yep, I’d love to be able to do it.

    But after some thought I realize it’s just never goning to happen. So I’ve come up with my own twist on this notion. 

    Photo by Europeana

    If you were able to speak to your OLDER self, what would you say? That’s something we can do…well in time.

    We all have valuable experiences that we can share, however, not many folks don’t want unsolicited advice no matter how wonderful we think we are. However, we probably don’t, and won’t, mind listening to ourselves so let’s share it with ourselves a little down the road.

    No matter how old we are, we have had experiences — both good and bad. Events in our lives have shaped us, bothered us, have even played with us, and at times, questioned our very being.

    If we ever reflect and allow for even a modest amount of introversion in our lives, we learn. 

    We may learn, but we don’t always remember or practice what we learn, as it may be crowded out by the everyday and mundane activities that can overtake the best of us. So, write it down! Keep it tucked away and pull it out and share it with our older self. Your older self will appreciate it as we know it comes from a special place deep within and meant to make our lives more fulfilling down the road.

    We Don’t Know When

    You’re in the present for goodness sake, and your future may or may not come, but be ready for it as your older self wants to hear from you.

    Since the past is gone, I say don’t waste your brain power on what you’d tell your ghost of the past.

    What would I say to myself when I’m 67 or 75 or 85 or…? You may be younger than I and may wonder what you might say to the 25, 30, 45, or older you. Whatever you end up saying, it is relevant and important as it meant something to you “back when”. It shows how you thought and how your mind worked. It is a memory that is just yours and it’s worth remembering and repeating, especially to yourself.

    Here’s what I’ll say, at least for now

    Not only do I want to think of what I “might” say to my older self, I already know some ideas to share. By the way, when I use the word “you” it means “me”.

    • You were always hard on yourself and if you still are, stop it. Ease up old fella.
    • You always said that if you had the time, you’d travel the world, so do it–now.
    • You wondered if your life’s work helped anyone. Hell ya, you spent your work life in a field with a mission to better life for others, and the modest paycheck you brought home, you gave it to your family so that they could have what they needed, and then some, at the time.
    • So, what if you didn’t write the “great American novel” you sure have hell tried. Who else do you know even attempted writing a book much less finished writing one?
    • Bucket list or no bucket list, if you haven’t done everything you wanted, don’t worry about it but keep going.
    • The regrets that are floating around in your head aren’t worth spending time on. Don’t bog yourself down with stuff that could’ve been or might have happened if you had only done this or that.
    • Thank God you are not a perfectionist and did not live a perfect life. Have you seen those who are and how they lived? Sheesh!
    • Be who you are even if you couldn’t do it when you were my age.
    • Chill out, smile through it. I think older folks could smile a bit more–even you.
    • You ain’t in the 80’s anymore and that’s a good thing wheter you think so or not. It wasn’t as wonderful as you may remember. I know from personal experience even if you think otherwise.
    • How fortunate you are to have experienced love of and for another and for so long.
    • Your kids loved you then and still do so don’t even think about it.
    • You met a lot of people along the way, befriended some and they embraced it or not. They missed out.
    •  The decisions you made along the way were the best for that moment in time so that means THEY WERE the best decsions. So don’t do all that second-guessing.
    • Hey, I’m telling you these things because I love you AND I know what I’m talking about as I’m talking to you and you’re me—just my older me.

    So What Would You Say?

    If you liked this post, you might like: The Meaning of OUR Life, IfYou Can Text You Can Journal, The Time We Have.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Writing Literary Fiction and What I’m Learning

    E.G. Kardos

    There’s genre fiction and then there’s literary fiction. Examples of genre fiction to name a few are: romance, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, thrillers, horror, and adventure fiction. When it comes to literary fiction, there’s really just one kind—literary fiction. There are “types” of literary fiction for instance, there is realistic, philosophical, contemporary and philosophical and something referred to as experimental fiction.

    What is Literary Fiction?

    Literary fiction is character-driven as opposed to being focused on the plot. Yes, you must have a plot, but it is secondary to the story. When I say “character driven” I am referring to an inward journey the main character takes and whisks the reader off to join them. 

    photo by Uran Wang

    A person standing in a field at sunset

    Full of Complexities

    If the protagonist isn’t introspective, it’s not literary fiction. This is, in my opinion, the sheer joy of reading—and writing literary fiction. The main character does not react to the event in the story itself, but event spawns a feeling and the feeling manifests into an action.

    Metahors, imagery and symbolism help to tell the story and by doing so may lead the reader to personal interpretations. Our own experiences shape the meaning of what we are witnessing just like in all art forms.

    More About the Internal Journey

    Literary fiction is purely human-centered. This is what makes this type of novel relatable. It makes it significant…important…applicable to our own lives.

    Most of our journeys have nothing to do with boarding a plan, getting in a car or taking a train. Most of our journeys are inward as we try to decipher this larger journey we are all on together and that is life.

    Who Reads Literary Fiction? And I’m Being General

    Too few! Mostly women. Men, not so much. 

    Nothing against men—I’m one—but come on guys, there’s more to reading books than just science fiction, history, and biographies/memoir, crime and thrillers I should throw in stories about sports and war. Don’t get me wrong, if these are the kind of books you love to read, keep it going as reading is important, but consider mixing it up a little. Try literary fiction.

    Having written literary fiction, fantasy and short stories, I’d have to agree that literary fiction is an art form…that it is “serious”. Perhaps folks would argue that all fiction is an art form. When our creative expression come in the form of words and it evokes a feeling in the observer, the reader, it is nothing less than an art form.

    While reading literary ficion, our feelings and thoughts could evoke a sense of beauty or just the opposite, as humans are capable of just the opposite and pulling out our dark self. The feeling could inspire, transform or wake up that part of us that is sleeping. Believe me, there’s quite a bit burying in all of us that is fast asleep.

    I Also Mentioned it’s “Serious”

    Any time we read, or write, about the human condition, it is “serious” whether it’s direct, satirical or somewhere in between. Some things are out of our control and there’s no way around it, so we, and the character, deals with it. Is it how we would deal with it?  Maybe.

    When we read literary fiction, we are reading about what it is to be human and we see it in the choices the characters of the story must make to continue on our their path. Many times their path is not so different than ours.

    My Reminder

    Just a reminder, this article is what I learned from writing literary fiction. Others may interpret their knowledge and experience differently than me. That’s the beauty in writing and reading fiction. My thoughts assembled here, just like literary fiction itself, doesn’t end with a neatly tied bow, but I hope it makes us think. It makes us feel.

    Do you write or read literary fiction? Thoughts?

    You may also like: Why Read Fiction?,Self Discovery Books – an Excerpt from Cutting of Harp Strings, Developing the Protagonist

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • “A Hero Ventures Forth…” Life May Be Imitating Art

    E.G. Kardos

    “A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered, and a decisive victory is won.”

    This quote by Joseph Campbell has meaning to all cultures over thousands of years…and that’s a long time.

    It’s so true and easy to see. Think of the last book you read or even the last movie you saw. Didn’t the main characters find themselves in a situation that blindsided them or one that they just couldn’t refuse—no matter what? They may not have “ventured” from the common day into the supernatural world—or maybe they did—but they left a place that was safe or familiar to a place that was unpredictable, scary, or even so horrifying with no seemingly good way to escape…but they do.

    They escape, make a difference, reshape the world, or better yet, they reshape themselves.

    Life Imitating Art or …

    These are the stories we as the reader or viewer resonate with the main character—the hero. We actually feel we have become the hero. We relate to the “good guy”, or his/her “treasure” is also our treasure. If we don’t feel that way, however, the story goes thud and it doesn’t sit on top of our list of best stories of all time that we’ve read or movies we’ve seen.

    Good storytelling, and some not-so-good storytelling, has been around forever—forever. When you think for a moment, most stories are allegories, unless it is, of course, non-fiction. An allegory is a story in which the character or situation symbolizes something greater than the actions taking place. These symbols tell us something about our life or our community. 

    Fiction Interprets Life

    I literally cringe when I am told something like, “I don’t read fiction, especially fantasy. I only read what’s real.” Oh really? What’s real? Our best stories and best storytellers of all time over the centuries were/are all about interpreting life, or what is real, in new and reimagined ways. Think about it. Even non-fiction accounts and biographies are embellished. Fiction gives us more than the black-and-white of facts, accounts, or events. It gives us the texture, color, brightness, and clarity we seek in life.

    Whether our day is mundane or extraordinary, we are the hero of our own journey—yep, our story can be pretty cool too. It doesn’t matter if you are 16 or 66, we all have something to share.

    Sometimes our story is all about our very private quest to live a life of our own making and to follow our own truth.

    We Face Challenges

    Sometimes, as Campbell insists, we must let go of the life we are building for ourselves to find the life we are meant to live. That’s our story—that’s you and me. Don’t we venture forth and find a world full of surprises? Life is full of challenges whether we like it or not. It’s all in how we approach that modern-day dragon that makes us truly a “hero” or not.

    Nevertheless, we must champion what’s right for us and stand up to the villains and beasts in our own quest. Sometimes that’s a neighbor, a boss, a system, or a belief. When we do this, however, we begin to harness “fabulous forces”, and unfortunately, a “decisive victory” is won—or not. There’s always the next chapter.

    Make Believe or Truth?

    Fiction in all its pretense and make-believe actually tells us the truth, that is, if you’re open to it. Since the beginning of time, humans have told tales about what they know best—themselves and their struggles. Whether we read about it or live it, you are the “hero”, and every story told or written over the years is about you. It is how humans have overcome tyrants, natural disasters and the voice within that is not always so kind.

    Fiction adds a perspective that with some distance, gives an extra light that’s just enough to give us the clarity we seek.

    Stories passed down for thousands of years are all about who we are. We are the heroes of every journey in every story over generations. I’m just not sure if life imitates art or if it’s the other way around. I do know, however, that fiction is all about the truth.

    In future posts, I will share my thoughts on the Hero’s Journey and its 12 stages to tell a story.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • A Little Known Zen Story on Friendship

    E.G. Kardos

    Among many, a single Zen story grabbed my attention. Many years ago, I received a book full of Zen stories entitled, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki compiled this book of stories that were first told in the 13th century by Japanese Zen master Mujū (無住) (“non-dweller”).

    At the time, this was all new to me so finding them all in one book was a treat for me.  As I mentioned, one story stood out.

    Zen Story

    Giving the reader or listener pause, a Zen story conveys profound insights about our existence and stimulates new perspectives. They are simple but deeply filled with rich symbolism. As we read they draw us in to the moment we are living in and encourage us to question our path in life.

    In particular, Zen story number 84, True Friends, stood out and was, and continues to be my favorite. As most Zen stories go, it is succinct and to the point, but it is powerful beyond all measures.

    More about the Zen Story, True Friends

    Of the many Zen stories, True Friends is unique among 101 tales. However, I wanted more on the sugject. I researched the “ultimate friendship” or “intimate friendship” in literature, especially among men, but what I found was surprisingly sparse. This seemed very odd to me, as friendships are vital to our existence.

    Yes, there is no formal union or vow for a friendship, but having the fortunate but infrequent occasion to connect with someone on a deeper level and create a bond is life-altering. The opposite, unfortunately, is equally profound.

    When writing my novel Cutting of Harp Strings, I searched the internet for more information about the Zen story True Friends. There too, I found very little. I wanted to dig deeper and gain as many perspectives as I could both in literary works and other Zen stories but I came up short. If you know of another Zen story about true friendship, let me know in the comments section below.

    It was then that I realized that my story, the one I wrote, is the deeper view on friendship I was looking for. Of all places, it came from my pen and keyboard.

    Because this Zen story, as far as I can tell is just about unknown, I receive many questions about the title of my novel and its symbolism. I’d like to share this excerpt from the story as I think it answers those questions.

    “I would like to tell you a story, Eli. A very special story that an old Buddhist monk told me when I was just a little older than you. Not many know this, but I spent three years in a different sort of monastery.”

    “A Buddhist monk? What? That’s awesome Father.” We both smiled, and he continued.

    “A long time ago there were two friends, one who played the harp skillfully, and one who listened skillfully. When the one played a song about the mountains, the other would listen and say, ‘I’m on top of that mountain.’ And when the one played a song about the river, the other would say, ‘Here, right before us, is the running river.’ 

    One day the one who listened became ill and died. Out of love, the first friend cut the strings of his harp, and never played again.”

    I said nothing. Catching my attention, a squirrel scampered by and scurried up a tree. As my eyes followed him on his climb, the mountains appeared in full view.

    Much symbolism may be found in the above eighty-eight words, but I am especially moved reading,

    “…Out of love, the first friend cut the strings of his harp, and never played again.”

    If you like this post, you may be interested in Following Your Heart

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Developing the Protagonist 

    My two cents worth

    E.G. Kardos

    Being a writer goes hand in hand with being a reader. Nothing is better for developing the protagonist than this combination, which provides a strong foundation for fleshing out your protagonist or any of your characters.

    Capturing the reader’s perspective is crucial. Character development is a creative process and not a science. Adding “ingredients” from a checklist will get you only so far as there is a true art of developing the protagonist. Don’t get me wrong– I’m not saying I’ve got it down pat, but as a practitioner, I have a few thoughts to share that may help.

    Before your character slays a dragon, who are they? Are they scared? Maybe they’re boastful or even fearless. How did they get that way? What motivates them? How do they behave when they aren’t slaying dragons? Would you like them? Would they be your friend–your enemy? Do you think readers would connect with them? Why?

    As I begin to write, I believe the characters are what enliven the story, so I “create” the protagonist first. Sure, I have an idea of the plot and some basics around it, but when I write I’m focused on breathing life into my characters. I always think about the reader and how they will receive the character. It is, however, a fine line between what I want in a protagonist and what I think the reader wants or expects. I enjoy a give-and-take as it makes the creative process challenging and fun.

    Developing the Protagonist

    Because writing is an art it is anything but mechanical. There are rules, yes, but as the creator of your story, I feel that appreciating and enjoying your time in the process and expressing your creativity in a way that follows your own truth is a pillar of “your Parthenon”. 

    …a gigantic sense of awe and humility…

    There is both a gigantic sense of awe and humility when creating your characters. They have to be real to me before I think a reader may relate to them. The reader is always part of my character development process. 

    When creating my characters, I ask the questions: 

    • what resonates with me about this character; 
    • do I know someone like this or would or would not want to know them; 
    • what are their vulnerabilities; and what are their redeeming qualities? 

    I ask these question from a reader’s perspective as well.

    For antagonists or even villains, this is also important to use these questions, or ones of your choosing, to develop all your characters.

    Emotions are a big part of developing characters

    Unlike other living creatures, we as humans are defined by our emotions—and we have ALL of them and so should your protagonist. The most masculine or feminine character embodies all emotions.

    The protagonist must express emotions other than a token one or two sprinkled in 70,000 to 100,000 words. Dialog and action are important but good characters must possess more.

    I think some basic emotions such as anger, surprise, enjoyment, fear, disgust, and sadness should find a place in most stories. 

    If appropriate characters could exhibit pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, attachment, and jealousy. These are very human feelings and behaviors. When reading or telling stories, we should expect humans to be humans.

    Flaws and all

    When developing the protagonist, I think they should have a flaw–or several This is crucial. Does anyone really relate to the perceived “perfect” person? We have read very poignant stories of the perceived perfect person only to discover how their flaw(s) shaped them in the long run. Flaws can be almost anything but here are some to name a few.

    • Anxious
    • Impulsive
    • Stubborn
    • Insecure
    • Awkward
    • Hot-headed
    • Afraid of “something” like spiders, the dark, or a crowded room

    What are their beliefs?

    What do the protagonists (and other main characters) believe in? Their beliefs may be what motivates their behaviors throughout.

    Do they believe in:

    • A higher power–or not?
    • Do they believe in the power of nature?
    • How about the “American Dream”?
    • What about the “rules of the street”?
    • Do they believe in the power of love? Do they believe in themselves– a little or way too much?
    • What human construct guides their lives or what do they want to change either in society or within?
    • Who are they?

    What they believe in or want to believe in makes them who they are.

    How about their backstory?

    Unraveling the protagonist’s backstory throughout the story is a great way to slowly give your reader just enough information to keep them interested and turning pages. 

    • Are they the middle child of a large family,
    • Are they an only child, or, perhaps, an orphan?
    • Do they come from a loving home or not?
    • Rich, poor, or somewhere in the middle? Why?
    • What obstacles did they face?
    • What was freely handed to them whether or not they accepted it or not?
    • Did they do something they are ashamed of or were they heralded as a champion of some kind?
    • What experience painted their life to this point?

    “We are the sum total of our experiences. Those experiences – be they positive or negative – make us the person we are, at any given point in our lives. And, like a flowing river, those same experiences, and those yet to come, continue to influence and reshape the person we are, and the person we become. None of us are the same as we were yesterday, nor will be tomorrow.”

    ― B.J. Neblett, an American author

    Well-developed characters cannot escape the life they have led before the moment they are introduced to the reader. But great characters emerge in front of our eyes as we join them in their journey.

    Quirks – Everyone has them

    This might be just me, but I think the protagonist should have some personality traits or quirks that have no apparent reason why they have such a trait

    Why someone is fair when they have had an unfair life, or they are humble when they have sunk the winning shot, or they are insightful beyond their years all contribute to who the character’s being.

    These are a few quirks that will make a character unique:

    • wears a funky hat/glasses
    • flips their hair a lot
    • has a special diet or favorite food
    • has a strange tatoo
    • winks at weird times
    • bites their lip in a stressful situation
    • juts out their chin when thinking
    • hums classical music at odd times
    • has a peculiar habit or pastime

    Last thoughts

    Developing the protagonist is above all things, an art. The creative process goes from the introduction to the last thought of a story, and the complexities of the protagonist and other characters take us there. They urge us to take their journey with them.

    Writing well-developed characters involves exploring our own truths to create individuals with deep roots and profound insights that can move us. This process should be enjoyed and savored.

    Keeping the reader in mind, developing good characters is an exploration of our own truth. The process should bring to life characters who are profound and have something to share. They should have the ability to move readers in some way as it is a delicate process unlike anything else. 

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • If You Can Text You Can Journal 

    E.G. Kardos

    The average text is 20 words, and the average sentence is about 10 words. The average person sends about 40 to 50 texts daily, and that’s something like 800 to 1000 words a day! Not everyone is the same, I know, but texting is a part of life. If you can text you can journal. 

    Why we should journal

    Since we’ve gotten pretty good at conveying our message with very few words I say, apply this to writing a journal. To start, go for what would be a long text and shoot for 20 to 30 words for your first journal entry. Type it—or write it—somewhere for only your eyes to see.

    So what are you waiting for?

    Here are some outcomes that could come from journaling:

    • It can help bring some clarity to our life. 
    • It can be a trusted place to share our deepest thoughts and emotions.
    • You’ll love it.  Enjoy recording your life and go to it often for self-reflection or to make plans based on it.
    • It can help you understand yourself more fully.
    • It’s a place where you can “try out” your ideas without anyone judging them.
    • It’s a place where you can be completely open and honest with yourself.

    Why we don’t journal

    We hesitate to write down what’s important to us because it can be daunting—not our life necessarily, but all the rules and guidance that come with journaling. I did my research, and I have found what seems to be a whole matrix to guide folks to write anything from novels and poetry to to-do lists.

    Rules are important, but not with journaling. I encourage a bit more freewheeling approach. The idea, in my mind, is to make it easy and enjoyable. I would love to see more folks write—and read. 

    A journal is about jotting down our moments, our thoughts and feelings. That’s a good place for us to start.

    Back to texting/journalling…here’s an example of what I mean:

    Monday, January 6, 2025

    Today started with high expectations. Then my car didn’t start and was stuck at home. So bummed out but ended up starting my journal instead.

    Or

    Tuesday, January 7, 2025

    My day started with dreading each hour. Later Nathan asked for my help with redecorating ideas for his apartment. Our ideas just popped up from nowhere. So much fun!

    Or

    Wednesday, January 8, 2025

    Thinking about asking Nathan out but maybe it’s too soon. Got to think about it. I got my car to start and went out with friends and had a blast.

    WARNING: Do not think your entries in your journal need to read like Sylvia Plath, Franz Kafka, John Green, or any of the other thousand famous writers, scientists, explorers, or famous people we have heard of who have written journals. This is your life—give it some love.

    Evolution of our Entries

    As we write about whatever we want to write about from our day, we will see our entries evolve. How? That’s up to you. You may find that you go from 30 words to 60. Also, you may find begin to focus on only one part of your day. You may decide to write only how you feel about your day. It could lead to ideas and thoughts about your future. 

    It’s about the moment- your moment

    In addition to the outcomes I shared above, I think it is an opportunity to document moments of your life: the good ones, maybe the ones we spent with others, and even a few not-so-great moments. It is who we are.

    Our lives are seldom about one gigantic event, but it is about the stinging together of moments, both significant and ordinary. Your journal may be more helpful to you in the future than today as our minds get more cluttered by so much that isn’t really important, however, what you have to say and the moments that help define you are of ultimate importance.

    Aiden, a character in my novel, Cutting of Harp Strings, put it this way:

    “… Hey, no one’s perfect. I just look for the perfect moment, not the perfect person, and that includes when I’m looking at myself.”

    I say go for the freewheeling approach to journaling. You know what’s best. Let your texting be your guide. If You Can Text, You Can Journal 

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • From a Struggling Reader to Writing Fantasy

    Third Grade Me and How I Never Forgot

    E.G. Kardos

    I was a slow reader when I was young. Full disclosure: I’m still a slow reader—no big deal.  But back in third grade and earlier, as a struggling reader, no matter what I did, I could not move up from the “Group 3” readers to Group 2 and certainly not Group 1. For an eight-year-old, that was a very big deal.

    I know many teachers still use reading levels, and this is now under great debate, but it was nothing but a horrible experience for me and was a deterrent to my progress as a reader in many ways—anyway, I am digressing from the start so let me get back to my story.

    As I said, I tried everything to advance to Group 2. Group 1 was my ultimate dream—weird, but that’s how my eight-year-old brain worked.  My mom brought home books, and she would work with me, so I had wonderful support. Though I probably made more strides at home than at school, it just wasn’t enough for the teacher to notice my improvement. I liked reading as I knew, even as a little kid, that I could be a part of an adventure by reading books–and I liked that. But as a slow-reading little kid, this was painful time, but I kept plugging along.

    When I was in third grade the bottom fell out for me.

    I remember that day so clearly. The teacher, who I will only refer to only as Miss Cringeworthy told us, in her usual harsh tone, to open our readers. Our readers were full of forgetful stories that were anything but what third graders may read today: Matilda, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Captain Underpants, Stuart Little, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to mention a few..

    The book we read was a collection of archaic and unmemorable stories. What we read was the only part of that day that I can’t fully recall. I just know the stories were NOT interesting. Maybe if they were, I wouldn’t have struggled as much.

    Our desks were arranged in rows. Miss Cringeworthy always started our reading lesson by having the first kid in the first row read the first paragraph. they would be followed by the second kid who would read the second paragraph and so on down the row to start again with row two.

    I was the twelfth kid and near the end of the second row. I looked ahead in the story to find “my paragraph” that I would be reading. Reading it over and over again I hoped I would read it perfectly when it was my turn.

    That was my plan – struggling reader or not!.

    The Worst Silence

    My heart began to beat faster and faster as the eleventh kid was finishing her paragraph. I cleared my throat and I began to read. I thought I was doing fine. But the next thing I heard came from Miss Cringeworthy. At the top of her lungs she bellowed, “STOP!”

    It seemed like the worst silence I have ever experienced, as I felt my heart thump and thought the rest of my classmates could hear the “thump” too.

    From where she was standing at the front of the room, she began to slowly walk down the aisle to where I sat. The only sound in the air was the click-click of her pointy high heels that she stuffed her feet into that morning. Each short step she tookgnawed at me until she stopped and hovered over me. Looking up, her face reminded me of a bowl of quivering Jello and her eyes bulged out. 

    I swallowed and looked right at her.

    “I taught your older sister,” she said softly.

    Pause.

    “And I believe your older brother as well.”

    Another pause that was much too long for any eight-year-old to endure.

    “And you are nothing like them.”

    Still looking at her bulging eyes in a pool of jiggling Jello, I was crushed–I was mortified.

    My eyes welled up and I was ready to bust out and cry. But I don’t know how I did it, but I held it in. 

    But I cried inside. Thankfully the class looked down at their books and said nothing. 

    She click-clicked her way back to the front of the classroom. That was that…until I told my mom…but that is another story.

    Here’s me speaking to a college-level course in 2023 about writing fantasy.

    Photo by Lisa Cipolletti >>

    So…From a Struggling Reader to Writing Fantasy...Years Later

    I never dwelt on this moment but I never forgot it either. Leap forward to 2011. As a lifelong daydreamer and lover of fantasy, I looked back at that moment and decided I wanted to write a story that I would have loved as that kid—and as an adult.

    One that would captivate the reader that was full of mystery, marvel, and magic.

    My story had to be about a young boy who was searching for answers; a story where the mentor was an encouraging guide. I wanted to write about following our heart and our truth. I wrote the first book, The Amulet: Journey to Sirok, of a fantasy trilogy. I called the series The Elias Chronicles.

    Miss Cringeworthy was long gone before I wrote and published Book I of the trilogy, otherwise, I would have delivered her a personally signed copy–with a smile..

    Have you ever had an experience like this one? What did you do about it? Let me know.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Hero’s Journey Monomyth

    A Spiritual Quest & Search for Identity

    E.G. Kardos

    The Hero’s Journey Monomyth is a story structure where the main character, or the hero, reluctantly goes on an adventure from an “ordinary” or everyday world to a “special” or different world.

    “The journey of the hero is about the courage to seek the depths; the image of creative rebirth; the eternal cycle of change within us; the uncanny discovery that the seeker is the mystery which the seeker seeks to know. The hero journey is a symbol that binds, in the

    original sense of the word, two distant ideas, the spiritual quest of the ancients with the modern search for identity, always the one, shape-shifting yet marvelously constant story that we find.”

    ― Joseph Campbell, The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work.

    The hero must overcome challenges and if successful, they come home a changed person.

    There are typically 12 stages of the Hero’s Journey, but they may vary and differ to some degree. Occasionally they are combined. This manner of storytelling is not just good for plot points in a story but an excellent way to develop characters.

    It blows my mind that humans have used the Hero’s Journey to tell stories for thousands of years and humans have done this in every corner of the globe. How did humans who lived thousands of miles from each other and who were separated by oceans come up with the exact blueprint to tell a story? Could it be that humans are hardwired to tell stories? It shows that deep down, we all think and feel in similar ways. 

    The Hero’s Journey Monomyth overlaps cultures simple as that.

    Some of the earliest recorded myths, legends, and folklore from cultures around the world, date back a few thousand years which suggests that the monomyth has been a part of oral traditions well before Joseph Campbell coined the word in the twentieth century.

    In recent times, books that follow this model include The Alchemist, Jane Eyre, The Fault In Our Stars, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Hunger Games to mention a very few. 

    The pattern is not only a format for books, myths, or fables, but the Hero’s Journey is a common model for movies. Star Wars is an example as I understand that Jim Lucas spent time with Joseph Campbell to ensure that the films followed the pattern perfectly. Other movies include the Harry Potter movies (and books) as well as Moana and many animated films such as Lion King. Come to think about it, it is more difficult to find movies that don’t use some version of the Hero’s Journey.

    The Hero’s Journey Monomyth – Here’s a look at how it works:

    These are the most commonly used stages or plot points identified by Joseph Campbell of The Hero’s Journey:

    Departure

    1. The Ordinary World
    2. The Call to Adventure
    3. Refusal of the Call
    4. Meeting the Mentor

    Initiation

    • Crossing the Threshold
    • Tests, Allies, and Enemies
    • Approach to the Inmost Cave
    • The Ordeal

    Return

    • The Reward
    • The Road Back
    • Resurrection
    • Return with the Elixir

    Here’s my take on each of the stages of the Hero’s Journey:

    DEPARTURE

    Ordinary World: One way to look at this stage is ordinary people doing ordinary things in an ordinary life. The “hero” really isn’t a hero just yet but then something falls into their lap—that’s coming up soon, but first, we need to get to know our soon-to-be hero. Sometimes we find out that they are a lot like we are and the more we relate, the better.

    Call to Adventure: As our character goes about their daily business they receive some sort of message, or they stumble onto something, or they find themselves being called to do something unusual. All of sudden things are getting more exciting as the character struggles to make sense of the change they are experiencing. The reader is being pulled in too. 

    Refusal of the Call: In my mind, this is more of how the character reacts to being thrust into a new and scary situation. At this point, the character is reluctant to go further. Many times the character makes excuses for why they need to put blinders on and continue to go about their own business. Don’t we do this when confronted with the unexpected?

    Meeting the Mentor: Business as usual, however, has gotten very complicated for the hero, so they seek out a wise and experienced person for help. They may be a professor, their grandma, or the low achieving high IQ friend. Whoever it is, the mentor gives our character what they need to respond to the “call” with some confidence. Many times we may hear the mentor simply say something like, “Go for it, what do you have to lose?” I usually need to run things by someone I think is smarter and wiser than me.

    INITIATION

    Crossing the Threshold: After some preparation, the hero is ready to go and step into a different world. Many times this is an enchanted world, like when Harry Potter and Ron Weasley run their trolleys into the brick pillar to get aboard the train headed for Hogwarts.

    The hero doesn’t have to be headed to an enchanted world as it could be any major life change for instance something that prompts them to move from the city to the country, the first day at Boot Camp or being “discovered” by a Hollywood agent—that would be pretty cool. The world they are about to enter is far and away different from what they are used to.

    Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero finds out pretty quickly who their friends and allies as is the hero is tested along the way. These are not life and death tests, but they can be grueling events giving the hero some pause and regret that they chose to answer the call. Think about the last time you second-guessed a big decision.

    Approach to the Inmost Cave: As the hero gets closer to the most dangerous part of the journey, true and loyal friendships are solidified. The hero knows who to trust as they approach the uncertainty of their calling. Many times, however, the hero is on their own but knows their allies have their back. Now that’s a good feeling.

    The Ordeal: This is the part of the story that we often think is the climax, but it’s not the “real” climax after all. Our hero has much more to do—and prove later in the story. The hero may confront a life-or-death situation, or they may be facing the greatest fear they had in the ordinary and now it appears in this new or special world. They might come face to face with the hideous power that has stalked them throughout the journey. This “hideous power “can be found in other characters as well. It can be found in situations or events too in both real and symbolic ways. 

    As the hero goes toe to toe with the villain, they find out that they are not exactly ready to take on this evil force. This challenge is like no other and the hero plummets to their lowest ebb. Their spirit is broken. Don’t worry, it’s not the end—it’s upward and onward and the hero finds a way to mend their broken spirit. By doing so, our hero is reborn, but that’s coming up.  

    RETURN

    The Reward: The hero now finds that missing piece that could have made the difference earlier in the story when they were crushed by their nemesis. How do they find it? The hero is somehow rewarded with information, a special weapon, or something they previously overlooked—this reward or the “missing piece” will propel them to victory. 

    The reward is not something new to the story, but it has something to do with the story. It could be knowledge, profound insight, a powerful gem, a book, or another object that will be needed as they confront their enemy one more time before heading back to the ordinary world. 

    With the reward, they are now ready to conquer the dark force that had stripped them of their power during the Ordeal. This is the hero’s rebirth and is key as this transforms the hero into a better version of themselves and ready for anything that comes their way. 

    The Road Back: The hero must, once more, approach the Inmost Cave—the most dangerous part of the journey—to face the villain. This time, however, our hero has all they need to accomplish the call. The hero defeats their archenemy and holds in their hand the elusive treasure. Again, this can be something physical like the Holy Grail, or it can be the treasure that the hero has internalized—a superpower, or maybe even knowledge that will create world peace. 

    Resurrection: When the hero is victorious they are symbolically reborn and at that moment the hero emerges transformed. At this point, the hero journeys home to their ordinary world with their treasure. The Resurrection represents the ultimate transformation of the hero both physically and spiritually. 

    Return with the Elixir: Joseph Campbell termed the treasure as the “elixir” where the hero shares his bounty with his ordinary world. They return home but life is now different—it’s better and the hero has been forever changed.

    Here’s a more in-depth look at a story that follows the hero’s journey.

    A Spiritual Quest & Search for Identity

    Whether fiction imitates life or life imitates fiction, I am convinced that we are all seeking the meaning of our own lives. In the stories that were told thousands of years ago or written yesterday, we are trying to make sense of who we are to our core, where we belong in the world, and if our lives make some kind of difference. The hero’s journey is a spiritual quest and our search for identity.

    I love this quote as it sums it up…

    “A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder. Fabulous forces are there encountered, and a decisive victory is won.” Joseph Campbell

    If interested, here’s more on Joseph Campbell from Bill Moyer’s perspective.

    As you read your next book or watch your next movie, think of this pattern. Not all stories have each plot point outlined above. Some may be combined, but generally, the stories we love, follow this pattern.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Seizing the Day

    The Write Stuff

    E.G. Kardos

    I attended an all-boys Catholic prep school in the 1970s. At that time, most of our teachers were monks who dedicated their lives to the Order of Saint Benedict. They were mostly older, stern men in black robes. Even though some taught Latin, “seizing the day” was not always top of mind.

    Most were very good teachers. However, looking back I’d have to say the teacher who inspired me the most happened not to be a member of the monastic order. He happened to be one of the few laymen who taught us—Mr. Storino.

    Our Introduction

    It was the end of August and marked the beginning of my sophomore year in 1975 when twenty-five of us, or so, filed into Mr. Storino’s English Literature class. He sat at his desk, nose down reading a thick tome.

    His classroom was on the second or third floor of a century-old building and as we learned in science class, heat rises—it was hot. There was no air conditioning. The large windows were raised as high as they would go letting in a periodic breeze here and there. 

    Moments passed and we continued to sit quietly as we heard classical music coming from an old record player. We didn’t dare say a word.  

    Colorful Posters

    His classroom felt alive and there was an energy–a vibe. It was unlike all other rooms in that old building. The other teachers were “old school” and probably didn’t see the value in creating a cool learning environment. Their classrooms were barren besides the occasional cracks in the plaster or a crucifix. But, Mr. Storino’s walls were adorned with colorful posters of Impressionism or Abstract art among many other provocative wall hangings. Against the walls were bookcases that overflowed with all kinds of books.  Sitting in my seat, I looked around the room and all I could do was smile.

    Letting the Words Take Us – Seizing the Day

    More than a decade before Robin Williams gave life to Mr. Keating in the movie Dead Poets Society, Mr. Storino was all about seizing the day—carpe diem.  He wanted us to grab hold of the words of a story and let them take us somewhere other than that old classroom in that hot archaic building. 

    For those of us who took advantage of his enthusiasm, and I did, we became equipped to appreciate the required tenth-grade literature with open eyes.  

    His assignments made us think—and feel. Mr. Storino wanted more from us than what most fifteen-year-olds typically wanted to give in class—being vulnerable wasn’t in a teen boys’ lexicon. 

    He talked with us, not at us. He wanted my thoughts on what I read? Really?

    Not until many years later, did I realize just how much he awakened me to literature. He inspired me in so many ways, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from him. At that time I began to realize it is okay to like, or maybe even love, literature and to seek it out.  I looked forward to his class where we could discuss The Metamorphosis, Brave New World, Catcher in the Rye, or… the list goes on.

    Time Presses On

    That was fifty years ago—wow! After that year, Mr. Storino took a position at a local public school, and I have not seen him since. Recently, I learned that he had a long teaching career and was heralded as one of the finest English teachers in his district. 

    Learning that about him made me feel even more fortunate.

    When my novel, Cutting of Harp Strings, was published a friend helped me to locate him. As if I were fifteen again, I was a bit shy asking him to read it, but he was delighted and read it at once.

    Since my best grade on any of my compositions in his class was a B+ (but mostly C+s if I’m honest), I was worried about how he would evaluate my latest work. However, I was pleasantly surprised—more like elated—by the “grade” and review he gave the book on Amazon.

    Teachers have so much to give. They have an awesome power and he played a major part in my love for reading and writing fiction.

    He is a true inspiration.

    Thanks, Mr. Storino!

    Who influenced you the most? 

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Why Write? What Does It All Mean?

    Article published in Boomer Magazine, May 21, 2023

    Read more: Why Write? What Does It All Mean?

    E.G. Kardos

    My solitary path that I journeyed to reach “Cutting of Harp Strings” (2021) began in late 1994. One word led to another and after many rewrites over many years, the story became real. I could touch it, see it, hear it, smell it, and feel it.

    This story celebrates life and its many paradoxical but inseparable forces in our universe – some may call it the yin and yang. We all experience such forces both outwardly and inwardly. It’s unimaginable to think of life without this duality,

    but life as we now know it would cease to exist. such duality, we learn about ourselves and attempt to find meaning. I’m not the first to say this, but we are perhaps more interested in the meaning of our life than the meaning of life. I must agree with Socrates as he said, “The unexamined life is not worth living”. We are reflective by nature but we, many times, overlook or are unwilling to find meaning from our introspection. Just look at history and how we, humankind, seldom heed its message.

    “Know Thyself”

    Also attributed to Socrates is the phrase, “Know thyself.” If we are willing to peel back the layers that humanity has heaped upon each of us, we may actually like—and love—who we are. It is up to us, one by one, to dig deep within our core to find a beauty we all possess. The core is always where answers live as they are seldom floating like a flower petal upon the surface of a pond. It takes reaching our hand below the murky surface to find what is truly there.

    “Cutting of Harp Strings” celebrates, most of all, our relationships with those who matter most to us. We yearn for acceptance, affirmation, and intimacy. There is no one right path to find this in our lives. There are, however, inevitable detours along the path that impede our progress. Such detours, like denial, trick us and point us in different directions. We may have little or no clue of how we managed to be deceived—but it happens. Sometimes we are misled, urged to fit in, or discouraged from asking questions for any number of reasons. Some of us find the answers but continue down a misguided path. Could it be because we’re humans? Just a thought.

    Our existence is about the many extraordinary connections we all experience. Those connections sometimes come in the form of shared moments. Like words, moments when collected and strung together, tell the tale of our lives. Our reality is made up of more than the big moments but made up of those intimate, fun, quiet, scary, insightful, quirky, bizarre, and mystical moments as well. If you are like most, you have experienced such moments.

    Starting With that First Word

    When I wrote the first sentence of this story, I had no idea what kind of journey I was on, but once in motion, there was no turning back. Eli, Aiden, and others told me who they were and where they were headed even though they were not sure themselves—such is life. I learned so much from their adventure as they invited me in. Writers don’t know the answers, but they do ask the questions.

    Writers don’t know the answers, but they do ask the questions.

    When I wrote the first pages, I was someone else. I concentrated on the “rules of the road” and what was “supposed to be” in every novel. Life isn’t like that, and neither is this story. What I came to realize was that this journey is far more important to tell today than when I typed the first letter many years ago… no “spoilers” here as you will have to read it to find out.

    What I Learned

    As I wrote this story, what I learned most of all is that humanity is all about belief systems and ideologies, and because of this, humanity creates its own reality. If you will, our world is all imagined even though the sun shines, the waves of the oceans slap the shore, and the lightning strikes at will. However, life as far as I can tell is all about what goes on in our hearts. It’s how we feel about and engage with each other, our world, and our creator. More importantly, we shape our life as it springs from how we feel about the one person for whom we should love first, no matter what—ourselves.

    Why do you read? Or write? What does it mean to you?

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write. Here’s more about me and my books.

    Latest Posts

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    All Posts

    Please notify me when you publish a new blog post.

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