Chapter 1: The Burden of a Hero

Imagine you’ve crafted a protagonist with a tumultuous history, divine ties, and a fierce demeanor. He embarks on a perilous journey under the scorching Aegean sun, his gleaming shield reflecting the heat. Perched on a high cliff, he gazes at the vast, azure sea, where enemy ships spread out across the horizon. The following day, most of his troops may meet their end in battle. They’re anxious, looking to their leader for reassurance.

His loyal lieutenant approaches, eyeing the ominous fate awaiting them.

"The men are unsettled. Many are either too inexperienced or too seasoned for this conflict. They need your strength to face this challenge."

The hero turns to his lieutenant, then back to the horizon, responding:

"I think you have me mistaken for the legendary Agamemnon."

The Struggle with Sarcasm and Sincerity

How do I keep modern sarcasm or post-modern irony from seeping into my epic narrative? How can I honor someone's genuine seriousness when I question my own? I’m no battle-hardened warrior; a simple sneeze can leave me in agony.

The common wisdom suggests that writers should pen what they know, but that only addresses a fraction of the dilemma. It doesn’t allow for the exploration of unfamiliar territories. To create believable characters in scenarios outside my experience, I find myself dissecting my identity into countless fragments, multiplying them by every social interaction I've had, and then reshaping or discarding the characters I've previously encountered. This meticulous process consumes an immense amount of time, which is why my fiction output remains limited, with only a few credible characters emerging. Yet, I face another hurdle.

Comedy as a Safe Haven

I resonate more with Chandler than Agamemnon. My perspective on life is inherently comedic. This viewpoint works when I aim for humor, but it complicates my attempts at conveying pathos, tragedy, or any other serious themes. Even when I inadvertently infuse comedy into my writing, I struggle to adopt a solid stance in a world rife with relativity and power dynamics.

Crafting genuine characters is a perilous endeavor; it reveals too much about me as the creator. I’m not ready to confront that reality. Comedy serves as a shield, allowing me to mock both myself and the notion of aggression. It masks my feelings of anger, enabling me to find solace in laughter even when I’m hurting.

The Limits of Writing What You Know

I prefer to evoke smiles rather than grimaces. The mantra of writing from personal experience often leaves me feeling exposed. But perhaps I misinterpret this guidance. Writing about what I know doesn’t confine me to the experiences of aging, corporate struggles, or the complexities of parenthood.

Rather, what I truly understand is the fear of stepping out from behind my defenses. If I can articulate that journey, I can set my narrative in ancient Greece or any place I choose, transcending my personal limitations.

Exploring the Depths of Music in Storytelling

The first video explores the hidden meanings within the score of "The Last Jedi" and how music shapes storytelling in epic narratives.

Humor in the Face of Adversity

The second video illustrates a comedic moment from "Friends," highlighting how humor can provide relief in challenging situations.