Archetype. It means an original pattern of which all other similar persons, objects, or concepts are derived, copied, modeled, or emulated. 

Basically, archetypes come from the basic personality types that make up all people. And we take those strong personality types to create our larger-than-life characters. I think, the more thought and planning one puts into developing a fictional character, by weaving in a few realistic traits, the more three dimensional of a character ends up coming alive on the pages.

These are our Frodo's, our Aslan's, Harry's, Peter Pan's and I can go on. Those characters that stick with us, are unforgettable and so realistic that readers talk and think about them as if they were real people, indeed. 

Today, I'll go over some of the archetypes that are most popular. These are ones that have resonated most over the past generations of literature. 

1. The Innocent
The free-spirited, wants to be happy and is often a little naive. They are your romantics, dreamers, mystics. 
Places we've seen Innocents: 
Pippen from LOTR, the Unicorn from The Last Unicorn, Snow White, Dory. 
​

2. The Orphan/Regular Guy or Gal
The one who desires to belong, most down to earth, emphatic, realistic, the good friend or neighbor. 

Places we've seen the Orphan:
Ron, from Harry Potter, Merry from LOTR, Simba from The Lion King. (But he's also a hero)


3. The Hero
Competent, courageous, also known as a warrior, rescuer, superhero. Often also considered the Chosen One. They can be arrogant, over-determined, and apathetic when trying to attain their goals. 
They will keep going and find a way to get what they want. 

Places we've seen the Hero:
Frodo from LOTR, Harry from Harry Potter, Neo from The Matrix, Atreyu from The Neverending Story, 


4. The Caregiver
Protector and caregiver of others, generous, altruistic, helper. Can become a martyr and can also be easily exploited. They can also easily exploit others. 

Places we've seen the Caregiver:
Cinderella's step-mother, Hagrid from HP, Obi Wan from Star Wars, Charlotte from Charlotte's Web.


​

5. The Explorer
They need and seek out freedom. The seeker, wanderer, individualist or pilgrim. Because they can't settle down they can become misfits, tend to be aimless and feel emptiness though they fear becoming trapped. 

Places we've seen Explorers:
Indiana Jones, Captain Kirk from Star Trek, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, 

6. The Rebel  (Guard your hearts)
The rule breaker, the revolutionary, wild man, misfit, outlaw and iconoclast. Often driven by revenge or revolution. Can be prone to crossing over to the dark side. 

Places we've seen the Rebel/Outlaw:
Katniss from The Hunger Games, the Wolverine, Batman, Hermoine from HP (despite her desire to follow the rules, she fights against the treatment of house elves and mudbloods and organizes Dumbledor's Army.)  Captain Sparrow and Robin Hood. 

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7. The Lover
People-person, out-ward directed, passion, gratitude, commitment and loyal friend. But they are also afraid of being left out, of being alone and will transform themselves to be whatever others need them to be. 

Places we've seen Lovers: 
Luna from Harry Potter, Sam from LOTR, Lucy from Narnia, Anna from Frozen


8. The Creator
Whatever they imagine, they will find a way for it to be done. The artist, inventor, dreamer. 
Sometimes their greatest fear is being mediocre to the point they'll never accomplish anything because it isn't good enough. 
​
Places we've seen Creators:
Wednesday Addams from the Addams Family, Doc from Back to the Future,  Tony Stark from Iron Man, the Dwarves from LOTR. 


​

9. The Jester
Joyful, playful, frivolous, trickster, practical joker. The comic relief character.

Places we've seen the Jester:
Weasley twins from Harry Potter, Merry and Pippen from LOTR,  Beetlejuice, the Genie from Aladdin. 


10. The Sage
They will seek out the truth, they are the philosopher, the thinking, detective, teacher, planner.
Sometimes they get so caught up in their studies that they never act. 

Places we've seen the Sage:
Of course, Gandalf from LOTR, Spock from Star Trek, but also the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, and Haymitch (despite being a drunk) from The Hunger Games. 


11. The Magician
The one who makes things happen. Also known as the visionary, the healer, shaman, catalyst and inventor. Their problem is that they usually want to use their power for their own purposes.
They can be manipulative.

Places we see the Magician:
King Haggard from The Last Unicorn,  Sarumon from LOTR,  Snape from Harry Potter, and Gandalf from LOTR.

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12. The Ruler
They desire control and power. They are leaders, aristocrats, the person who manages the rest of the gang. 

Places we've seen Rulers:
Aragorn from LOTR, President Snow from Hunger Games,  The Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland, Darth Vadar from Star Wars.
Not all ruler characters are the bad guy, but a lot of them are. 

I hope this was helpful in breaking down Archetypes for you. I tried to keep something very complex and fascinating as simple as possible for you.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll have a look around and get to know me a little better. I write both Fantasy and Romance, check the tabs above to see what series I have available. 

Before you go, I wanted to talk about one of my books, and then invite you to check out my fantasy Facebook page where you can pick up a free book, just for stopping in. 

Today, my newest fantasy release, Blood and Water, is on sale for only .99¢ (Normally, it sells for $3.99!)
amzn.to/2XbZMsw
And do please visit me on facebook where you can pick up a freebie on me. 

References:
http://www.soulcraft.co/essays/the_12_common_archetypes.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungian_archetypes

​https://blog.reedsy.com/12-common-character-archetypes-every-writer-should-already-know/

Explanation of the Hero's Journey - A plot outline I use often, especially in fantasy.
​https://blog.reedsy.com/heros-journey/
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#FantasyMonth Blog Tour:


February 1
Jenelle Schmidt - Tour Schedule
Selina J. Eckert - Fantasy Favorites


February 4
Crystal Crawford - World Building
Katy Huth Jones - Book Review


February 5
Deep Magic - Fantasy Favorites
Jenelle Schmidt - A Game of Tag
Laura VanArendonk Baugh - Research and Writing Fantasy
Elizabeth Koetsier


February 6
Nicki Chapelway


February 7
Jenelle Schmidt - Author Spotlight: Terry Brooks


February 8
Kyle Robert Shultz - Non-Human Characters


February 9
Amelia Nichole - Fantasy review compilation for 2019
Lila Kims - Genres


February 11
Katy Huth Jones – Book Review
Crystal Crawford - Characters/worldbuilding/how to
Savannah Jezowski - Favorite Fantasy Characters


February 12
Laurie Lucking - Characters
Jenelle Schmidt - Awesome Fantasy Movies


February 13
Nicki Chapelway - Genre/characters/plots/tag


February 14
Melissa Rose Gardiner - Review
Jenelle Schmidt - Classic Fantasy Books Everyone Should Read


February 15
Selina J. Eckert - Genres


February 16
Amelia Nichole
Laura Matthias Bendoly


February 18
Katy Huth Jones - Book Review
Crystal Crawford - Characters/world-building/how to


February 19
Jenelle Schmidt- Favorite Tropes


February 20
Nicki Chapelway - Genre/characters/plots/tag
Kendra E. Ardnek - Character interview


February 21
DJ Edwardson - Research
Jenelle Schmidt - Favorite Sub-Genres
Jackie Castle - Archetypes


February 22
Kyle Robert Shultz - Book Review: Sea Witch by Sarah Henning


February 23
T.R. Gemmell - Research


February 25
Katy Huth Jones - Book Review
Savannah Jezowski - 10 Great Fantasy Books Everyone Should Read


February 26
Jenelle Schmidt - Character Interview


February 27
Nicki Chapelway - Genre/characters/plots/tag


February 28
Nicola Pike - Tropes
Lauricia Matuska - Review
Jenelle Schmidt - Best Fantasy Books to read with kids
​

Welcome to the final day of our Valentines Countdown to Great Giveaways!

I hope you've come away with more than just a load of books and gifts, I hope you've found some treasures along the way to store in your heart.

Today, I'd like to finish up our countdown by talking to you all about the Language of LOVE. 

If you subscribe to my newsletter, then you know I often features books from friends each week. 

These are not necessarily books that I've read, but I do try to feature books from authors who write clean stories in my genres. So, with that said, I encourage you to always check the book out before you purchase. Read reviews, read the blurb, make sure it is something you are comfortable with.

One more disclaimer on prices: They are subject to change and I have no control over that. Some are on Kindle Unlimited (if you are a member, you'll be able to read them for free. 

Did you know that you can try out a Kindle Unlimited Membership free for the first 30 days? 

I have these books on Kindle Unlimited at this time:

Continue reading to see more special offers from other authors....

Last year I released The Heart Collector and I must say, it's one of my favorite Madison Creek Township novellas. 

When I was younger, I heard about someone writing a letter to their "older" self concerning the guy they hoped to eventually marry. I thought that was a brilliant idea! So, I did the same thing. 

You know, planning out these thing in advance is prudent for a young girl who has a whole life spread out before her. 

I kept that letter in my special box, waiting year after year for me to open before I married Mr. Right.
And that night before my wedding, I opened my secret box, pulled out the yellowed envelope, and slowly opened it. The penmanship was in childish print, odd sized letters and hearts over the i's. The paper was torn from a school notebook and still had the ripped tabs running down the side. 

Taking a deep breath, I read through the letter, written by my younger self. 

I'd like to start off wishing everyone a happy New Year!

I'm really excited about what's coming in 2019 and wanted to take a moment to update you on some special deals going on this week. 

If you wish to keep up with special offers and events I'm participating in, then consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter by clicking here.​

​In the land of Alburnium live a race of enchanted beings, called the Logorians, who inhabit the White City. In celebration of the Prince’s birthday season, they’ve decided to gather together the first three books of the White Road Chronicles collection and bind them into one.

The bound volume, reveling in the beginning tales of the Illuminate children- Tarek and Alyra – along with their brave group of friends, will go out across the kingdom for all to enjoy.

However, the special collection will only be available during this magical celebration time. As the last glow of this season fades, so will the chance to attain this special offering come to an end.
​
Seize yours now…while time remains. 

Looking for a Christmas gift for your favorite reader? You will be able to load someone's e-reader with the first three book from the White Road Chronicles for nearly half the price of purchasing them separately. 
Haven't read the White Road Chronicles yet? Here's your chance to try out the series.

In this special edition, there will be a special note from me about the writing of Illuminated, Luminosity and Emanate. This offer will only be available until the end of 2017 and will only be offered in ebook format, at your favorite retailer. 

Keep watch for when it releases on November 20th. Just in time for your Thanksgiving Holiday. 

Okay, so I admit it. I cringe and whine outwardly when the Christmas decorations start to show up in the department stores, but inwardly, my heart gives a little cheer.

Yes! It says, We can start digging out the tree soon. In just six more weeks. Tops. Of course, Mr. Castle prefers to wait until after Thanksgiving. 

But maybe if we just bring out the decorations and wait on the tree. A few snow-globes mixed in with the fall foliage, right? We can get away with at least that.... right? I try to stay strong and tell my excited little heart no, we need to wait. 

But still, that desire remains, and an eagerness for Christmas carols and glittering lights grows with each falling leaf and cold morning. Can I get an AMEN here? 

I know some folks think rushing the season is silly. But is it really rushing it, or extending it? Or, spreading it out? 
Ha! I feel like I'm grasping for straws here. LOL! 

So here's the thing, I put up my Christmas story early. I tried to be good and wait, but... 

This has the be the biggest RaffleCopter giveaway I've ever seen. In celebration of Jessica Therrien's Carry Me Home release, she is hosting a humongous Fantasy book giveaway contest. Details below. Be sure to enter and stock your e-library (and shelf library) with some terrific books! 

Not too long ago, my bookshelves were like sacred ground. Wherever we moved, my boxes (heavy) of books (which Mr. Castle often threaten to throw in the nearest dumpster) would go with us. Didn't matter if I'd read the books before. If I loved them, they stayed with me. 

Some still do. 

Then the e-readers became popular. At the time, I was working at a bookstore and purchased my first reader, a nook, for a really great price. And I was hooked.