Pamela Jaye Smith & MYTHWORKS
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APPLIED MYTHOLOGY
Story Consultation & Marketing
Seminars, Retreats, Downloads
Personal Mythology / Organizational Mythology
Writing-for-Hire: fiction, non-fiction, scripts
Here Comes the Judge -- Who decides what, how, and why? The answers really do matter. There are lots of examples in myth and history that offer both entertaining and thought-provoking perspectives.
Thriver Sisterhood - not just a story, but a movement.
A new film from the very talented Bruce Logan. Check out
"Lost Fare".
Plus Articles & Books, Clients in the News, Coming Attractions - including the live seminar
"Mythic Challenges: Create Stories that Change the World".
Find out how Applied Mythology can work for you personally, your projects, your organization. Our team can assist you, from brain-storming to coaching to writing, design, editing, marketing, and more. Any genre, any style, any platform. Plus workshops and retreats on creativity and communication.
Free
20 minute consultation - mention this newsletter when you
email to set up an appointment.
Pamela Jaye & the MYTHWORKS Team
Applied Mythology for Individuals, Organizations, and Creative Projects
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FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
Find out how Applied Mythology can work for you, your projects, your organization.
Free 20 minute consultation. Just mention this news-
letter when you
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The judge sat on an elaborate stone chair up on a dais. A lion crouched at his side. Both glared out at whoever approached the throne. The lion, it was said, was able to smell a liar and at the first whiff of perjury would leap on the would-be deceiver and devour them on the spot.
Needless to say, this cut down on frivolous lawsuits, vindictive plaintiffs, and prevaricating witnesses.
Or so it was said about one of the Egyptian Pharaohs.
More effective than an electronic lie-detector test or a Senate hearing, but a bit harder to control, one might suppose.
"As he thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Proverbs 23:7 Old Testament of the Bible
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We all make judgements every day. The blue shirt or the red one...avocado toast or eggs and steak...go for a walk or sit on the sofa...'The Good Place' or 'Game of Thrones'...?
Okay, maybe better to call those decisions, not judgements, since the word judgement carries more gravitas. Judgement can mean the difference between freedom and incarceration, between individual rights and establishment control, between life and death.
History
and myth are rich with examples of judges and regents both good and bad, wise and vindictive. From the Bible's Solomon to Camelot's King Arthur to the Burmese Duttabaung, wisdom is greatly honoured. Even Genghis Kahn's vast empire had a pretty effective legal system: it was said a beautiful virgin could walk from one end of the empire to the other carrying a bag of gold and both would arrive untouched.
Ideally, a system of justice would embody equality of treatment to all, regardless of power, class, money, gender, race, whatever.
In the real world, justice systems vary according to who is making and enforcing the laws. It's usually those in power who make the laws with the agenda of imposing their idea of order, sometimes working for some sort of equality, but more often intended to control others to the advantage of the law-makers, judges, and enforcers.
An early justice system was set up by Athenian lawmaker Draco in 621 BCE. Though he supposedly designed a constitution that gave rights to regular soldiers and not just the upper classes, the range of laws were quite severe and punishment was, across the board -- death. To this day, harsh laws are called 'Draconian' and usually are applied to laws designed to maintain power, suppress others, and often lock up or outright eliminate certain people, classes, religions or ethnicities without regard to rights, equitability, or actual justice.
In the American west that approach was legendized in Hanging Judges and elsewhere in Kangaroo Courts - where unofficial people take the law into their own hands, like in the novel and film, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. The cult classic movie "Boondock Saints" is about two Irish Catholic brothers who take the law into their own hands in Boston and mete out punishment to the baddies. Chaos ensues.
In 1215 in England, the Magna Carta was first formed between the king and the barons. In Western law it's seen as the platform for individual rights, habeas corpus (protecting the accused from being unlawfully detained), and trial by jury.
A major world problem now, be it in MMDs [Murderous Military Dictatorships] or in Democracies, is the incarceration of people for minor infractions, political dissent, classism, ethnic cleansing, and more. Check out World Incarceration Rates
Are people being impartially judged by their alleged criminal actions, or by their position or lack thereof within a society? If we're working under the assumption that a person is 'Innocent until proven guilty', why then does America have the highest per capita incarceration rate on the planet?
"Just because it's legal, doesn't mean it's ethical."
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Many religious systems and mythologies include judgement, typically after death. In the Egyptian system you come before the judge Osiris: your heart is placed on a scale and weighed against a feather of Maat, the Goddess of Truth. If you don't measure up, you'll be gobbled up by the monster Ammit. The astrological sign of Libra and the iconic Blind Justice reflect this concept.
In Zoroastrianism, the soul is judged by a Genie of Justice. Deeds, positive and negative, are entered into a ledger and an accountant reckons up the totals. [Probably without the use of QuickBooks.] Even tiny infractions are figured in and if you're in deficit, off to Hell you go. If it's even, Limbo's your destination until the apocalypse and the Final Judgement. Lots of these ideas were adopted into Christianity.
Judgemental deities are often seen as socio-psychological tools to get people to behave even without the presence of law enforcement - a sort of 'policeman on your shoulder' or a dapper Jiminy Cricket without all the hellfire.
The Behave-or-Else system can impose order but that insistent judgementalism can also express as suppression, repression, and at the extremes, ethnic cleansing and genocide.
"Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Matthew 7:1 - New Testament,
the Bible
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Judges ideally work with established laws to decide the fate of those alleged to have broken those laws, but that isn't always how it goes.
The problem with judges within a system is that they are within that system. They are selected and approved by the system in order to serve the system. According to the basic tenets of the US Government, it should be "of the people, by the people, and for the people". How often is that in play these days?
 Change doesn't happen in a broken system without motivation for change within the system. Not in the people, but in the systems. As long as there's profit for incarcerating people, people will be incarcerated, whether it's the old chain gangs or making license plates, fighting forest fires, or whatever. This is allowed in the US under the 13th Amendment. [See the movie 13th.]
As long as the power elite fear for their positions of power there will be a weighted justice system. As long as regular people do not engage the system it typically won't work for them but for those who control it.
The good news is that when the populace is 'mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore' a system stands a very poor chance of standing as is. See more at the American Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. [If you haven't read these lately, do check them out ..quite informative.]
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What makes a good judge? Integrity, honour, honesty, compassion, knowledge, vision, and a balanced sense of justice that encompasses all concerned as well as the effects a decision will have on the future.
As best we can, it behooves us all to participate in the crafting of the system of laws and the selection of judges. After all, it's we who will be personally affected by the choices made.
These days it's even more important that every citizen - no matter your position or your politics - participate. It's a duty and a privilege. Let's all use it.
"Democracy is not a spectator sport."
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MYTH TIPS
Lawyers? Shakespeare in Henry VI has a character suggest, "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers". Probably not a good idea.
But speaking of lawyers, some Egyptian myths say that at the trial of Set for killing his brother the king god Osiris, there were 72 lawyers. Most likely it's a storified note that 72 is the number of degrees of a circle when divided by five. The number shows up in lots of myths, including the number of virgins allotted a Muslim martyr - an unfortunate mistranslation of astronomical plotting of the heavens.
 And speaking of judgement, do watch the highly entertaining and thought-provoking TV series, "The Good Place".
When you next visit the Louvre in Paris, check out the stele with Hammurabi's Laws, one of the earliest codes of law.
THINK ABOUT THIS
What laws do you find frivolous or Draconian?
What laws - old, contemporary, or yet to be -- would you like to see truly enacted and why?
Would you ever want to be a judge, with all that entails about responsibility for the fate of others?
Perhaps the best advice ever about judgement --
"Be excellent to each other. And...party on, dudes!"
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
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If you're making message media - whether fiction or non-fiction -- we can help you put the Mythic Tools of Themes, Archetypes, and Symbols to use in your project using our Mythic Challenges - Create Stories that Change the World.
Our consulting services can also help you better align with the 4-part Creative Process to be more efficient and effective in your works.
What's your Personal Myth? What ArchePath are you living and what's the next best one for you to move into?
We offer a
FREE 20-minute consultation to discuss how we might work together to help move your projects forward.
Email to make an appointment.
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It addresses a major world problem about sexual abuse and how to move beyond it.
This blog by Founder Nancy Harkrider contains dialogue from the screenplay that illustrates the damage of anxiety - and steps towards healing and thriving. Watch the video that demonstrates how rituals can be redemptive for women who were abused as children.
Pamela Jaye's work with Nancy included helping design the redemptive ritual.
In the screenplay, four women who share the collateral damage of abusive childhoods act with extraordinary humanness and bravery in search of their personal redemptions.
Instead of sad stories about stolen childhoods, this story takes audiences into a world so rich that they root for these resilient survivors, hurt and cry with them, laugh with them, and ultimately find themselves swept into a world of hope and possibilities within them.
Founder Nancy Harkrider asks that after you view the fire ritual video, please help get the word out by:
- Posting on our blog
- Sharing it with women who could benefit
- Forwarding it to a drama therapist who might find it useful
- Contacting us if you would like to volunteer
Gratitude in advance for helping our team build a following that can empower survivors to become Thrivers.
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...and special Colleagues, too.
Bruce Logan is a world-famous director, cinematographer, speaker, writer, colorist, and special effects wonder -- he blew up the Death Star in the first STAR WARS film!
"Lost Fare" is based on true events and characters. An 11 year old disabled girl, routinely pimped out by her prostitute mother, is saved by a suicidal cab driver. Together, they go on a journey of redemption that forever changes their lives.
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| Bruce Logan, Alexis Rosinsky, Elliot Rosenblatt |
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Do check out Bruce's newest creative project.
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I'm fortunate to have worked with Bruce on many projects over the years, including team-teaching, screenplays, documentary, and commercials, including one that garnered an Axiem Award.
Bruce (seated by camera below) was Director-Cinematographer and I was Producer on this Hyundai car commercial with a big camera, big equipment and big crew on a big stage. And just think -- now you can make movies with a smart phone.
Wishing you all much success with "Lost Fare"!
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Client George Alexanian's feature screenplay 'Knight of Destiny' has placed in the semi-finals in the LA International and the quarter-finals in the Page International Screenwriting Awards. That means it's in the top 10% of all contest entries, regardless of genre.
'Knight of Destiny' - In the thirteenth century, a valiant young English warrior aspires for knighthood to fight their arch-enemy the French, unaware that he's the son of the King of France.
George's dedication to his vision and the development of his craft have been inspiring to observe.
CONGRATULATIONS, George!
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A gorgeous magazine from the South Island of New Zealand, edited by the talented photographer Caroline Davies.
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Researchers explore why we relate to character.
For thousands of years, humans have relied on storytelling to engage, to share emotions and to relate personal experiences. Now, psychologists are exploring the mechanisms deep within the brain to better understand just what happens when we communicate.
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Coming Soon --
A collection of diverse short stories on various topics from the thoughtful to the sly, from social commentary to sexual foibles.
Drama, romance, sci-fi, satire, fantasy, old Hollywood, new Hollywood, and New York.
In "The Oopsie Memos", females settled this planet. When it was time for sepra-breeding they ordered males. But something went awry in the interstellar shipping department... Oops! Now what?
[Two of the pieces placed in the ScreenCraft Short Story contest.]
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Our
Mythic Challenges consultations offer Mythic Themes, Archetypes, and Symbols to help you 'Create Stories that Change the World'.
Email for a FREE 20 minute discussion on how we can assist your message goals.
Story services include Brain Storming, Consultations, Book Planning, Editing, and Writer-for-Hire.
Mythic Tools work for any style, any genre, and any platform, from printed book to Virtual Reality.
!!! MAKE GREAT MYTHS !!!
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GLAWS - Greater Los Angeles Writers Society
[BCX = Boot Camp Extreme]
Oct. 12-15, 2018
Los Angeles Valley College, Campus Center
5800 Fulton Ave, Van Nuys CA 91401
Greater Los Angeles Writers Society is a great group of writers who gather to learn from experts in the field of publishing and all that entails, plus share their own insights and experiences.
And they're really creative and lots of fun. Hope to see you there.
"Master Your Creative Process" - Saturday 2:30pm
"Heroes, Anti-Heroes, Super-Heroes & Heroines" - Sat 6:00pm
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Oct. 16-18 - Skirball / Tuesday 16th 1:30 - 7:30pm
at the Skirball, Los Angeles
Panels, discussions, and demonstrations in current and cutting-edge trends in digital media.
It's always good to see how much creativity and originality is being shaped and encouraged in these young writers and filmmakers.
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Is your story issue-oriented? Do you want to raise awareness and motivate your audience to action?
Learn to use the classic story tools of Mythic Themes, Archetypes, and Symbols to give your story global appeal.
Address some of the 15 Global Challenges facing humanity today as protagonist goals and dramatic conflict [water, women's rights, the rich-poor gap, technology, ecology, international organized crime, etc.]
Identify believable storylines, approaches, methods, and techniques for your characters to affect change.
Put yourself ahead of the curve-of-change with the powerful, universal story tools in this seminar.
Join us in real time, with real people, for real results.
Tuesday Oct 23rd / 7-9 pm $25.00
5628 Vineland Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91601
And do check out the dozens of video interviews
and podcasts with media-makers at the Film Courage website.
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CBW-LA Childrens Book Writers of LA
Saturday Nov 3 / 1-4pm
LA area
'Story-Telling for Social Justice & Advancement'
Kathie Fong Yoneda & Pamela Jaye Smith
People are seeking solutions to the world's challenges. One way for creatives to help is to write stories that raise awareness about the challenges as well as suggest solutions - all while being engaging and entertaining.
Registration includes copies of both Kathie's and Pamela Jaye's books.
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Nov 28-30, 2018
La Casa del Cinema di Roma
Rome Italy
Pamela Jaye will be moderating the Foreign Festival Directors panel on Thu Nov 29th from 4-6pm in the Sala Kodak.
Thanks to Janet De Nardis, Founder and Artistic Director of the Roma Web Fest, for the invitation to participate this year.
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ONLINE COURSES
SAVVY AUTHORS will host this workshop by Pamela Jaye in 2018, with more to come in 2019.
"Make Your Memoir Mythic" 10/22/18 - 11/18/18
Here's my article for Savvy Authors on
How Creativity Works.
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Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers
Learn how symbols and images have been used in story-telling across ages and cultures and how you can do the same.
10/08/2018 - 11/04/2018
8 lessons over 4 weeks / attend on your schedule / get personal feedback on the exercises
Rocaberti Writers Retreat
Oct 12-17, 2018
Marouatte Castle, The Dordogne, France
Dr. Linda Seger will be one of the Mentors at this retreat.
Check Rocaberti for other upcoming retreats.
Pamela Jaye will be a Mentor in July 2019. Friday, July 12th to Wednesday, July 17th.
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PITCHING YOUR PROJECTS
There are lots of Virtual PitchFests going on all the time, plus many listing services like InkTip.
We can help you get your story ready to pitch, be it a Story Consultation, writing the Pitch Materials for you [Logline, Pitch, Synopsis], selecting the target companies most appropriate for your project, or Pitch Coaching by Skype or in person.
Email us for more details.
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ONGOING
Story consultations and coaching for all media and genres - from initial brain-storming to private classes to detailed feedback and suggestions.
Personal Myth Consultations -- Who are you? Who and what do you want to be? What's your ArchePath? What myth are you currently living? Understand your Personal Myth and empower your life.
Email for a free 20 minute consultation on how we might work together to enhance your creativity and accomplishments.
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Give us a call and use the Free 20 Minute Consultation to discuss how we might help you craft your own creative projects using Mythic Themes, Archetypes, and Symbols.
Mythic Tools work in any genre, any style, and any platform from novels to features to web series or VR, from fiction to non-fiction to message media.
Pamela Jaye & the MYTHWORKS Team 323-874-6447 email MYTHWORKS Mythic Challenges Alpha Babe Academy  |
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