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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

What Archery Teaches Us

Admit it. Archers are so cool.. Like WAY cool. So I'm gonna do a little roundup and tell you about a few of my favorite Archers in literature! You've probably heard of them, maybe you're read or seen their own unique stories. And then, I'm gonna take a look at them from a writers perspective.


First up is Katniss from the Hunger Games. Are you really surprised? She kicks some serious butt. This girl knows what she wants and is passionate about it. She holds the things she loves close and protects it with the said passion. She's got a soul and not to mention she won a freaking gladiator match.


Second, we have Legolas from Lord of the Rings. Um, do I really need to say ANYTHING at this point? Nope. Didn't think so. 


Our third observation is Robin Hood from...well, Robin Hood. This guy is a legend. So many stories, movies, plays, re-enactments and stories have been done of his famous tales and adventures. (Like Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen) His efforts to bestow justice in a community where none exists. He's loyal to his people and his band, and is willing to do what is necessary, but on the side he has a romantic side. Gosh, darnit, he's pretty legit if I do say so myself.


Kudos must also be given to Princess Merida from Brave. First Disney princess anyway to break out of the Disney Princess icon. She's fierce and she knows what she wants. She'll fight for her freedom and she's pretty vocal about where the stands. But in the end she's still loyal to those she loves. She's a little fireball of independence with a pretty great aim.

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So yeah, just to name a few. But what exactly, can we learn from these great archers, and/or their skill sets? I'll tell you. Here are a few comparisons I've found:

#1) Writing isn't all Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. Of course we all know that. Anyone can write, just like anyone could probably make the arrow leave the bow. But the real writers are the ones can perfect the craft. Those who learn how to do it just right and make it a skill, just like the archers that learn how to hit the bullseye  .

#2) In many cases with the above mentioned Archers, yes, they developed this skill, but they used it to defend themselves and the people they loved. They are using their skills to protect their beliefs and what they live for. For example, take Robin Hood, why was he an outlaw? Because he was fighting the wrong-doings that were made right by the corrupted leadership. He was helping because he knew it was the right thing to do. He was protecting the right. And I think writing can be a lot like that.

Sure, we all have genius imaginations. And some of us take action upon that to make a great story. But what I love to see in books, is when authors move beyond that. Beyond the imagination, to another level. Writing is usually at it's best when it portrays some belief or aspect of the human nature that you can connect with on a deeper basis. That's when it's .

#3) Writing can be pure fun. Take Merida for example. There is a scene in Brave where you see her galloping through the forest, as free as the wind, while practicing her archery at different set up targets. And what's the most obvious thing in that moment? Not that she's free of her duties, or an amazing archer, but that it's something she loves and is connected too. Writing and totally should be about it. It takes work, when the better you get, the funner it gets along with it! You can do so much, you can take your imagination to higher levels than you ever dreamer. It gets pretty legit.

So what is my point? A) Archers freaking rock. It's a legit skill and one that's totally fun to read about! and B) Archery is actually a lot like writing. Fancy that.

And with that, I will leave you now. But first, what connections I might have missed that you find in archery? Who are your favorite literary archers? Let me know down below! I'm off to do some target practice...


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Original Post made HERE.

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