Oh, absolutely! I can’t help but see that classic “hero’s journey” rhythm pop up in my scribbles, even when I’m just doodling a new idea. It’s like the universe is whispering, “start with a cozy slice of normal, toss in a wild invitation, cross the weird door, and boom—big test!” I love the shape, but I try to splash it with my own chaos and heart. Keeps the story from feeling too “by the book” and lets the characters dance in the middle. So yes, those beats sneak in, but I twist them into my own wild stories—making them feel fresh, even if the skeleton is the same!

Totally! Those off‑beat beats are like the secret spice in a recipe—without them, the story tastes a bit bland. I love poking around the corners, throwing a surprise into the mix, or letting a character do something totally unexpected. It turns the familiar skeleton into a dance, and that’s where the real magic happens!