As one of the first novels the Odyssey is a fantastic metaphor and one that can be easily applied to the writers search for inspiration. So how does the writers journey from the blank page to inspiration work? How do we discover the path that will lead us to something truly valuable?

The Odyssey begins the story as a veteran of the Trojan wars. Mean while his wife and son are on an island with 108 suitors who are trying to convince his wife that Odysseus is dead. In the metaphor the suitors can be seen in numerous ways but we will look at them as mundane life and distractions seeking to steal away the idea, which is represented by the wife and son.

At this point Odysseus is both the blank page and the author in this metaphor. His stepped out of the mundane entrapments world into the world of adventure as writers do when they begin their craft and he knows that there is something important out there, his wife and son but he doesn't really know how to get there or even if they will still be there when he does. He knows only that he must search.

Athena at this point steps in contacting Odysseus and starting him off on the journey. In this story she is taking the part of the muse who takes him on the first steps of the journey but is not the solution or solver of the journey. She only ensures that he is able to safely navigate the dangerous waters.

Once he has began he faces many struggles, returning to the places he has been and seeing that they have changed. This is an important step for the writer too, the ability to use previous experiences and struggles, even those that were painful at the time were is a valuable skill.

In addition to this he is faced with storms that drive him off course. This is also a valuable lesson for the writer. No matter how much you may want to achieve that great idea and fantastic story there will be storms. The solution to this is not to curse at the wind but to hold steady and push through.

The most important lesson though is the one of love. What drives Odysseus forward is not glory, pride or even stubbornness but love. He knows that there is something of great value ahead of him and he is willing to risk his life to get to it. As a writer this is the most valuable of lessons. You must decide before you begin the voyage how much you are willing to put into this trip. How valuable is the goal?

Inspiration is out there and though sometimes it may simply appear out of nowhere far more often, it is the result of working. The blank page though is not a enemy but a challenge to be overcome, so learn to brave the waters and face the storms and even stare down a Cyclops because in the end the reward is worth the struggles.

Learn more about this author, Elton Gahr.
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