by Steven Pressfield

Invocation of the Muse
from Homer’s Odyssey
translated by T.E. Lawrence

O DIVINE POESY
GODDESS-DAUGHTER OF ZEUS
SUSTAIN FOR ME
THIS SONG OF THE VARIOUS-MINDED MAN
WHO AFTER HE HAD PLUNDERED
THE INNERMOST CITADEL OF HALLOWED TROY
WAS MADE TO STRAY GRIEVOUSLY
ABOUT THE COASTS OF MEN
THE SPORT OF THEIR CUSTOMS GOOD OR BAD
WHILE HIS HEART
THROUGH ALL THE SEA-FARING
ACHED IN AN AGONY TO REDEEM HIMSELF
AND BRING HIS COMPANY SAFE HOME

VAIN HOPE—FOR THEM
FOR HIS FELLOWS HE STROVE IN VAIN
THEIR OWN WITLESSNESS CAST THEM AWAY
THE FOOLS
TO DESTROY FOR MEAT
THE OXEN OF THE MOST EXALTED SUN
WHEREFORE THE SUN-GOD BLOTTED OUT
THE DAY OF THEIR RETURN

MAKE THE TALE LIVE FOR US
IN ALL ITS MANY BEARINGS
O MUSE

Taking on writing as a profession seems to need a fair amount of superstition and good luck charms (and it’s not the only profession either) but I guess whatever gets you in the mood is a good thing. The above Invocation of the Muse works for Pressfield so who am I to state otherwise? Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art” was easy to read and took no time at all to absorb. The language was down to earth, familiar and comforting especially when Pressfield seemed to acknowledge my own fears and offer real advice. He states at one point “the counterfeit innovator is wildly self confident. The real one is scared to death” (39) and I honestly freak out twice a day. This is somewhat reassuring.

The biggest problem when trying to be creative, whether its writing, painting or starting a new business, is what Pressfield calls “Resistance.” Resistance takes on an anamorphic form with no conscience and will do anything  to make you fail at realising your true potential. “Rule of thumb; The more important a call or action is to our souls evolution, the more Resistance we will feel towards pursuing it” (12) claims Pressfield and I’ve used every excuse and rationalisation under the sun to avoid doing what I need to do.

The biggest step towards beating Resistance, Pressfield says, is turning PRO! As a writer/artist/creative individual you need to commit full time and to do so professionally. Pressfield offers inspirational and practical advice for everyone, no matter the challenges you face, in an easy to digest way.  Overall it was an enjoyable book to read with plenty of gems and, although it was a little off putting at times when Pressfield linked creativity with something mystical (in his case a spiritual presence), it is a must read  ”Because this is war, baby. And war is hell!” (68).