Quests...

Excellent writing (and reading) advice: your hero's stated intent is never the real reason for his journey. The real reason is ALWAYS SELF-EXPLORATION!

I've always felt that if you want to be a great writer then you should first be a great reader. Here is a helpful text I recommend for both great readers and writers.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-read-literature-like-a-professor-thomas-c-foster/1100015328?ean=9780060009427