Even Tolkien Needed Lewis

Are you an Introvert? Did you think that writing would be the perfect hobby/career for you so that you could hide away from people? I did. And boy was I mistaken. 

As a writer you have to be around people more than the average human.

Networking and connecting with fellow writers, publishers, and editors is how you turn a hobby into a career. But even if you just want to write on the side you still need the inspiration that comes from social interactions. 

Fear not, even J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the Lord of the Rings and many other epic works needed C.S. Lewis.

J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, played cricket with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes, and G.K. Chesterton. 

Writers share experiences and interests that others do not, sharing something that few others understand. Lewis once said, “The typical expression of opening Friendship would be something like, ‘What? You too? I thought I was the only one.'”

No one can truly understand the struggles and agonies of writing as well as another writer. We know all about the frustration of editing our own work as well as the absolute joy that comes from a finally-finished story. And don’t get me started on those nasty reviews that send authors into the fetal position in the corner. 

 

Many authors have come to find that other authors like themselves tend to be, as Anne Shirley would say, “kindred spirits.” Though professional  rivalries may have strained these relationships, the joys of shared interests and companionship won out. 

Writing can be a very isolating work, but it can’t be if you want to succeed. Writers need people, and people need writers.

But most of all every Tolkien needs a Lewis. 

Comment below about your favorite writing companion! And don’t be shy, we writers are a very needy bunch, we always need a good word of encouragement and pat on the back. 

 

Ta!

Brianna