Have you ever noticed that writers surround themselves with other writers?
Given the option on reading, a writer would prefer to read a book about another writer than almost any other topic.
And writers tend to congregate with and befriend other writers.
I believe this is unique if you think about it.
- How many plumbers want to read about plumbing, and hang out with plumbers in their spare time?
- How many soldiers want to read about war, and hang out with other soldiers in their spare time?
- How many bankers want to read about banking, and hang out with bankers in their spare time?
- And how many football coaches want to read about coaching, and hang out with coaches in their spare time?
Most of us just want an escape.
But most writers are envious little creatures with the self-esteem of a small drooping plant.
“Writers read literary biography, and surround themselves with other writers, deliberately to enforce in themselves the ludicrous notion that a reasonable option for occupying yourself on the planet until your life span plays itself out is sitting in a small room for the duration, in the company of pieces of paper.”
–Annie Dillard, The Writing Life
