“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.” 
(Published 1937)

I remember when I first read those opening lines. I was not an avid reader of novels like The Hobbit, but a friend recommended Tolkein and that book, that line is where I started. Thus far, I have not stopped. In the book, The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkein, Humphrey Carpenter shares a collection of Tolkein’s letters which include advice on storytelling, language, and creativity.

Here is a summary of some of the key points:

1. Write What You Enjoy: Tolkien emphasizes the importance of writing about things you are passionate about or enjoy. He he advises against writing to fit a trend or to meet others’ expectations.
2. Sub-Creation: He discusses the concept of “sub-creation,” where writers create secondary worlds or myths that reflect truths from the primary world. He believed that creating a consistent, believable world is crucial in fantasy writing.
3. Patience and Perseverance: Tolkien often mentions the slow and meticulous nature of his writing process. He encourages writers to be patient and not rush the creative process, as quality takes time.
4. Language and Style: Tolkien was a philologist, and he believed that language and storytelling are deeply intertwined. He encourages writers to pay attention to the language they use, as it can greatly influence the tone and atmosphere of the story.
5. Simplicity in Plot: Although Tolkien’s stories are complex, he advises keeping the core plot straightforward. He believes that the heart of a story should be simple and understandable, even if the surrounding world is detailed and rich.
6. Authenticity and Truth: He stresses the importance of being true to one’s own vision and not compromising it for commercial success or popular appeal. Authenticity in writing leads to a more powerful and resonant story.
7. Readers’ Engagement: Tolkien believed that a writer should trust the intelligence of their readers, allowing them to engage with the story without over-explaining or spoon-feeding details.

While his letters contain much more help for the aspiring writer, these few lines show Tolkien’s dedication to his craft and his belief in the value of integrity and creativity in writing.