For writers, often the most interesting characters are other wordsmiths. After all, who but a writer would best understand another writer?
Below are a few of my favorite fictional characters who write—as a vocation or an avocation. They can inspire you with their talent, insights and sense of adventure:
1. Bilbo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”
Baggins—the hero from “The Hobbit” and a character in “The Lord of the Rings”—is a hobbit from The Shire.
Hobbits are known for their love of peace, quiet and home. However, during the events of “The Hobbit,” Bilbo matures from a seeker of peace and comfort to someone who will fight for the greater good. Bilbo has no idea how resourceful he is until he is put to the test.
Bilbo writes of his journey in a book called “There and Back Again,” and he composes several songs and poems.
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”
2. George McFly from “Back to the Future”
Marty McFly’s father in the “Back to the Future” series is timid and awkward and seems incapable of standing up for himself. For all his goofiness and insecurity, George McFly has a vivid imagination and a passion for science fiction.
[RELATED: Rekindle your love of the written word by attending the Great Writing and Editing Virtual Summit.]
He also dreams of being a writer. He succeeds with a bestselling science-fiction novel, “A Match Made in Space.”
“Lorraine. My density has brought me to you.”
3. Dr. John H. Watson from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”
Physician and devoted friend to Sherlock Holmes, Watson accompanies Holmes on his cases and writes about them.
Watson is not only an accomplished biographer, but he is also a loyal and patient associate. He responds to Holmes’ frequent irascibility with quiet fortitude and grace. Watson also displays remarkable candor in describing Holmes’ habits, particularly his use of cocaine.
“ . . . Holmes, who loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature.”
4. Paul Sheldon from Stephen King’s “Misery”
You have to admire Paul Sheldon. Not only is he a successful novelist, he’s also able to solve complicated plot and character issues and write under deadline pressure (and extreme duress).
Writers can identify with his struggles to find himself and move from one genre of fiction to another.
“A little talent is a nice thing to have if you want to be a writer, but the only real requirement is the ability to remember the story of every scar.”
5. Cassandra Mortmain from Dodie Smith’s “I Capture the Castle”
17-year-old Cassandra lives in a run-down castle in the English countryside with her outlandish family.
In addition to telling her story, she also perfects her writing skills.
“Perhaps if I make myself write I shall find out what is wrong with me.”
“I am surprised to see how much I have written; with stories even a page can take me hours, but the truth seems to flow out as fast as I can get it down.”
It’s your turn PR Daily readers: Who are your favorite fictional authors—and why do you like them?
A regular contributor to PR Daily, Laura Hale Brockway is a writer and editor from Austin, Texas. Read more of her work at impertinentremarks.
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