Leaf by Niggle

I'm leading a group of musicians through a study of the ancient letter of the Apostle Paul to the Galatian churches. Last Monday night, I referred to a great short story by Tolkein, Leaf by Niggle. Here's a link.

After The Hobbit, Tolkein was asked to write another story about the hobbit. He had a mental block and struggled to come up with a good story. He turned his attention aside and wrote "Leaf by Niggle." Very autobiographical, yet philosphical (in a Tolkein sort of way), and a good story even if you don't understand the background and meaning. I won't give the story away -- but after he wrote this short story about a struggling artist, he started The Lord of the Rings which he wrote quite quickly.

Enjoy.