T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 71

To John Brophy, Kelvin House, King Edwards Road, Ruislip, Middlesex. 338171 A/C Shaw R.A.F., Mount Batten Plymouth. 19.XI.29. Dear Brophy Don't let's "..."" each other; my past reputation can balance your present social superiority, and make us quits! I'm sorry about the essay. I have decided -- in 1928 I decided -- not to try to go on writing. I agreed that with my name on, it sells like tripe; but I've posted it anonymously to this editor & that, and got it all back again. Perhaps the emotion (in addition) in it made the seven pillars much holier than the rest of my writing. Anyway they would not buy it, and I have had seven years without trying to write, am an all the easier for being spared the labour. I think I did write better than the average retired military man; but between that and "writing" there is a gulf. I have talked to many whom I think great writers. All of them have a likeness, in that they get some pleasure out of the phrases as they are born. Not the finished work, perhaps. Few look back with pleasure; but there is joy in the creation, and a had never anything but weariness and dis- satisfaction. This I put down to my works being an imitation, made with great care and pains and judgement, of the real thing. So I gave it up, I hope finally. Not without having tried it well, you know. 1st book burned; 2nd (Seven Pillars) published privately; 3rd still in manuscript. God forbid there being a fourth. It is true that I do translations. My style is easy and correct, and the publishers pay me well for unsigned or pseudonamous versions of French books, and an occasional tract: such as I am at now. The proceeds very usefully supplement my R.A.F. pay, which isn't enough for my motor bike's costs, and they involve no publicity at all. Try some of the Outside ring for your essays. There is Theodore Powys; Frederic Manning; Daniel Corkery; Offiaherty; H.E. Bates; Henry Williamson; Alas, there is such a storm shaking our roofs and driving rain and snow.