Yes, you make a good point. The more creatively nurturing the relationship, the less likely it is to make it into literary lore. Interestingly, however, male writers who had bust ups (even irreperable ones) usually get remembered as pals. Women rivals, however, tend only to be remembered as enemies – as if popular conceptions of female friendship can’t accommodate competition.

Sure, we’re friends, but the writing partnership is so key. Invariably we get asked about bruised egos — each others or those of our spouses. In general, it is simpler than most people seem to expect.

I wonder, to some degree if the absence of these stories of female collaboration and peer relationships in ambition are absent in part because they lack the drama so many people not only expect, but want. Conflict, after all, drives narrative.

Thanks so much for taking the trouble to send through these leads. Emily and I will enjoy getting started with these and seeing where they take us. Watch this space…

I’m glad you found my info interesting! Byatt wrote, in her twenties, Degrees of Freedom, essays on Murdoch (before they knew each other). I’m not sure where and when they met, but mutual support and help was ongoing for most of the 70s and 80s. They did at least one Writers in Conversation series for the ICA, back in 1985: http://sounds.bl.uk/Arts-literature-and-performance/ICA-talks/024M-C0095X0183XX-0100V0. Murdoch affectionately calls Byatt ‘Tony’!
Also, Byatt’s short story The Pink Ribbon is wonderful in itself, but the more touching once you know that the old lady is an alter -ego of Iris Murdoch’s, during her decay caused by Alzheimer.

This is incredibly helpful. Emily is already researching George Eliot’s epistolary friendship with Harriet Beecher Stowe, so I’ve forwarded her this link. Thank you! And interesting to hear about A.S. Byatt and Iris Murdoch. I hadn’t realised that they were friends so will start looking into that. Any tips on where to start?

Emma Claire

Good point. We should definitely think more about the overlaps as well as the differences between sibling relationships, romantic relationships, professional relationships and friendship. You can be sure you’ll find the Brontes included one way or another… Thank you! Emma Claire