more than just a habit: exploring the letters of flannery o'connor

Published on 19/03/2026 18:00

Rediscovering a literary treasure

Inspired by the recent attention surrounding Flannery O’Connor’s “Prayer Journal,” I revisited my well-worn copy of THE HABIT OF BEING, a collection of her selected letters edited by Sally Fitzgerald. This book, originally published in 1979, had been lost in my bookshelves due to a disintegrating cover, its dull black cloth binding making it easily overlooked. I finally located it by recognizing the vibrant array of post-it notes marking treasured passages – a testament to its enduring value.

O’connor: a tireless and generous correspondent

The letters reveal Flannery O’Connor to be a remarkably prolific and thoughtful writer, maintaining connections with numerous friends and literary figures. It’s amusing to imagine her responding with wit and grace to letters from even the most eccentric individuals; she claimed to answer every letter received, a testament to her dedication. This collection provides invaluable insight into the realities of a writer's life – the challenges of finding representation, navigating publishing, and the relentless process of writing, revising, and revising again.

A portrait of a courageous soul

Beyond the craft of writing, the letters offer a profound glimpse into the character of this extraordinarily talented and brave woman. Afflicted by a debilitating disease that confined her to her family farm, Andalusia, near Milledgeville, Georgia, for much of her life, O'Connor faced significant hardship. Despite frequent hospitalizations at Emory Hospital, she rarely complained, instead facing her suffering with quiet dignity and unwavering spirit. The letters humanize a literary icon.

The significance of “the habit of being”

The title of the collection, THE HABIT OF BEING, was chosen by Sally Fitzgerald, a close friend and companion, reflecting a key concept from Jacques Maritain'sArt and Scholasticism. Fitzgerald explained that the 'habit of art' wasn’t a mere routine, but rather an ingrained attitude and quality of mind—essential for an artist, akin to talent itself. This concept is deeply connected to O’Connor’s worldview and informs her writing style.

Insights from o’connor’s letters

Revisiting these letters proved to be a deeply inspiring experience. I intend to share some of the insights I gained, exploring highlights of O’Connor’s life and work through the unique perspective offered by her correspondence. Expect a series of posts diving deeper into her thoughts on faith, literature, and the human condition. Her letters offer a powerful lens through which to understand her complex and enduring legacy.

Further reading and resources