Frequently Asked Questions

What is AmericanInklings?

AmericanInklings is a fellowship of Christian creatives inspired by C.S. Lewis and the original Oxford Inklings. We bring together writers, poets, visual artists, and other creatives who share a faith-rooted vision for art that reveals truth and beauty.

Who were the original Inklings?

The Inklings were an informal literary group at Oxford University in the 1930s through 1960s, centered around C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They met regularly at the Eagle and Child pub (known around Oxford as "the Bird and Baby") and in Lewis's rooms at Magdalen College to read their works-in-progress aloud and offer honest critique. Charles Williams, Owen Barfield, and others were also members.

What was the name of the pub where the Inklings met?

The Inklings met at the Eagle and Child on St Giles' Street in Oxford. Around Oxford it was affectionately known as "the Bird and Baby," or simply "the Bird." You may also hear it called "the Bird and the Baby" or even "the Bird and Brat." The pub has stood on that spot since 1650 and is now a Grade II listed building. The Inklings gathered there from the 1930s until 1962, when a renovation removed the wall separating their private back room from the public bar. They then moved across the street to the Lamb and Flag.

Why was it called the Rabbit Room?

The Inklings' meeting place at the Eagle and Child was a private back parlour known as the "Rabbit Room." According to Oxford pub historian records, the room earned its name because a landlady by the name of Florence Blagrove kept rabbits there. Florence and her husband Charles ran the Eagle and Child from the early 1920s. Charles permitted Lewis and his friends the use of the parlour for their gatherings. After Charles died in 1948, Florence continued as landlady until 1956. The room had previously served as a dairy, so it had a long history of uses beyond pouring pints.

What creative disciplines are included?

Our fellowship focuses on two primary disciplines: Literature (poetry, fiction, non-fiction, essays, scripts, and all written works) and Visual Arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, illustration, photography, and digital art).

How is the fellowship organized?

We use a "Pub Model" inspired by the Inklings' gatherings at the Eagle and Child. The Pub is the entire community. Rooms are larger groups where multiple Tables gather, like the Rabbit Room the Inklings claimed. Tables are intimate circles of 2 to 5 members who share work and offer critique, like friends gathered around a pub table.

How do I join AmericanInklings?

Start by submitting a membership application on our Apply page. Applications are reviewed by our team. Once accepted, you become a member and can join or create a Table, share your creative work, and participate in the fellowship.

What is a Table?

A Table is an intimate creative circle of 2 to 5 members. It is the heart of the fellowship experience. Each Table has a Host who facilitates gatherings and manages membership. Members share their work, give and receive honest critique, and build deep creative friendships.

What is a Room?

A Room is a broader creative community made up of multiple Tables. Think of it as the Inklings' Rabbit Room at the Eagle and Child, a dedicated space where several groups come together. Rooms allow members to share polished work with a wider audience and experience diverse creative perspectives.

Do I have to be a Christian to join?

AmericanInklings is a fellowship of Christian creatives. We welcome anyone who resonates with our charter and values, which are rooted in the Christian faith tradition. Like the original Inklings, we believe that creativity is a reflection of the Creator.

Is there a cost to join?

Membership in AmericanInklings is currently free. We believe in making creative fellowship accessible to all who share our vision.

How often do Tables meet?

Tables are encouraged to meet weekly, following the rhythm of the original Inklings who gathered regularly. However, each Table develops its own schedule based on the preferences of its members.

Where can I read the fellowship charter?

Our full charter is available on the Charter page. It outlines our guiding principles, membership structure, and commitment to creative excellence rooted in faith.

Ready to Join the Fellowship?

If our vision resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you.

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'"
~ C.S. Lewis