The Hobbit (Middle Earth, #0)

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway.

This is actually a huge problem for me as a writer. I tend toward the more optimistic side of things with my stories. I want my characters to be happy and have a good time. But happiness and good times don't make for good stories. I actually feel guilty for throwing so many obstacles in their way. I wonder if Tolkien felt the same?