Very much in agreement with you B_Cat. Well said.

Author's Response: *hugs* Thank you, Lisse! Spiced Wine, I think it was, has challenged me to write a companion piece of sorts, on 'Why We Review'. I wish I could get up the nerve to actually follow through...another of those 'maybe someday' tasks!

Oooh, I think you're right! But since you occasionally write in her 'verse anyway, maybe someday you'll add to her essay on that as well. :)

**Hugs you back**

Author's Response: Lol! I think she's dropped the challenge in my lap. Don't know how/when it will turn out, but we shall see. Speaking of reviews, I finally got around to leaving a couple more for Spiced Wine, specifically on her latest chapter, and the one titled Discordance, if you want to look in on them. *hugs!*

I really enjoyed this, Cat. You made some excellent points. I think we should just all write what we enjoy and read what we like and not worry about the rest. The fandom would be a much better place, I think, if it worked that way. :)

Author's Response: Thanks, Niri! *hugs* Welcome back! The thing that makes me go 'duh' about it all is that people are pretty much okay with what other folks like to eat, wear, their tastes on sports, favorite music, movies...the list goes on forever. Why should the fandom be any different? Such a waste...

I found this a very fascinating read and I agree that there are so many "What If?" scenerio's that are just begging to be written such as one of the ones you mentioned

What if Denethor, early in his madness, had found proof of Aragorn’s identity, and acted accordingly??

Which I think would be abseloutely fascinating to explore as I do believe that Denethor was pretty much as crazy as you get.

With the works of Tolkien I always feel like someone could spend the rest of their natural life writing and trying to "fill in the blanks" of what was left unwritten and proably still not even really manage to make a scratch at the surface which makes Fanfiction such an important thing as there is someone else who will write what you will not think so and together adding another layer of depth.

I know there are some who call themselves Tolkien Purists and pretty much view Fanfic as a sin as we are writing outside of the books but I see a shallowness in that, just wanting to read the book and know every word and sentance is one thing but to take that world, and add onto it and give life to a character never before mentioned, that is something entirely different.

I think it is vital as there were more lives in Middle Earth than Tolkien would have ever got around to mentioning and so while some also see Original Characters as a bad thing I have never understood as they very much lived and breathed as much as any canon character, they have a special place too!

The most important standards we should have as writers, are the ones we set for ourselves and they are what keep us picking ever on with the same story and going back and changing, editing until our eyes are sore and whatnot. I think to become a truly great writer you have write for yourself firstly, and if people happen to like what you have created, well, that is just extra wonderful really.

I think a knack of absurdies is something to be cherished as well XD

Author's Response: "I always feel like someone could spend the rest of their natural life writing and trying to "fill in the blanks" of what was left unwritten and proably still not even really manage to make a scratch at the surface" I couldn't agree more...which is why I hope the new authors as well as those already established will continue to explore the possibilities. Our fiction is a different kind of love for Tolkien's work, although it encompasses (in its highest form) the very thought you stated above; a knowledge of the intricacies of the Professor's epic that leaves us always wanting more. I like to think, that by seeking to ever improve our own writing, we put both the intent and desire for a better world in solid form. With such a mindset, who knows what we may accomplish by inspiring someone else in turn? Just as we may never see the end result of a random act of kindness, we may never know what a difference we make for someone else's creative effort. Thanks for letting me know what you think!

Very thought provoking indeed!

I must admit, of that list, I have never read anything as Alternate as those suggestions.

What if the Elves had won the Nirnath Arnoediad?

Is something I have often wondered (and woven a story around, but only in my head)
I don't write it simply because the Silmarillion appeals to me because of it's very Anglo-Saxon doom-and-tragedy flavor and it would lose the grandeur of tragedy if it were not er...tragic? ROFL. XD (I know what I mean!) It would not be the book which hooked me.
But...in my mind I have considered the Noldor winning the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Túrin not killing himself after slaying Glaurung, Fëanor being with his father at Formenos, when Melkor and Ungoliant came, Maeglin not betraying the location of Gondolin...

I think because the Noldor had been doomed, that doom is an integral part of the Silmarillion, and it would be an entirely different story without it, but it would be interesting to read a whole Silmarillion written in that way, changing each major point, and seeing where it lead.

Inspiration is unique for each person, and a good thing too! It would be a very stagnant fandom is every-one wrote the same thing!

Although it is not apparent on this archive, which is has an atmosphere of tolerance and encouragement, elsewhere, what is needed is a big dollop of generosity. There are people who believe they *own* certain canon characters and that their stories are 'canon' and have no time for others, and the only effect that has on me is not to read their work.

The Tolkien fandom is, as had been noted, the worse place for this kind of intolerance and snobbery, yet conversely, within it are writers who put published authors to shame, who quietly go on writing and posting and producing complete gems, for very little feedback. As you have said, these people are all humble, often hair-tearing and uncertain, generous to a fault, incredibly nice -- and brilliant.

Fanfiction writing is a kiss bestowed on Tolkien's world - or any fandom.

Author's Response: I agree entirely with your points above, some of the alternate scenarios would be tough to write. Mainly, it makes me think of the many directions the original epic *could* have taken, and that's the most fun of all... I have no idea why the Tolkien fandom has developed such a powderkeg mentality under the surface. As I said on another post, (paraphrased, incomplete) situations where people are being shredded for another's entertainment are the worst possible slap in the face to the fandom. I *hate* it. I'm just grateful there are still good authors who are willing to keep posting their work, regardless.