[NancyBrooke]

[Moralanqua]

Unless of course, they come back in a huffy, sulky strop to defend THEIR baby!!


Most recently, i suggested to an author that perhaps naming one of her characters Feanor was a little confusing since thats quite a famous elf from the Silm. She came back "Well HOW was i supposed to know THAT!"

erm... by reading the damn books?

Thats another pet peeve - why bother using sites like FF.net (and even asking for feedback) if you dont want to hear it?!

I lap up every little comment i get - sometimes taking it too seriously!


Am such a feedback hoo-er

[NancyBrooke]

[EomerofEastfold]

Well, this is nice. I've been here only a few days and I'm already being made fun of. A new record for groups/archives.

Naturaly, I'm slightly offended by the fact that most of the blame for bad fics seems to go young writers. I, of course, am a part of this crowd of "lousy" writers, being a 22 year old american. However, I compose myself and attempt to defend younger writers by stating that which I said earlier, only to be met with contemp, it seems.

So now I have some questions: Do veteran writers not want newer writers to attempt submitting fics and thus risk tainting the many examples of fine work that can be found on the internet? If a first time writer submits a merely average fic, are the opinions of the wiser authors enough base to say that said writer will never be able to write a good, possibly excellent fic? If that is the general consensus, than that would mean that I myself do not belong writing in this fandom, and it is sad to think that the views of the majority have the right to say how deep my and others love of "The Lord of the Rings" can go.

I was invited to this archive, just as I was invited to HASA and a few other placces. My only wish was to write in peace and try to improve my writing skills, while simaltaneously sharing my love of LoTR with like minded people. Such a thing is difficult to do when no one wants you there to begin with, fearing you might upset their "perfect" fandom.

[miriel361]

[Viv]

[miriel361]

[quote="EomerofEastfold"]Well, this is nice. I've been here only a few days and I'm already being made fun of. A new record for groups/archives.

No EamerofEastfold. No one is making fun of you. Welcome by the way. My name is Miriel and I am probably what you would term 'a mature writer' being 36 years of age. Age doesn't make me a better writer, but it gives me a little more distance to look at things objectively and it has given me experience. I try to bring both of these things into my stories.

*Sigh* We have all written bad fictions. Most of us here have admitted to them on a different thread. Writing, like all things, is an ongoing process for all of us.

There are some badly written fictions out there, but nearly every one has something good about them. I find it wonderful that young people, and by this I mean 14-16 year olds write a complete story.

This thread is making a major comment on the problems in our schooling systems and not attacking writers.

My advice to everyone out there who wants to write, regardless of age: write!write! write! You won't get any better unless you practice.

Peace Eomer and Good Writing!

[Moralanqua]

Miriel -

Eomer of Eastfold - if it was my general comment which you took offense with, im sorry. I was not refering to you at all - im practically the same age!

I think, however, Viv and Miriel said it all!

(Did i get my dangly bits right? )

[PoweroftheBook]

Hello All!

I realize I'm responding to this forum topic a bit late, but oh well.

Back to the original question asked, I would have to say that the overused plot device of rape, whether by Orc, Man, or Elf, is truly disgusting.

This is not meant to be unsympathetic to those who have experienced the soul-crushing experience of rape, rather, it is meant to defend them. I can't count the number of times I've read a piece of fiction in which the female (or male) character is raped by a random Evil character, and then the dashingly and daringly strong canon character is brought in to kill the rapist and comfort the victim.

Perhaps I'm grossly mistaken, but the experience of rape is not washed away with a declaration of love and a few kisses.

Still, there are exceptions to this. Lady Silma (called Silmarien on this site) has an extraordinary two part story on FF Net - Shadow of the Past/The Heart's True Home - in which the lead female character has been raped in the past. She eventually is able to speak of the horrors she endured, and only survived with the love and support of her family, and her will to live. This does not mean that she is completely cured, for the shadow of the horrors she endured still lingers (and I won't ruin the surprise). A truly beautiful story, I recommend it to anyone who wants a happy ending.

In any case, my point is that there are some plot devices in what is normally termed bad fanfic that can be worked through and made into a beautiful story. What about a 10th walker that falls in love with Legolas, and is actually a good piece of fiction that does not focus solely on the OFC, and keeps the Fellowship members in character?

I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't making this statement regarding 'exceptions' in fanfic plot devices if I wasn't planning to do my own. Heck, I've already done so, creating a daughter descended from the House of Feanor to remember the history of Ost-in-Edhil and to annoy Elrond in the space of time before the War of the Last Alliance. Why? I believe that so many things can be done, if they are done right, with the upfront declaration of AU, digestible writing, and a plotline that works.

Getting off my soapbox a moment, I'd like to commend Una on her recommendation of Lady Rheena. I'd also like to commend Scribe, Maram68, Panneth, Lady Silma (Silmarien), and Darma Druid (on FF Net) for breaking the taboos of creating OFC's and crafting wonderful stories. I've probably forgotten a few names, but I'll remember them as time goes by.

Eomer of Eastfold, I don't think you were being made fun of. Granted, I can sympathize, being 19 myself. It can be a bit intimidating, when faced with others with greater experience, but most people here are wonderful at supporting you through your rough spots, and helping you create a great piece of Tolkien Fanfic. Most of us here got off the playground a long time ago, and name-calling and backstabbing is a thing that just isn't accepted here. With one review, Viv has helped me improve my story, and it is my impression that she does the same with many young writers.

In essence, don't alienate the good folks here that can really help you. My e-mail's in my profile, if you'd like to exchange thoughts with me on this.

Ooopsie. And here I was, supposed to be typing an essay for my Final Exams. Back to work.

Regards to all,

The Power of the Book