Why Do You Write Tolkien Fanfic?

[dawn_felagund]

My Mythmoot proposal is due in about one month (eeeeeeeeeek), and I have an idea, but I need to make sure that what I'm planning to write and reality actually bear some resemblance to each other. So I have a simple question for all my Tolkien fanfic writers out there:

Why do you write Tolkien fanfic?Thanks in advance to anyone with a moment to

Comments

[spiced_wine]

Why do you write Tolkien fanfic?

Because I wanted to change the original :) Some of it any-how. It's not in me to accept a story if I don't agree with it. It does not mean I don't enjoy it - I wouldn't have read the Silm or LOTR so many times if I didn't, but I still didn't accept them, if that makes sense. (That happens with all books, not only Tolkien's. My head will go off and start making other stories - the ones I wanted to read).

This is why canon arguments just cut no ice with me. I really don't care. I've always mentally altered stories, up to and including the Bible. I've only cared enough to write fanfic about Tolkien's works, though.

[heartofoshun]

OMG! I would have no idea where to start. That would be an autobiography or my memoirs. I suspect it is not the same as writing stories for "Teen Wolf" this year and next new TV show the following year. Or maybe I am being pretentious or overrate my passion in compassion to those of others.

[dawn_felagund]

That's really the origin of my research question, though: Many of us have perceived (although few can actually describe) that Tolkien fandom is different from other fandoms. Mythmoot this year has a track titled, "Tolkien in the 21st century- how Tolkien’s works are being engaged with by new generations of fans," and I'd like to look at the rise of online fan fiction as one of those ways. I don't want to go too much more into my ideas as I don't want to bias future responses (I can send an email if you're interested). It also seemed fitting to do a presentation this year on Tolkien fanfic since the SWG will be ten years old (!!) next year

[heartofoshun]

I imagine that what I might write would be quite similar to many of your observations. But I will try later. Can't really do it before finishing this month's character bio and, at the moment, am deeply engaged in writing a chapter and with my advanced writers block I dare not slow down when the ideas are flowing.

[dawn_felagund]

No worries about it! This is just the first step, mostly because I tend to talk most with people of a very similar mindset to me (like you ;) where this stuff is concerned and wanted to make sure I wasn't about to run off and research something applicable only to my friend-group. There will probably be something surveyish later, maybe more ...

[indy1776]

I write fic because I’m a storyteller. I have stories in my head I want out or they want out. It’s really that simple.

As for specifically why Tolkien?

I fell in love with the characters and the world. I like exploring what happens after canon ends and what happens if something occurred differently. And writing outside of a handful of characters is difficult for me-- not because I dislike everyone else (my OTP is Lúthien/Beren, but I can’t write them), but because I write the characters whose stories grabbed me: aftermaths for Maglor, Elrond’s life in general, the happy ending and subsequent consequences that occur if Indis becomes involved in Finwë and Míriel’s relationship before the pregnancy.

(I read your comment with Oshun-- it’s really not that different than why I write fic in other fandoms: I love something. Why I keep coming back to Tolkien, on the other hand, is much harder to answer.)

[dreamflower02]

Not only do I write Tolkien fanfic, for the most part, Tolkien fanfic is the only fandom I write for. The only exceptions are a few challenges or exchanges, and a handful of crossovers with Tolkien

[dawn_felagund]

Signal-boosting is much appreciated! I would like input from people from all corners of the fandom, not just people who hang out with (and tend to therefore see eye-to-eye with) me. :)

Thank you!

[dreamflower02]

Done! http://dreamflower02.livejournal.com/662404.html

I hope that I've sent some folks your way!

[rhapsody11]

Because if I don't those muses will never ever shut up? Trust me, I tried, but to say no to a Fëanorian muse like Celegorm is just asking for trouble ;)

A better academical answer will follow when I got more sleep, I promise

[dawn_felagund]

Rhapsy, just like I told Oshun, it is no worry if you don't get to it! :) This is the very earliest phase of research; I suspect a survey (based partly on the conversation here) will follow later with more time to respond, etc. You have tons going on right now, I know, on top of needing more time for yourself. (I very much agree with you from your LJ post the other day. ;)