[Thinhyandoiel]

Well...I've read some really good fanfiction of Tolkien that take place after the books. It's really well done, the plot is amazing, her grammar is incredible, characterization unbelievable! But, it's not original in the sense that she (and every other fanfiction writer...myself included) borrow characters for their plot. If you, say, take that wonderful little plot, and put something of your own into it (ie. your own characters) instead of someone elses, then it becomes your own, and shows your creativity and how much effort you put into the story. I'm not saying fanfiction is bad though, I love fanfiction. And I know it can be hard to write it as well from personal experience. I'm just saying basically what littlemanpoet said but WAY longer. *sheepish grin* oops..hehe. sorry!