[Child of the 7th Age]

Well, this is isn't very exciting but if you're short on costumes or jewelry at the moment, try hanging around the Tolkien books in a local bookshop. I have started more than one conversation that way. There is one clerk in the neighborhood Borders who is a definite "fan". He and I have talked on any number of occasions, especially if my purchase involves something from Tolkien.

This kind of introduction works best if you're buying or looking at something fairly "obscure" or collectible rather than just a routine paperback edition of LotR. The minute I see someone pouring over Morgoth's Ring, I'll figure out a way to start a conversation. And I have had the same thing happen to me.

Once or twice, I've had someone start a conversation when I was pouring over one of the books. This works well on airplanes where the person is a captive in the seat and can't help but notice what you are reading.

My favorite t-shirt is one with the White Tree. There are no words or labels on it--just the picture. For a person to recognize what you are wearing they have to be a fairly knowledgable reader. I think I have had one person stop me and ask where I'd gotten it.