[Parmawen]

I think there's a big difference between writing in the spirit of Tolkien and just plain mirroring his work. For instance...writing in the spirit of Tolkien is incorporating his subtle nuances and sense of humour into your work, almost as if Tolkien himself could have written it. Unlike using his plot lines or ideas to suit one's own work.

For example, my brother claims Terry Brook's The Sword of Shanara (i think that's correct) is "writing just like Tolkien" but in reality, it's a similar story (and still a good one)...but the writing lacks the characteristics of Tolkien.

I think a lot of stories today are given that description...but I've yet to see a book that when I read, I immediately think of Tolkien or could ever mistake as his own writing.