LOTR spin-off books? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lalwendë · 12-22-2004, 02:41 PM

If I saw a book of fanfics or RPGs and they looked good, I'd buy them, as I would if they published any of these strange 'sequels' (there is one to Pride & Prejudice which I'm often intrigued by). I'd buy them, but I suspect it would be simply to satisfy my curiosity, and I can find such good work in our own RPG and fanfic areas on the 'Downs. I have seen the vast numbers of Star Trek novels out there - but then this is a different matter as they are based on visual entertainment - and there really needs to be not much more embellishment to Tolkien apart from what is already freely available out there.

And it all has to be canonical of course.

Now I'm going to take the plunge and make myself look stupid.

Can someone explain what slash exactly is? Because I'm scared I might have written some if it's what I think it is.

Child of the 7th Age · 12-22-2004, 03:14 PM

Hi, Lalwende.

Slash is any story based on a man/man or woman/woman pairing. AU is a wider category, encompassing all kinds of deviations from an original story or history. For example, Harry Turtledove has written many books that postulate major deviations in history such as the South winning the American Civil War.

~Child

Lalwendë · 12-22-2004, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Slash is any story based on a man/man or woman/woman pairing.

Another fine example of my naivety! And I innocently thought it meant lots of violence and fighting! Oh dear...

HerenIstarion · 12-22-2004, 05:11 PM

I have had an experience once - Nick Perumov (widely read author in post Spviet space, where Russian is still the lingua-franca for former socialist states) pursued an occupation in writing books about 4th age, with a warlike hobbits, Ringwraith Rings still around and a lot of other nonsense. Basic difference, which I then failed to see but now am able to put my finger onwas in philosophical background, though - for Mr. Perumov, the Good and Evil are equal forces.

But I stray. The publication was possible at all due to loopholes in international copyright legislation, I suppose (I'm not sure I'm sure about the thing, maybe it was headed 'fanfic' after all) Thing is, I've read it out of curiosity and thirst for all things even vaguely reminiscent of Tolkien. But my dissapointment with that particular piece (or pieces, as since 1994 when I first read it, Mr. Perumov went on to write the whole series of sequels), does not automatically imply I would not enjoy work of some other author, provided that it is fitting, philologically erudite, well written and does not chew over similar plotlines. Hard task for much advertised (by publishing houses) Tolkien's 'successors', but not impossible, I reckon

That'd be book one of mentioned by C7A up there. Another one (Russia again) is "Dark Wind" by Niennah (pseudonym, I once knew the proper name, but forgot it). This latter book is a Silmarillion from a point of view of the 'Dark Side'. Much better read than Perumove, and much cleverer, but equally standing on different ground than good old Professor dug his entish fingers into - arrogant, I daresay.

Or, in the latter case, I've been dissapointed, but not because the book repelling in its style or language mastery, and the plotline is quite interesting - though not original - basically repeating the Sil, just the standpoint is shifted. It is repellent in its morals, this time round.

So, the moral of my own post here maybe stated as mentioned, and now following:

Hard task for much advertised (by publishing houses) Tolkien's 'successors', but not impossible

But another moral still states:

The original is by definition of more value than its copy,

And yet third moral may be drawn:

All the men do is [sub]creation - basing once work on things already there.

12-22-2004, 02:41 PM	#1
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	If I saw a book of fanfics or RPGs and they looked good, I'd buy them, as I would if they published any of these strange 'sequels' (there is one to Pride & Prejudice which I'm often intrigued by). I'd buy them, but I suspect it would be simply to satisfy my curiosity, and I can find such good work in our own RPG and fanfic areas on the 'Downs. I have seen the vast numbers of Star Trek novels out there - but then this is a different matter as they are based on visual entertainment - and there really needs to be not much more embellishment to Tolkien apart from what is already freely available out there. And it all has to be canonical of course. Now I'm going to take the plunge and make myself look stupid. Can someone explain what slash exactly is? Because I'm scared I might have written some if it's what I think it is. __________________ Gordon's alive!

12-22-2004, 03:14 PM	#2
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Hi, Lalwende. Slash is any story based on a man/man or woman/woman pairing. AU is a wider category, encompassing all kinds of deviations from an original story or history. For example, Harry Turtledove has written many books that postulate major deviations in history such as the South winning the American Civil War. ~Child __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote. Last edited by Child of the 7th Age; 12-22-2004 at 03:20 PM.

12-22-2004, 05:11 PM	#4
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,244	And six-armed bark-eaters start creeping silently into corners... I have had an experience once - Nick Perumov (widely read author in post Spviet space, where Russian is still the lingua-franca for former socialist states) pursued an occupation in writing books about 4th age, with a warlike hobbits, Ringwraith Rings still around and a lot of other nonsense. Basic difference, which I then failed to see but now am able to put my finger onwas in philosophical background, though - for Mr. Perumov, the Good and Evil are equal forces. But I stray. The publication was possible at all due to loopholes in international copyright legislation, I suppose (I'm not sure I'm sure about the thing, maybe it was headed 'fanfic' after all) Thing is, I've read it out of curiosity and thirst for all things even vaguely reminiscent of Tolkien. But my dissapointment with that particular piece (or pieces, as since 1994 when I first read it, Mr. Perumov went on to write the whole series of sequels), does not automatically imply I would not enjoy work of some other author, provided that it is fitting, philologically erudite, well written and does not chew over similar plotlines. Hard task for much advertised (by publishing houses) Tolkien's 'successors', but not impossible, I reckon That'd be book one of mentioned by C7A up there. Another one (Russia again) is "Dark Wind" by Niennah (pseudonym, I once knew the proper name, but forgot it). This latter book is a Silmarillion from a point of view of the 'Dark Side'. Much better read than Perumove, and much cleverer, but equally standing on different ground than good old Professor dug his entish fingers into - arrogant, I daresay. Or, in the latter case, I've been dissapointed, but not because the book repelling in its style or language mastery, and the plotline is quite interesting - though not original - basically repeating the Sil, just the standpoint is shifted. It is repellent in its morals, this time round. So, the moral of my own post here maybe stated as mentioned, and now following: Hard task for much advertised (by publishing houses) Tolkien's 'successors', but not impossible But another moral still states: The original is by definition of more value than its copy, And yet third moral may be drawn: All the men do is [sub]creation - basing once work on things already there. __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time! Last edited by HerenIstarion; 12-22-2004 at 05:24 PM.