April 19, 2004

Fan Fic
Bob the Builder

I last contributed to the Debate Forum yonks ago but discussions on Fan Fic sparked an interest. Not Fan Fic per se, but the Tolkien estate hiring fantasy writers to continue the story of Middle Earth into the 4th Age. I know it's a different kettle of fish, but I was thinking of all those Star Wars books you see in the bookstores these days. It seems like they get various different writers who are contracted to write a series of books each. I don't think it is necessary to have them write in the exact same style as the late JRR Tolkien. First of all, obviously no one writes like Tolkien as well as Tolkien so it's not worth trying, and second of all, I think it would add to the rich tapestry of Middle Earth if you could have various writers bringing their own perspectives and personal styles into the mix - preferably writers with a deep love of the world that Tolkien envisaged. Of course Tolkien fans (myself included) will be picky, but I would still definitely read them (as I read Star Wars books on occasions). Same thing with the movies. Those who read my earlier posts will know there were a few things I was very picky about with them, but in the end I am very glad they were made.