What are you writing about now?

Kiredor said:

change the title of my fanfic story

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Speaking just to the 3 'existing' titles you've shared:

- "The Forgotten Wanderers of the East" doesn't seem to 'feel" like it has too much 'draw' to me. What East? What wanderers? I'm not sure there's a 'hook' to the reading audience.

- The Shadow Quests of the Istari is a bit clearer - there's an 'audience' out there who knows who the Istari are. And "Shado Quests" has a bit of an intrigue. But I'm not sure it 'grabs'. However, the only Istari I know of as being involved at this point are Gandalf and the Blue Wizards. Is that sufficient to refer just to "istari"? Or is it confusing and in the end a reader might be disappointed. Too, the word "Questss" usually implies some kind of heroic deeds on the part of some prson or persons 'doing good". Are the Blue Wizards going to be doing "good" things? I don't know yet. If not, 'quests' might not fit.

- Elrond and the Blue Wizards 'feels' like it has a little more pull to me. There's a large audience who knows them, and have always wondered about the Blue Wizards.

@david_wendelken has a good point. Even with as much of your work as I've read, (which admittedly isn't a lot), I don't know enough about the whole thrust of the story arc to make a suitable recommendation of any kind.

Of the three suggestions presented, I almost think "Elrond and the Blue Wizards" rings best.

If I were to mash them up, I might suggest "The Quest of the Blue Wizards" or "The Blue Wizards' Quest" - but this implies the focus of the story is the blue wizards themselves, and their Quest to do whatever it is they're doing in Middle-earth. And from what I've read, it doesn't feel right.

At the end of the day, "mystery" lies in the Blue Wizards it seems to me. So perhaps that should be the focus of the title. Even Elrond and Gandalf pale in comparison to the mystery surrounding them.

Perhaps the title should focus on the Blue Wizards in some fashion.

Hope something above helps stimulate a little thinking on the matter. Titling is a tough job.

It wasn't really advice I was after, it was just what sounds better; but happy to share:

Gandalf leaves the Undying Lands on a personal quest to Middle-earth (ME), only to return sooner than expected with dire news of a dark power rising in the East, believed to be the work of the missing Blue Wizards. Upon his arrival back in ME, he discovers Easterlings, Haradrim, and other unwelcome forces have invaded lands where they should not be. Seeking counsel, he finds Radagast, who is aware of the ominous events unfolding. Together, they rally a small army of Elves, Men, and Hobbits to confront the growing threat. United in purpose, they prepare to protect Middle-earth from the impending darkness.

Given your synopsis above, it seems the primary focus of the story is on the remaining Istari.

If the choice is between the three cited, I would personally now say "The Shadowed Quests of the Istari" would be closest to striking the mark.

Ent said:

Given your synopsis above, it seems the primary focus of the story is on the remaining Istari.

If the choice is between the three cited, I would personally now say "The Shadowed Quests of the Istari" would be closest to striking the mark.

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Thanks for the suggestion Ent, appreciated as always.

BTW, Ent, (and other interested readers) I will be posting the next chapter within a couple of days.

Ent said:

Speaking just to the 3 'existing' titles you've shared:

- "The Forgotten Wanderers of the East" doesn't seem to 'feel" like it has too much 'draw' to me. What East? What wanderers? I'm not sure there's a 'hook' to the reading audience.

- The Shadow Quests of the Istari is a bit clearer - there's an 'audience' out there who knows who the Istari are. And "Shado Quests" has a bit of an intrigue. But I'm not sure it 'grabs'. However, the only Istari I know of as being involved at this point are Gandalf and the Blue Wizards. Is that sufficient to refer just to "istari"? Or is it confusing and in the end a reader might be disappointed. Too, the word "Questss" usually implies some kind of heroic deeds on the part of some prson or persons 'doing good". Are the Blue Wizards going to be doing "good" things? I don't know yet. If not, 'quests' might not fit.

- Elrond and the Blue Wizards 'feels' like it has a little more pull to me. There's a large audience who knows them, and have always wondered about the Blue Wizards.

@david_wendelken has a good point. Even with as much of your work as I've read, (which admittedly isn't a lot), I don't know enough about the whole thrust of the story arc to make a suitable recommendation of any kind.

Of the three suggestions presented, I almost think "Elrond and the Blue Wizards" rings best.

If I were to mash them up, I might suggest "The Quest of the Blue Wizards" or "The Blue Wizards' Quest" - but this implies the focus of the story is the blue wizards themselves, and their Quest to do whatever it is they're doing in Middle-earth. And from what I've read, it doesn't feel right.

At the end of the day, "mystery" lies in the Blue Wizards it seems to me. So perhaps that should be the focus of the title. Even Elrond and Gandalf pale in comparison to the mystery surrounding them.

Perhaps the title should focus on the Blue Wizards in some fashion.

Hope something above helps stimulate a little thinking on the matter. Titling is a tough job.

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You're right about titling being difficult. Here are some other doozies I considered:

1. "The Lost Shadows of the East"
2. "Gandalf and the Wizards of Twilight"
3. "The Gathering of the Grey and the Blue"
4. "The Unseen War in the East"
5. "The Forgotten Sorcery of the Blue"
6. "The Veiled Powers of Middle-earth"
7. "Whispers of the Blue Wizards"
8. "The Rising Shadow of the East"
9. "The Twilight of the Istari"
10. "The Eastward Veil"

I've also played with the idea of Bringing Saruman back as Curumo, (and in corporeal form), to have all five Maia, of the 'known' Istari in the storyline. I would use Mandos of the Valar, Judge of the Dead, in agreement with Aulë, to rule that Saruman have his memories wiped and returned to ME as an emissary of good to the Hobbits (Especially after what he did to the Hobbits in 'The Scouring of the Shire'. A bit pie in the sky - but intriguing nonetheless.

Kiredor said:

You're right about titling being difficult. Here are some other doozies I considered:

1. "The Lost Shadows of the East"
2. "Gandalf and the Wizards of Twilight"
3. "The Gathering of the Grey and the Blue"
4. "The Unseen War in the East"
5. "The Forgotten Sorcery of the Blue"
6. "The Veiled Powers of Middle-earth"
7. "Whispers of the Blue Wizards"
8. "The Rising Shadow of the East"
9. "The Twilight of the Istari"
10. "The Eastward Veil"

I've also played with the idea of Bringing Saruman back as Curumo, (and in corporeal form), to have all five Maia, of the 'known' Istari in the storyline. I would use Mandos of the Valar, Judge of the Dead, in agreement with Aulë, to rule that Saruman have his memories wiped and returned to ME as an emissary of good to the Hobbits (Especially after what he did to the Hobbits in 'The Scouring of the Shire'. A bit pie in the sky - but intriguing nonetheless.

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wiping memories just doesn't seem like a "good guy" sort of thing to do. One doesn't learn from one's mistakes if one has them erased...

david_wendelken said:

wiping memories just doesn't seem like a "good guy" sort of thing to do. One doesn't learn from one's mistakes if one has them erased...

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It’s not so much as wiping his memory as such (bad choice of words), more akin to resetting his non-corporeal existence anew; a rebirth if you will. This is mainly due to NOT having him remember ill deeds which could be weaponised by the Blue Wizards once he returned to ME.
I’m not sure Curumo will actually see the light of day as he is simply one of many ideas to bring balance to the storyline, which becomes more complex later on with cruel deceptions and treacherous shenanigans… as well as fun along the way! But thanks for your interesting comments - always welcomed.

Kiredor said:

You're right about titling being difficult.

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Thank you, but please don't tell anybody. Ruin my image..!!

The titling of my own Trilogy was a bit easier.

Peregrin Took: My Road came quite naturally, from wanting to present his life, actions among the Company, and beyond, from his perspective. (He gets a bit of a short shrift, appearing kind of as a 'class clown' or something... but he's just young and minus a few bricks of a full wall, many of which his Adventures put into place.)

As he passes following Merry's death in Gondor where they've retired as guests of Aragorn Elessar, he writes his memoirs, including what he and Merry have seen of the growing machinations of Men through the years of their last adventures.

Book 2, Elessar, Arciitect Of The Fourth Age is a "natural" The Fourth Age is the Age of Men - and there my focus lies. Elessar is thie builder of its beginnings, while men begin to maneuver for power within the Kingdom, making preparations for the event of Elessar's passing (or untimely demise.)

Book 3: After Elessar - is also a bit of a natural, dealing with what happens when restraint is removed and 'the evil that remains' is given more room to vent itself

Yet even these I ponder. Most will recognize "Peregrin Took" - and it may 'draw.'
But what about Elessar? Should it be Aragorn? Should I incorporate "Middle-earth" into the title? etc.
For now, they are 'suitable'.

I bypass the Blue Wizards myself... they have no play. And, I was aware "others" were dealing with them. (a-ahem, Kiredor..! Glad you're doing so.)
However, The Mouth of Sauron has a significant role. We do not know his end, from Tolkien's works. We will discover who and what he is, and how he figures into the declline of man and morality in Middle-earth

Many, many things. Fun, fun, fun. (If I ever get there..!!) I have the introduction to Peregrin Took: My Road written, but I have lost it when my hard drive backup died. I think it still exists on my computer waiting for me to get the cooling fan replaced.. and I THINK I also posted it here at one time... I need to get hold of it again and get it safely tucked away once more.

Yes... titling is not easy. My other books on the list have formed and re-formed several times, as I've been working on them.

Added note: I found the Intro for Peregrin Took. It is safe in my spaces once again. Thankfully, it was safe here as well.

Of course, I can keep your secret! LOL

I’m excited to hear about your trilogy and the thought you’ve put into it. It sounds like you’ve crafted a compelling narrative that does justice to Peregrin Took’s character beyond what we've seen in the original stories.

Your titles are intriguing and resonate well with the themes you’re exploring. "Elessar, Architect of the Fourth Age" has a strong ring to it, reflecting the pivotal role of Aragorn in shaping that era. I can see how using either “Elessar” or “Aragorn” in the title could draw interest, but the choice ultimately depends on the focus of the story you want to convey.

I’m also intrigued by the inclusion of the Mouth of Sauron. Exploring his character should add a rich layer to the narrative, especially in the context of morality and the power struggles that follow Elessar's reign.

I’m glad you found the introduction to Peregrin Took. Losing work is always frustrating, but it’s great that you found it. It sounds like you’re on a fascinating journey with your writing, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Keep at it—fun is what it's all about!


You will be glad to know my Chapter 4: Shadows Over the Shire is now finally posted.

Kiredor said:

Of course, I can keep your secret! LOL

I’m excited to hear about your trilogy and the thought you’ve put into it. It sounds like you’ve crafted a compelling narrative that does justice to Peregrin Took’s character beyond what we've seen in the original stories.

Your titles are intriguing and resonate well with the themes you’re exploring. "Elessar, Architect of the Fourth Age" has a strong ring to it, reflecting the pivotal role of Aragorn in shaping that era. I can see how using either “Elessar” or “Aragorn” in the title could draw interest, but the choice ultimately depends on the focus of the story you want to convey.

I’m also intrigued by the inclusion of the Mouth of Sauron. Exploring his character should add a rich layer to the narrative, especially in the context of morality and the power struggles that follow Elessar's reign.

I’m glad you found the introduction to Peregrin Took. Losing work is always frustrating, but it’s great that you found it. It sounds like you’re on a fascinating journey with your writing, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Keep at it—fun is what it's all about!


You will be glad to know my Chapter 4: Shadows Over the Shire is now finally posted.

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Addendum: I think you are correct on the original title as it conveys what the story is about. The final decision is way off in the future.

Kiredor said:

The final decision is way off in the future.

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always..!!! Like... just as the ring is actually tossed into Mount Doom kind of future.

I'm considering an 'overarching sub-title' for my trilogy on the order of "Middle-earth: The Fourth Age Trilogy."

Thus like:
Peregrin Took: My Rod
Middle-earth - The Fourth Age Trilogy Book One.

The first part of Book One presents events from the earlier journey from Peregrin's perspective, flowing naturally into later events of the Shire under Pippin and Merry's tenure there, then their adventures as they head to Gondor to retire. (With a few visits and stops along the way.)

Some dates and events will be extracted from the Tale of Years of course. Things already laid down and known.

Map(s) marking their journeys heading to Gondor - events happening along the way giving them some concern - folks (and Ents) they visit along the way - etc.

That's the early part. It then moves to thigs Merry and Pippin see and hear as Aragorn works to rid the lands of remaining pockets of trouble, aids in solidifying the outlying areas, etc. Of course, some are not happy with "things" in many ways, and 'stuff brews.' Part of what Merry and Pippin see and hear - and ultimately Pippin determines he must put to writing, upon Merry's passing, else people remain unaware.

Some of Elessar's doings will be coveed in this book, thus "book one" of the Trilogy. Elessar, Architect picks up at Pippin's passing. (more maps and events, etc.)

A lot of really fun work.

One thought tickling in my head is, if I should myself pass, for esxample, at the end of Book One, sufficient groundwork might have been laid for some aspiring author to pick up on the elements, and continue on. (Of course, this assumes what I would produce actually had any value - a very large question indeed.) I often feel it's well beyond my skillsets - as well as available time. We shall see. I can't seem to let any of my books go..)

Ent said:

Yet even these I ponder. Most will recognize "Peregrin Took" - and it may 'draw.'
But what about Elessar? Should it be Aragorn? Should I incorporate "Middle-earth" into the title? etc.
For now, they are 'suitable'.

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Anyone who's actually ready the books will recognize Elessar as one of Aragon's names, and it even comes up in the movies, so I doubt it will be an issue for anyone there either. Besides, context is a great clue-provider and readers are smart. They'll get it.

WatcherWraith said:

Anyone who's actually ready the books will recognize Elessar as one of Aragon's names,

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Yes indeed. Yet is it possible to incorporate titles with such clues as we even reach those who have only "heard about" the movies, or Middle-earth, or other things? So for them, even Aragorn may be 'barely recognizeable' ?

Thought can be taken to generalized news media, bilboard signs, Movie Posters, etc. to see what "signt and ears alone" may have known about...

Should it have the "final sway"? Perhaps not. But Ents must ponder... it's a plague upon us.

Word of mouth will, of course, play a role in any work... and on that we all hope, but hiave little visibility of.

And again, it's all 'dependent.' on production of some viable product to begin with... yet even if not, it can certainly be passed along for some folks to devour in some way. (Our David Wendelken mentioned door stops, I believe... my favorite is fire starter.)

Ent said:

always..!!! Like... just as the ring is actually tossed into Mount Doom kind of future.

I'm considering an 'overarching sub-title' for my trilogy on the order of "Middle-earth: The Fourth Age Trilogy."

Thus like:
Peregrin Took: My Rod
Middle-earth - The Fourth Age Trilogy Book One.

The first part of Book One presents events from the earlier journey from Peregrin's perspective, flowing naturally into later events of the Shire under Pippin and Merry's tenure there, then their adventures as they head to Gondor to retire. (With a few visits and stops along the way.)

Some dates and events will be extracted from the Tale of Years of course. Things already laid down and known.

Map(s) marking their journeys heading to Gondor - events happening along the way giving them some concern - folks (and Ents) they visit along the way - etc.

That's the early part. It then moves to thigs Merry and Pippin see and hear as Aragorn works to rid the lands of remaining pockets of trouble, aids in solidifying the outlying areas, etc. Of course, some are not happy with "things" in many ways, and 'stuff brews.' Part of what Merry and Pippin see and hear - and ultimately Pippin determines he must put to writing, upon Merry's passing, else people remain unaware.

Some of Elessar's doings will be coveed in this book, thus "book one" of the Trilogy. Elessar, Architect picks up at Pippin's passing. (more maps and events, etc.)

A lot of really fun work.

One thought tickling in my head is, if I should myself pass, for esxample, at the end of Book One, sufficient groundwork might have been laid for some aspiring author to pick up on the elements, and continue on. (Of course, this assumes what I would produce actually had any value - a very large question indeed.) I often feel it's well beyond my skillsets - as well as available time. We shall see. I can't seem to let any of my books go..)

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That alone makes interesting reading. The passing of Merry & Pip in Aragorn's service, and the fact that they are buried next to him, shows they obviously led important lives after LOTR and nobody really knows what they did apart from the job roles they played. I'd love to read Pip's exploits - so get cracking my friend!

I think you know about Aragorn and Arwen's passing at the beginning of my story, and it's not long after that when my intrepid gang of Elves, Men and Hobbits arrive in Gondor to meet with Eldarion. As you probably know, he was born after the events of LOTR and succeeded Aragorn as King of Gondor and Arnor after his father's death. While Tolkien mentions him in the appendices, he didn't elaborate much on his character or rule, leaving Eldarion's story mostly a mystery and an open canvas for new tales in the Middle-earth universe. Eldarion’s rule marks the continuation of the line of Númenor, preserving the legacy of his father and Gondor’s strength during what are presumably more peaceful times. Unfortunately, I'm about to upset that notion.

It would be interesting to find out what you have Aragorn (Elessar) doing during his reign to bring this 'peace', as I may be able to intersect some of his deeds into Eldarion's continuance just before I literally blow it all up with my magocracy explosions. LOL

I certainly wouldn't let go of any of your work. By all means, give away some of the framework and plot but retain much of your original groundwork, and request assistance from other writers on the TTF to help with research or worldbuilding etc...

And the above is precisely why I need to keep up with your work.
We do not need to match strokes as we paddle our way into and through the Fourth Age - but there are some facets to be gleaned.

Unfortunately, I've set aside another pair of books as needing to be "the first to be done." And they're going to take almost all my attention (other than a bit of poetry being studied and developed along the way, as the diversionary involvement.)

I drew a couple who are considered two of the sources of power in my world. I'm pretty satisfied with how they've turned out. As if they're part of an engraving on the walls.

Tyelkormo the Fair said:

I drew a couple who are considered two of the sources of power in my world. I'm pretty satisfied with how they've turned out. As if they're part of an engraving on the walls.

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Would love to see them!

A friend of a friend who has just started his writing journey asked me to criticize a short story he has written. The thing is, I'm not sure what to tell him because the parts he needs to improve on weighs down on the scale compared to the rest and I really don't want to upset him. Do you perhaps have any advices?

First, think about whether he asked for a ‘criticism’ or a ‘critique’ of his story. It might seem a small difference, but it’s actually quite important.

If he’s after a critique, then start with genuine positives—mention anything that stands out, like a vivid description or natural dialogue. Instead of listing every flaw, focus on one or two key areas that elevate the story, like a clearer plot structure or stronger character motivations.

Using questions can help guide him to reflect without feeling criticised directly. Try asking, “What’s the main conflict here?” or “How could this part stand out more?” You might offer practical suggestions, like adjusting the pacing or building character depth.

Remember, he’s asked you to support him on his writing journey, so try to avoid negative words that could discourage him. Steer clear of terms like “dull,” “confusing,” or “clichéd,” which could feel like hard criticism. Instead, frame your feedback with phrases like, “This part could use more clarity” or “Consider adding more depth to the character here.”

Encouraging words can be very motivating, so consider terms like “engaging,” “unique,” “memorable,” “vivid,” or “dynamic.” These can help keep your feedback constructive and positive, leaving him inspired to improve his work.

I hope this helps.