Well, as of this weekend I've made a hard but obvious decision, and my writing list has changed.
Had a very productive editing weekend, completing the 3rd and final editing of the long chapter I currently had in hand. (Eagerly awaiting the next, and I think final, chapter of that book.) Very worthwhile, and stimulating.
And literally, the instant I finished the final run through of that chapter and hit 'save', the opening sentences of Chapter 1 of
Peregrin Took: My Road lept into my mind. I had to stop and write them down before they were lost... couldn't even finish the quick scan of the last bit of edited work for proper formatting first.
This led me to realize I need to take
The Arrival of the Ents, off my work list altogether. It consumes time, and in the end, returns little.
Other than the enjoyment of carefully and clearly re-stating in 14 meter verse form what
Tolkien has already written about
Eru's creation from the
Ainur through the inhabiting of the Ents by the
Spirits from Afar, there is nothing new in it. It is neither creative, nor original. The time is better spent elsewhere.
So my list is now (and I think in order of production):
1.
Peregrin Took: My The Road.
Pippin's look into the past, concerns for present circumstances, and fears about the future. An adjunct book to #s 3 and 4 below.
2. (
An as yet untitled bit of verse) - an inclusion for #3 below relating to the nature of needing and being an 'architect' in the sense
Elessar must be,
3.
Elessar: Architect of the Fourth Age - Book 1 of the "Fourth Age" set. The doings of Elasser enthroned, the cleaning up of (some of) the
evil that remains, the machinations of
Men while he's there, setting the stage for his demise and what comes after.
4.
The Evil That Remains - a bit of verse dealing with the continued existence of evil, due to
Melkor's original rebellion and discord . To be included in #5 below, and possibly not written until that work is underway.
5.
After Elessar: The Age of Man - Book 2 of the "Fourth Age" set. What happens after
Aragorn's death, FA 120. How does mankind deal with their charge of handling M-e in "the age of man"? Of course, things are set in motion well before Elasser's death...some are seen in
Peregrin Took. Are things going well, or ill? What has man learned?
6.
The Characters of Tolkien - a separate book: a look at many of the characters, their traits and purpose in the works, and benefits we can extract from looking at them closely.
I hope you all had a productive weekend as well, and encourage you to keep at it.
Be ready for inspiration... it often comes when least expected.
Be intentional on production. It won't happen without dedication and determination.
Most of all, have fun. There's a REASON you want to write...and it likely includes a good deal of personal fulfillment.
The world will try to hold you down--to prevent you from progress. Arm yourselves for combat. It's a war worth winning.