Tag: Anonymous

Oh man, I’m picturing the argument about who’s going to officiate the Stonehelm/Bomfris wedding. They want it to be personal or family, which limits the possibilities. Dwalin sees what’s in the wind and hides – he’s not nearly as good with words as Balin was, don’t drag him into this! Eventually Gloin is roped into doing it.

Dwalin: No.

Stonehelm: but…

Dwalin: No.

Dis: Don’t look at me either. I’m done. 

Orla: I don’t do public speaking. I do public intimidating.

Dori: I’m already doing everything else! I’m doing the decorating, the tables, organising the music and the speeches and the stylists and the…[goes on for three pages and finishes with] and so, King or no, if you think I’m taking on yet another thing, well then Mister Stonehelm, we shall be having a little… talk.

Stonehelm (hurriedly): forget I asked.

Bofur: Sure thing! Although, I cry at weddings, really big blobby tears, but if that’s not a problem, then…

Stonehelm: Uh.

Bomfris: He does. He bawls. Loudly.

Bofur: (cheerfully) Like a wee baby!

Mizim: *sighs* Gloin, dear.

Gloin: (grumbling around his pipe) Aye, all right then.

Mizim: (whispers) he’s been dying for you to ask. Soppy old romantic that he is.

Gloin: What was that?

Mizim: Nothing, you dear old bear.

Hey Dets! I really want to start writing a story but I’m extremely terrible at starting them ;~; Do you have any tips for starting? <3

Hey Nonnie!

Ahhh, sure thing – bear in mind though, this is what works for me. It may not work for you. But even if it doesn’t work for you, it may lead you in the direction of what does!

Sooo, here’s a few things that work for me when starting out:

1. Start the scene immediately. I find it dull to read through pages and pages of backstory before getting to the actual meat of the matter. Blocks of text are intimidating and do not invite your reader to fall into your world. Infodumps can be exhausting to read, also! So – Drop the character/s right in the middle of their predicament straight away. Tension = interest. Finding out what is going on is just as interesting for your reader as it is for your character.

2. Having everyone standing around and talking at each other makes for a very flat read! It’s a tendency in openings to have everyone expounding to each other, having the backstory in the dialogue rather than in the description. Unfortunately, it means that the characters feel as though they are declaiming at each other rather than talking naturally! A way around this can be movement, or at least liveliness, in your characters. I try to evisage them moving around as though they are actors on a stage or on a screen: that way I can pan back for broad focus, or zoom in on small moments. It also means I have an idea of how dialogue will flow between them. Natural dialogue that references your backstory will also create interest, rather than having the characters relate everything all at once in a great big speech 🙂

3. Once you’ve got your opening scene, EDIT. It’s my favourite word 🙂 Edit like a maniac. Be ruthless with your red pen. The problem with openings is that they tend to be overstuffed with information. Don’t give it away all at once! Hold onto some of it, wait till the stakes have been lowered somewhat. 

Okay, that’s sort of what I have! I hope that helps you. Good luck with your story, Nonnie!

Your roundabout selfies are really fun! Also the color of the scarf in the last one really goes well with your eyes.

Awwww, thank you, that’s very kind of you! I had fun taking them. 

It is in fact a roll-neck jumper (a sweater, for all you non-Aussie types). It is soft as soft bc it is cashmere! it is actually my only nice jumper AND it was a present. lol the voice of my mum is in my ear constantly saying ‘YOU SHOULDN’T WEAR IT SO MUCH, YOU SHOULD SAVE IT FOR GOOD’ but meh, it’s so cosy so 🙂

real talk now, how amazing do you think dwarven plumbing and drainage has to be to cope with ALL THAT HAIR EVERYWHERE seriously in the basins on the floor on every cloth surface in every room but especially the washrooms omg

This would certainly explain why Hobbit plumbing simply could not cope.

the plugholes would have to have the finest and most amazing grommet/grates imaginable. Can you imagine the epic shower hair-catchers they’d have to install?! I bet there’s a whole line in drain-unblockers and fancy plungers. Good grief.