Lord Of The Rings Fan Fiction Writers
Bubble
Skill
A community of writers who create and share stories set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, expanding on The Lord of the Rings universe t...Show more
Lord Of The Rings Fan Fiction Writers
Bubble
Skill
A community of writers who create and share stories set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, expanding on The Lord of the Rings universe through fan fiction.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
75K
Popularity
Low
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
Discover Related Bubbles
General Q&A
This bubble centers on fans who write original stories set in Tolkien's Middle-earth, often exploring alternate outcomes, new characters, or untold tales through fan fiction.
Community Q&A
This bubble centers on fans who write original stories set in Tolkien's Middle-earth, often exploring alternate outcomes, new characters, or untold tales through fan fiction.
Community bonds are built on platforms like AO3, exchange fests, beta-reading partnerships, and lively comment threads that encourage feedback and collaboration.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Lore Gatekeeping
Gatekeeping PracticesLOTR fanfic writers exercise strict standards on lore accuracy, often policing use of Tolkien’s languages and timelines to preserve community’s authenticity, making insider knowledge a clear boundary from casual fans.
Creative Hierarchies
Identity MarkersRespect is often tied to deep lore fluency and innovative AU creation, with veteran writers gaining status through complex worldbuilding and sophisticated canon divergence.
Collaborative Rituals
Community DynamicsEvents like ‘Big Bang’ challenges and exchange fests foster strong social bonds, encouraging mutual support, beta-reading, and shared creative growth within the bubble.
Ethical Boundaries
Social NormsInsiders uphold strict norms on respectful reinterpretation and attribution to protect Tolkien’s legacy, differentiating genuine creativity from perceived fan disrespect.
Sub Groups
Canon-Expansion Writers
Writers focused on filling gaps or expanding on Tolkien's original lore.
Alternate Universe (AU) Writers
Writers who reimagine Middle-earth with alternate timelines or settings.
Character-Centric Writers
Writers who focus on specific characters or relationships within the Tolkien universe.
Beta Readers & Editors
Community members who provide feedback, editing, and support for writers.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
Tumblr
35%Tumblr is a central online hub for fan fiction writers and fandom communities, offering robust tools for sharing, discussing, and discovering Lord of the Rings fan fiction.
Reddit
15%Reddit hosts active subreddits dedicated to Lord of the Rings fan fiction, providing discussion, feedback, and community engagement.
Discord
15%Discord servers facilitate real-time discussion, writing sprints, and collaborative events for Lord of the Rings fan fiction writers.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
May the stars guide your quill
Outsider
What do you mean by that?
Insider
It's a poetic way of wishing creativity and inspiration in your writing, like saying 'happy writing' but with Tolkien-themed imagery.
Outsider
Oh, that’s beautiful! I like that.
Cultural Context
This greeting reflects the community’s reverence for Tolkien’s mythic imagery and symbolizes wishing creative flow to fellow writers.
Inside Jokes
‘You’re not a true fëanorian until you’ve cried over the Silmarillion’
This joke pokes fun at the emotional depth and tragedy in Tolkien’s Silmarillion and how deeply some fans empathize with those stories, signaling a rite of passage within the community.
‘Second-person fic: because sometimes, you *are* the Ringbearer’
This humorous nod highlights the rarity and immersive nature of second-person narrative fanfics, playfully crediting the writer’s skill in bringing the reader directly into the story.
Facts & Sayings
„Canon divergence“
Refers to fanfiction stories that intentionally deviate from Tolkien’s established Middle-earth timeline or events to explore alternate possibilities.
„Fëanorian“
A term borrowed from Tolkien’s lore used to describe fans or writers who focus heavily on the works, styles, and tragic themes related to the House of Fëanor, often implying deep, sometimes obsessive, engagement with high Elvish lore.
„Second-person fic“
A style of fanfiction written using ‘you’ as the main focal point, immersing the reader as the protagonist, which is relatively rare and distinctive within the LOTR fanfic community.
„Beta-read“
The process where an experienced fanfic writer or reader reviews another’s draft to check for consistency with lore, narrative flow, grammar, and provides constructive feedback before publication.
Unwritten Rules
Always credit Tolkien as the original creator when posting fanfics.
This preserves community ethics around attribution and acknowledges the source of the rich lore, preventing accusations of plagiarism.
Avoid outright disrespect or trivialization of key characters and themes from Tolkien’s works.
Shows reverence and maintains a constructive tone within the fan community, even when engaging in alternate universe writing.
Use beta-readers to ensure lore consistency before publishing significant stories.
This helps maintain high standards and accuracy, enhancing the community’s literary rigor and reliability.
Engage constructively with comments and critiques rather than defensively.
Encourages a supportive environment where writers improve through mutual respect and dialogue.
Mark content warnings clearly to respect reader sensitivity.
Demonstrates community consideration for diverse readers’ comfort and reading preferences.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Elena, 27
CopywriterfemaleElena discovered Middle-earth in her teens and began writing fan fiction to explore untold stories of lesser-known characters.
Respect for original materialCreative freedomCommunity support
Motivations
- Express creativity using a beloved universe
- Connect with fellow fans who appreciate nuanced storytelling
- Improve writing skills through feedback
Challenges
- Balancing writing time with a full-time job
- Fear of criticism regarding faithfulness to Tolkien's lore
- Finding original ideas within an extensively developed world
Platforms
Dedicated fan fiction forumsDiscord writing groupsSubreddits for Tolkien fans
canonheadcanonOC (original character)AU (alternate universe)
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
1 / 3
People
J.R.R. Tolkien
Creator of the original Middle-earth mythos; his appendices and worldbuilding provide the sandbox for all fan fic.↗
World-BuilderCanon SourceMythopoet
Dutchess of Mangosteen
One of the most prolific and genre-defining LOTR fanfic authors on FanFiction.net.
Slash PioneerOld SchoolForum Legend
Tarien
Archive of Our Own author known for high-profile alternative-history Tolkien retellings.
Verse TwisterMeta-HeavyScene Staple
Peachdolphin
Renowned for emotionally intense, character-driven Aragorn/Legolas stories that shaped modern slash fanfic tropes.
Angst MavenShip CaptainEmo Icon
Iraetc
AO3 writer celebrated for polished prose and expansive AU trilogies set after The Return of the King.
AU ArchitectEpic ScopeCanon Diverger
Bekah123
FanFiction.net storyteller whose ‘Council of Dúnedain’ series attracted a large cross-site readership.
Series ExpertLore BuffCommunity Favorite
Elentari Writes
Active blogger and ficcer, bridging livejournal communities and modern platforms.
Bridge BuilderOld-LiveJournalDiscussion Host
Thunk
Noted for humor-driven coda-stories and parodies that influence the lighter side of the fandom.
Parody KingHumoristTropes Subverter
Fingolfin’s Heir
Multi-chapter epic writer whose ‘Rise of the Heirs’ saga explores post-War of Wrath narratives.
Legend DivergerHigh FantasySilmarillion Fan
Shadowfax_Scribe
Known in both FF.net and AO3 circles for intricate Gondor-centric political intrigue plots.
Intrigue MasterPolitico FicGondorian Focus
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First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 3-5 weeks
1
Read Canon and Popular Fics
1-2 weeksBasic
Summary: Familiarize yourself with Tolkien’s works and top fan fiction to understand lore and community standards.
Details: Begin by reading Tolkien’s core works—The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion—to ground yourself in the canon. This gives you a solid grasp of the world, characters, and tone. Next, explore popular Lord of the Rings fan fiction on well-known archives. Pay attention to how writers expand on canon, handle characterization, and respect established lore. Notice common tropes, tags, and community expectations. Beginners often skip this step, leading to stories that feel disconnected from the source or the community’s standards. Take notes on what you enjoy and what resonates with readers. This step is crucial for building credibility and understanding what makes stories successful in this bubble. Evaluate your progress by your comfort with canon details and your ability to identify popular fanfic trends.
2
Join Fan Fiction Communities
2-3 daysBasic
Summary: Register and introduce yourself on LOTR fan fiction forums or social platforms to observe and interact.
Details: Find and join online communities dedicated to Lord of the Rings fan fiction, such as forums, Discord servers, or subreddit groups. Start by reading community guidelines and observing discussions. Introduce yourself in designated threads and share your interest in writing. Engage with posts, ask questions, and comment thoughtfully on others’ work. Avoid self-promotion at this stage; focus on building rapport and learning community norms. Many beginners feel intimidated, but most communities are welcoming if you show genuine interest and respect. This step is vital for networking, receiving feedback, and staying motivated. Progress is measured by your comfort in participating in discussions and your understanding of community etiquette.
3
Outline Your First Story
2-4 daysIntermediate
Summary: Draft a basic plot, characters, and setting for your own Middle-earth fan fiction piece.
Details: Start brainstorming ideas for your first story. Decide if you want to write about canon characters, original characters, or a mix. Outline the main plot points, setting, and character arcs. Use reference materials to ensure your story fits within Middle-earth’s lore. Many beginners struggle with world-building or staying true to Tolkien’s style—refer to maps, timelines, and character guides as needed. Don’t aim for perfection; focus on getting your ideas organized. Outlining helps prevent plot holes and keeps your writing focused. Progress is shown by having a clear, lore-consistent outline you can share for feedback or use as a writing roadmap.
1
Read Canon and Popular Fics
1-2 weeksBasic
Summary: Familiarize yourself with Tolkien’s works and top fan fiction to understand lore and community standards.
Details: Begin by reading Tolkien’s core works—The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion—to ground yourself in the canon. This gives you a solid grasp of the world, characters, and tone. Next, explore popular Lord of the Rings fan fiction on well-known archives. Pay attention to how writers expand on canon, handle characterization, and respect established lore. Notice common tropes, tags, and community expectations. Beginners often skip this step, leading to stories that feel disconnected from the source or the community’s standards. Take notes on what you enjoy and what resonates with readers. This step is crucial for building credibility and understanding what makes stories successful in this bubble. Evaluate your progress by your comfort with canon details and your ability to identify popular fanfic trends.
2
Join Fan Fiction Communities
2-3 daysBasic
Summary: Register and introduce yourself on LOTR fan fiction forums or social platforms to observe and interact.
Details: Find and join online communities dedicated to Lord of the Rings fan fiction, such as forums, Discord servers, or subreddit groups. Start by reading community guidelines and observing discussions. Introduce yourself in designated threads and share your interest in writing. Engage with posts, ask questions, and comment thoughtfully on others’ work. Avoid self-promotion at this stage; focus on building rapport and learning community norms. Many beginners feel intimidated, but most communities are welcoming if you show genuine interest and respect. This step is vital for networking, receiving feedback, and staying motivated. Progress is measured by your comfort in participating in discussions and your understanding of community etiquette.
3
Outline Your First Story
2-4 daysIntermediate
Summary: Draft a basic plot, characters, and setting for your own Middle-earth fan fiction piece.
Details: Start brainstorming ideas for your first story. Decide if you want to write about canon characters, original characters, or a mix. Outline the main plot points, setting, and character arcs. Use reference materials to ensure your story fits within Middle-earth’s lore. Many beginners struggle with world-building or staying true to Tolkien’s style—refer to maps, timelines, and character guides as needed. Don’t aim for perfection; focus on getting your ideas organized. Outlining helps prevent plot holes and keeps your writing focused. Progress is shown by having a clear, lore-consistent outline you can share for feedback or use as a writing roadmap.
4
Write and Revise a Short Fic
1 weekIntermediate
Summary: Compose a short (1,000–3,000 words) fanfic, revise it, and check for lore consistency and clarity.
Details: Write your first short story based on your outline. Aim for a manageable length to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Focus on character voice, setting details, and maintaining consistency with Tolkien’s world. After writing, revise your draft—check for grammar, pacing, and adherence to canon. Use beta readers from the community if possible, or swap feedback with other beginners. Beginners often rush to publish without revising, but careful editing is respected in this bubble. This step builds your writing skills and confidence. Evaluate your progress by the clarity, polish, and lore-accuracy of your finished story.
5
Share and Engage with Feedback
1-2 weeksIntermediate
Summary: Publish your story on a fanfic platform, respond to comments, and participate in discussions about your work.
Details: Choose a reputable fan fiction archive or community platform to publish your story. Follow all posting guidelines and use appropriate tags. After publishing, monitor for comments and reviews. Respond graciously to feedback, thank readers, and ask clarifying questions if needed. Engage in discussions about your story and others’ works. Avoid taking criticism personally; view it as a chance to improve. Many beginners fear negative feedback, but constructive criticism is a key part of growth in this bubble. This step helps you integrate into the community and refine your craft. Progress is measured by your ability to handle feedback positively and your increased interaction with other writers and readers.
Welcoming Practices
„‘Welcome to the Prancing Pony’“
A phrase used to greet and welcome new writers, referencing the famous inn from LOTR, symbolizing a safe gathering place for sharing tales and support.
„Assigning a ‘Lore Guide’ or beta-reader mentor“
Newcomers are paired with experienced members to help them navigate Tolkien’s complex lore and improve their writing style.
Beginner Mistakes
Ignoring canonical details and lore inconsistencies.
Invest time in reading Tolkien’s appendices and linguistic notes to ensure your story respects the source material.
Posting lengthy stories without beta-reading or proofreading.
Use community beta-readers to catch errors and improve flow before publication to maintain the community’s high standards.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American LOTR fanfic communities tend to be more active on Archive of Our Own (AO3) with a focus on diverse crossovers and gender explorations within fandom.
Europe
European fans often emphasize fidelity to Tolkien’s constructed languages and historical linguistics, sometimes organizing in-person meetups at Tolkien-related sites.
Asia
Asian fandoms frequently blend Tolkien lore with local mythologies and storytelling methods, resulting in unique AU styles incorporating elements of Eastern fantasy traditions.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
All LOTR fanfic is amateurish or low quality.
Reality
Many fanfic writers demonstrate profound literary skill, meticulous research into Tolkien’s languages and histories, and contribute insightful expansions of the lore.
Misconception #2
Fanfics are just fantasies without respect for Tolkien’s original work.
Reality
The community highly values respectful reinterpretation and attribution, often engaging in detailed debate about what constitutes respectful expansion vs. misrepresentation.
Misconception #3
This fan community is isolated and not collaborative.
Reality
LOTRO fanfic writers often collaborate through beta-reading, exchange fests, and writing challenges that foster strong mutual support and creativity.
Clothing & Styles
Tolkien-themed merchandise (e.g., Elvish script scarves, leaf brooches)
Wearing accessories embossed with Tolkien’s script or symbols signals serious fandom and cultural belonging, often worn at fan conventions or writing meet-ups to identify fellow insiders.
