Henneth Annûn Story Archive

Hello! So you've joined HASA. And you're new. And you want to say hello? Well, you've come to the right place! Here's a discussion just for that - where new members can jump in and introduce themselves, and us old HASA geezers can give them a welcoming hand! So, dear newbies, tell us about yourself! What brought you to HASA? How long have you been writing fanfic? Reading fanfic? What's your favorite Age? Favorite character? Any interesting hobbies or fun party tricks? If you were an animal, what would you be? LOL... Tell us anything you want! This discussion's all for you, newbies! (And you too, oldies, feel free to introduce yourselves as well!) And, as always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Sincerely and with much affection, Your Trusty Welcome Manager

 

Aeneid, the list you gave is like one of those infernal quizzes one gets in e-mails from friends. Thusly: 1. What Brought Me to HASA: I had heard about this site from bios on ff.net, and decided to check it out. When I first joined, it took me at least a month to post a story here, and I think I made my own forum somewhere around that time as well. I was a lurker for awhile: I read the forums, posted the odd vignette now and then, and in general was unobtrusive. I think I got more active/involved in August or September, drawn in by the Prospective Challenges forum. (And look what a monstrosity I've turned into now.) 2. How Long I've Been Writing Fanfic: Hm.... About four years? I started writing some months after Fellowship came out in theatres. My stories from then still sit on my hard drive, never to see the light of HASA. 3. How Long I've Been Reading Fanfic: Probably only a little longer than I've been writing it. 4. What Is My Favorite Age: My muses own timeshares in the Age of the Trees Aman, Second Age Numenor, and they've just bought a summer home in Gondor. 5. Favorite Character: Nerdanel. And Feanor. Any Feanorion. Numenoreans (of Numenor). Various studly Menses (and Elveses) from the Ring War. 6. Hobbies/Party Tricks: Er... Reading, writing, acting. 7. If I Were an Animal: I would be a nuzgul. I literally just figured this out. On that final note, I would like to add that I'm Allie, one of the Challenge Managers here. (Do visit my office, and meet my friends, and my pets of all sizes...) So, awesome new members, jump in and introduce yourselves! Allie

 

Hi there... If you are who I think you are we've talked already on the 'Son of Harad' thread... if not then, well, we haven't! For the sake of making uncluttered introductions, I'll do what Allie did and make bullet points... -I was recomended to check out HASA when I posted 'In the Bloody Cottage' on the Prancing Pony message board... which I got to through StupidRing.com, which I found through ninecompanions.net, which was shown to me ages back by a friend. -I have been inventings what I suppose could be called 'fanfics'- on various topics from Colin Dann's 'Animals of Fathing Wood' to... well whatever- for about as long as I could write- no, longer, I distinctly remember being about 3 and dictating one to my dad to write it for me. I only discovered that that was what the stuff I was writing was called when I was 18- 3 years ago- from a magazine article about them. Then, as I'm an English and Creative Writing studant, we did a module called 'Transposions' which was based on taking a story and relating it in a radically different style, or applying events to it that stretch the boundries of that story's universe, or telling it from the point of view of a marginal character or with a certain theoretical perspective (class, feminism) in mind... so my skills were honed! My first specificly Tolkien-based fic, The Changlings, was started a year ago- it's big and is still hardly begun about 100,000 words later... I don't know whether I'll ever appear here, as it had more imaginative ideas than research or particular roots in the cannon... still, my mates like it! -Reading fanfic... er... well, I've been reading parody for a couple of years... 'serious' fanfic only for a couple of months. It didn't take long to read an alarmingly large variety- almost frighteningly so. -Favourite Age- well I am AS YET pretty ignorant of most of the cannon outside of LOTR and the Hobbit (learned most of what I do know from the Appendicies and 'listening' (in a post-type way) to other fans (but then isn't that how legends are meant to work? ) So I'm pretty much restricted to 3rd Age- The Stewards, Ring War, Post Ring War and 4th Age... -Favourite character? I don't know if I have one as such... at first it was the hobbits, but over time I've moved to others... I seem to have become Faramir and Éowyn specialist totally by accident- funny because at first encounter I didn't really like either of them overly much- Éowyn I latched onto as a part-time first-person narrator in The Changlings- she was just conviniently placed at the time and worked well in the genre- and found that I liked writing her; Faramir, well, it started with a couple of character jokes in the Prancing Pony, and caused one Nuzgul after another after another... Um, I'm fond of Aragorn and Arwen but find them difficult to write in themselves without referance to others... um. Yeah. -Interesting party tricks... um, when I'm not scribbling I'm a part-time trainee opera singer. Sometimes it spills over into writing (though usually you'd have to know it was there to spot it) -An animal? I wouldn't be one if I could help it... I guess a falcon would be nice. Random, but true. oh and by the way I am a ramble-queen! Soubrettina

 

Hey, Soubrettina! Yes, Aeneid is the Welcome Manager. (Shame on her for not using her name in the first post! ) Allie

 

(Shame on her for not using her name in the first post! ) What? Me? Hee hee hee... I was being purposefully shady, wearing solely my Welcome Manager hat. Aeneid

 

Help us; she's gone mad with power Oh by the way Aeneid: the F+E Nuzgul you gave me did hatch and is taking shape- a strange shape, but shape nevertheless Soubrettina

 

Ok... I'll try to be brief... Hello, and hello again to the people that have already talked to me in some time or other... . Name's Beregond5, I'm 24 years old and I'm from Greece. Got introduced to LOTR from Peter Jackson's films and I loved the whole Tolkien mythology since. Anyway, what brought me to HASA? I was checking out some of the LOTR archives that are out there in the Internet world and this one intrigued me the most. So I'm here... I have been writing fanfic for almost 3 years now, yet only now have I finally started sharing it with the rest of the world (till now it was only among friends... *shuffles foot embarrassed*) As for reading fan fic, it's been a bit more than 4 years - though the first encounter with it was rather startling (let's just say that I added the term slash in my vocabulary). Favourite age would be the third one, especially War of the Ring... and I don't think I need to say who's one of my favourite characters *points at ID name... ;)* The other ones would be Gandalf and (especially) Thranduil. Hobbies? Yeah, sure, I like them, too... their hairy feet are cute... Oooooooh, you said hobbies! My bad! ;) *thinks hard* I can hold my breath for ten minutes! No, actually, I like drawing a lot and lately I've been working my hand on illustrations for my fics. Mind you, I doubt I'll show these anywhere because they do have their (many) flaws - I just like to have a visual image of what I have in mind so I can write it afterwards in paper... Reading other stuff besides fan fic is also something that I like, and watching movies are one of my favourite pasttimes. Unfortunately, there isn't much time for those anymore, because of my work - I'm working as a teacher of English as foreign language and kiddies do take up a lot of my time. That's about it really...

 

I was being purposefully shady, wearing solely my Welcome Manager hat. No comment. This is a lovely idea...Welcome, Newbies! (And some oldbies...) Cheers, Aliana (might I add...) HASA Welcome Assistant

 

Started this early yesterday then didn't have a chance to finish it. So I'll start again now. Hello! -What brought me to HASA? Well, I started out at Council of Elrond, then followed a link to ff.net, and from there I followed many links to many various archives, such as Stories of Arda and HASA. When I first found HASA, I was very intimidated (such a clean, shiny, archive... and I had heard that it only let high-quality stories get posted... and I'm easily intimidated) but then when I got up the courage to join, I immediately discovered a warm, friendly community. So, in other words: I came for the stories and stayed for the friends. -How long have I been writing fanfic? Well, I've been *creating* fanfic for as long as I can remember. I would daydream various stories (usually Star Wars, or video games (I repent!), or assorted movies) with the characters, and usually kill off a few and see how everyone else reacted. Yup, I've always been an angst fan, I'm afraid. I started actually *writing* it fairly recently, about two or three years ago. I think I'm hooked for life. -How long have I been reading fanfic? About as long as I've been writing it. When I first found ff.net, I spent quite a while just devouring story after story. Then I started creating my own. I'm still hooked to reading great fanfic, especially when I get frustrated with my own stories. -My favorite Age? Well... uh... I don't know. My big current project (First Impressions, archived on ff.net now and perhaps here later) is in the Second Age, and I plan to do its sequel at the end of the Second Age. I really prefer the First and Third as far as good reading material, since so few people seem to attempt the Second. -My favorite character? Okay, you're all going to think I'm weird, but... it's Erestor. Yes, the chief advisor at the Council of Elrond who has about three lines and a few interesting ideas. He's my muse, along with Maglor, Glorfindel, Elrond, and Maedhros. Can you tell that I like Elves? -Any interesting hobbies or fun party tricks? Uh... I don't think so. I'm pretty boring, actually. My most interesting hobby is fanfiction. (Not that that's boring, by any stretch of the imagination!) I do like to draw, but they're mostly doodles. I'd love to learn to draw anime-style. - If I were an animal, what would I be? Probably a cat. A gray one, or perhaps velvety black. And there you have it. -Ithiliel

 

Ummm... hi. What brought you to HASA? Got into fanfic on councilofelrond.com, which lead me to ff.n, which eventually led me here... How long have you been writing fanfic? Thinking it up forever, I guess. Or at least since I was about four (literally). Writing it down since I was about nine... and then one day (bout a year and a half or so ago) I *gasp* learned that something called fanfic existed, and that other people write stuff as crazy as mine. I like putting the characters in impossible and dramatic situations and seeing how they react. Reading fanfic? About a year, maybe a year and a half. What's your favorite Age? Third, I think. Or first. The ones with the big battles. Favorite character? For LotR its Eowyn, Faramir and Aragorn (the order changes). For sil i like Maedhros, Maeglin, and Galadriel. Any interesting hobbies or fun party tricks? I don't think so...I'm pretty useless. My hobbies are pretty strange...I'm probably the only person you will ever meet who has a family tree of all the main men and elves and whatnot from the sil on their wall, does that count? (It's right next to the giant orli poster... ) If you were an animal, what would you be? Mountain lion. Yep. So thats me. Quite uninteresting, really.

 

to Ithiliel (I know you!), Beregond5, and Eriala! Welcome, welcome all you new folk! I don't want to spam (though it is fun...), cause I already posted my responses. I new members. Especially when they visit my ruthless, totalitarian empire over which I reign supreme me. Allie (PS- Do I get a prize for promoting Challenges? I mean, it's not like I'm trying to be devious, or sneaky in any way... I mean, I'm just doing my job...)

 

Er, hello. I've been here for a while, but in a rather furtive and underhand manner, so a lot of people (heck, everyone) won't know who I am. What brought you to HASA? A quest for fics that don't go 'LEGGY!!!! OMG BE MY TWOO WUB!!!!!', or 'Asehfieaehqwen, the slutty Princess of Rivendale...'. I joined in June or thereabouts, spent a few months skulking around intimidatedly, and posted one or two (terrible) pieces. I'm still skulking around intimidatedly. How long have you been writing fanfic? A year or so. I read the books before that, but didn't quite get this whole 'Ya mean you can write stories based on a book?' thing. Reading fanfic? See above. What's your favorite Age? First. *nodsnods* Plenty of nice hawt Elveses. Favorite character? Feanor in the First Age, Aragorn in the Third, Elrond in all of 'em. And a little partiality towards Erestor, who is v. cool in that one can make up whatever one wants about him. Yep. Any interesting hobbies or fun party tricks? Er, I play the violin... Actually, I'm very boring. Read, write, read, solve quadratic equations, do trigonometry, write... You get the general idea. If I were an animal, what would I be? Well, I'd love to be an eagle, but think I'm more of a sheep-like person. Baa!

 

*waves to everybody* Pleased ta meetcha! Like Noldo, I still feel like a newbie, even though I've been here for - *counts on fingers* - wow, like 9 months or so. I just don't post much. I enjoy lurking :-). Like lots of us, I went ff.net --> Stories of Arda --> HASA, by word of mouth. The stories at HASA are wonderful, but while that makes me love to read here, it makes me afraid of posting. But I read a ton here, and I absolutely adore Resources. *huggles Resources* Been reading fanfic for six years now, official started writing about the same time, although I'd daydreamed fanfic stories all my life, before I knew that it had a name. I only found online fanfic communities about a year and a half ago. Favorites: I haven't read UT or HOME yet, but I guess I can like Ages and characters, even if I don't have enough info to write on them. So, I just discovered a love for Elves in the Time of Trees. And the Faithful of Numenor. My traditional love has been anything Ring War, particularly Rangers, and more particularly Aragorn. Marnie has just introduced me to the wonders of the Moriquendi. Yeah, I have lots of favorites. Party tricks: Umm, no? I try to avoid parties. Animal: Jaguar. Hi, everybody! *is very excited to be here* ~Wolfwind

 

Hi everyone What brought you to HASA? Found out about at the Planet-tolkien forum How long have you been writing fanfic? haven't written any Reading fanfic? 2 years What's your favorite Age? 1st, its the most interesting I reckon Favorite character? Haldir's my favourite Any interesting hobbies or fun party tricks? Not really, play Sax and piano thats about it If you were an animal, what would you be? A Cheetah Yeah, and thats about it Haldir_lorienwarrior

 

Hmm, it's interesting what animals we all want to be. We've got an awful lot of big cats, followed by predatory birds. Wonder if that has any meaning about the kind of people joining HASA... ~Wolfwind

 

OK, first off: to Noldo (I know you too!), Wolfwind, and Haldir! Welcome! Wolfwind wrote: Hmm, it's interesting what animals we all want to be. We've got an awful lot of big cats, followed by predatory birds. Wonder if that has any meaning about the kind of people joining HASA... *snork* Want to see a picture of my animal reincarnation? Allie

 

Lol! After clicking all those links, I feel a bit brainwashed... Well, that means your plan worked!

 

*snork*

 

Hmm, it's interesting what animals we all want to be. We've got an awful lot of big cats, followed by predatory birds. Wonder if that has any meaning about the kind of people joining HASA... *hides weapons behind back* What, us? Me? Vicious? Plain little old unassuming me? *snorkle*

 

I am Estrilda. I am terrible at following directions or answering questions presented in list form. I have been reading here for a long time and finally clicked on something that caused a pop-up saying I had to log-in to participate, so I became "official." I didn't realize everything I was missing. What a great site. Es

 

Hiya, Estrilda! Glad to see you here. Being my conniving welcoming self, I've already posted lots and lots of various spammage. But I still like to shout out a welcome to new people, 'cause it's FUN! Allie [edit: Oh, oh! I forgot! Has anyone played the LOTR version of Trivial Pursuit? I have, and my friends tell me I'm not allowed to play anymore 'cause I know all the answers. Well, seems a lot of people were having this problem. So, we came up with a brilliant solution: bookverse!Trivial Pursuit, to be played online! If anyone is interested in (a) making up questions, and (b) playing the game!, visit this forum, volunteer in the Up for grabs! thread, and join the corresponding yahoo group. Most of LOTR and The Hobbit (the books we're focusing on) are already taken, so grab your part today! Help us make questions, and come up with a game that's really a challenge!]

 

"tell us about yourself! What brought you to HASA? How long have you been writing fanfic? Reading fanfic? What's your favorite Age? Favorite character? Any interesting hobbies or fun party tricks? If you were an animal, what would you be?" woah...Ok, Spanish Inquisition time...*snorts* Me...tall, blond, ageless (yes, I may be almost 44 but i look 30, and act younger!) articulate (most of the time - just don't give me too much of that ol' Janx spirit) Elf-obsessed, Photoshop Goddess. By day I'm a graphic designer and global mod on another LOTR site (yes, I do it in work time...*snickers*) At night, I like to close the door in my computer room and lose myself in Middle Earth. I have only recently begun writing fan fictions (as in last year). I actually have a REAL author/editor as my mentor - btw, she's also joined this site! She seems to be of the opinion that my writing was good enough to get me a scholarship to the Santa Barbara Writer's Conference. Which I will be attending this June. Pity they didn't spring for my airfare, but my accountant says I can claim half of it on this year's tax...works for me. I have been "Elf obsessed" since reading LOTR 20 odd years ago. The films put all my imaginings about hottie elves into proper perspective. PJ's casting Orlando Bloom as Legolas was nothing short of a stroke of pure bloody genius. I've been having very lurid dreams about this ever since... Hobbies - besides fanfics, teaching myself Sindarin and drawing elf-smut? Um, snowboarding, bungy jumping, jetskiing, flying (have my pilot's licence)...er, anything requiring high NRG and giving hefty adrenalin rushes? Mae govannen mellonin...

 

(peeks out from behind her chair) Hello, everyone. I'm Loremaster of Anorien. I'm thirteen going on fourteen, a Filipino-American, a Catholic, and (obviously) a Tolkien fan. I've been reading fanfic for about two years and writing for less than a year. I've been creating characters and stories for books, television, and movies in my mind forever, though I'm afraid every single one of those characters were MARY SUES. (cue bloodcurling screams) Thankfully, I converted when I started reading fanfiction a couple years ago. My stuff's on fanfiction.net under the same screen name and could use some polishing. Where did I find HASA? I discovered fanfiction.net, read some, grew obsessed, and discovered Stories of Arda and then HASA on Google. I didn't join any of these sites until a few weeks ago, actually. I joined HASA because I'm an aspiring writer and would love a lot of input from other fans around the world besides my friends. (I love you all!) I also could not stand the influx of badfic on fanfiction.net. My favorite age for the Elves is the First Age. I frankly can't understand what made all these fangirls believe that Legolas is the best Elf that ever lived and will never do. I don't really hate him, though. I just find Leggy a little one-dimensional. Anyway, the Noldor were the best! Sure, they caused the Kinslaying and were involved in all the troubles that plagued Arda, but they make for interesting study. The Teleri also rock due to (of course) Elu Thingol, Celeborn, and Luthien Tinuviel. I find the Vanyar rather boring. My favorite characters are the Stewards of Gondor (Boromir, Faramir, and Denethor), Thorin Oakenshield, Feanor and the rest of the Feanorians, Galadriel, Eowyn, and many others. My favorite peoples that populate Middle-earth are the Dunedain, the Haradrim, the Noldor, the Easterlings, the Teleri, the Dwarves, the Ents, the Hobbits, and well, everyone else. What animal would I be? Dejavu! I had to write an essay about what animal I would like be for forty-eight hours in English a few days ago. I would be an eagle 'cause they can fly, a dolphin because they are ,well, cool, a frog 'cause they're so under-appreciated, or a hermit crab because they can hide under a shell in some situations. I should mention I'm shy and an introvert by nature. I hate badfic in general, namely, most Mary Sues, total disregard for grammar and spelling (I admit my grammar isn't the best.), and constant disregard for canon. I also dislike writers who make Denethor evil. (I belong to the one member "Gondorians rock!" squad!) I also dislike writers who make Thranduil evil for no apparent reason. Party tricks? I don't really attend parties due to my tendency to withdraw, but I can pick up things with my toes. Though whether that's unique is beyond me. Hobbies? I like reading books, magazines, and newspapers a lot. My favorite authors besides Tolkien are Charles Dickens, John Grisham, J. K. Rowling, Amy Tan, Robin McKinley, Jonathon Stroud, Eoin Colfer, Jules Verne, Louisa May Alcott, L. M. Montgomery, and much, much more! I also like writing which is why I'm here. I'm fond of trivia and dream of getting on Jeopardy! one day. I like seventies dance music, country music, soft rock, and rhythm and blues. I play the clarinet and piano. I like board games, especially chess, mancala, and checkers. I like to bowl, though I only do it for fun since I'm not really good at it, and competitions make me nervous. I love to travel and go see cultural attractions, though I can't do it often. Personally, I'm neurotic, prone to giggling under stress, and as I told you before, an introvert. I'm also extremely afraid of heights and still have times when I believe monsters live in my closet. Let's see, did I leave anything out? No? Okay! It's nice to meet everyone here!

 

I'm not the welcome manager, but I am the mistress of the Challenges section, so just a quick "HI!" from one of Your Friendly Admins! Huzzah for the elf obsessed! Double huzzah for those who appreciate Legolas in all his Orlando-y glory! Triple huzzah for lurid dreams! Yeah... most definitely the wee sma's... Just a quick reply, and I'm off to sleep. Again, welcome! Allie

 

*GASP* Another fan of my beloved Noldor?? SQUEEE! The Noldor, especially those cursed Feanorions, are my absolute favorite!! As I said in my previous post, 'tis very early in the morning, so this is just a very quick welcome with a few random responses. No, be not introverted! Be crazy, be free, be zany! Believe me, I used to be introverted here, until I found out how much fun it is, and I've never looked back. We have a society for anti-evil!Denthor: The Society for a Kinder, Gentler Denethor. I'm one of the challenges managers here, so feel free to contact me if you have questions, especially on anything challenges-related. Allie

 

Squee! You like Celeborn! Have you read Marnie's writing? Her Celeborn's amazing. Anyway, hi and welcome to HASA!

 

Yay! Elves! Although I would have loved to have seem OB-as-Legolas with brown hair - he would have looked so much better. Welcome! - Kate

 

Thanks for the welcome Meril/Allie (What do I call you?) and Elvenesse! I have indeed read some of Marnie's writing and loved it. Nienna's tears, Elves of the First Age rule! Glory for Gondor Forever! Loremaster of Anorien, President and only member of the "Gondorians rock!" squad, dedicated to preserving Gondorian integrity, especially those of the often muddied House of Hurin. *shivers at the thought of Evil!Denethor, Wussy!Faramir, Doormat!Finduilas, and Evil!Boromir.*

 

Hannon le for the welcome, Allie and Kate (hehe, makes you sound like a sit-com...) Well, if I can figure out how to post pics up on this site I will show you how gorgeous 'Lando looks as a "dark elf"...I did a great photoshop job for my signature on another LOTR forum... And while I agree with Loremaster's aversion to Mary Sues, don't forget that some very memorable female characters can be the "lead" in a story...(says she who is currently uploading her 30-chapter-and-still-a -WIP Mary Sue epic!) I like to think that my OC is a pretty cool gal who just happens to get it on with the prissy Elvish princeling....eventually. B'sides, one of my favorite fantasy series "Earth's Children" has a classic Mary Sue element in Ayla, and nobody would argue about it with Jean M. Auel now, would they? *winks* Anyway, Leggy-baby had no real history, and I'm having fun GIVING him one....history that is...er, and...yeah...heheh...that too....*snickers*

 

Hmm, I'll just take Orlando in Kingdom of Heaven. I like 'Earth's Children' as well, but Ayla is so perfect. Her only fault is not being able to sing, and that's not really a character flaw. As for the sex scenes, can you say repetitive and oft repeated.

 

Oh, I don't hate female leads. In fact, I have a female OC in one of my fics, Tears and Red Blood Flowing. Alas, I am unsure if she is a Sue or not. Anyone mind dropping by my forum to tell me? Namarie! Loremaster

 

Hi! I'm Nienna Narmolanya. Nienna for short. I'm American (German/English ancestry), 15-years-old, Lutheran, shy in words, but outgoing in writing. (Figure that one out.) I've been a member for... a month? Wow! It's been longer than I thought. I feel like I pretty much know my way around now, though I still haven't tried starting my own forum (since I have nothing to start a forum about.) I adore the LotR movies, and though I've read the books, I just don't enjoy them that much. (*ducks for cover from tomatoes tossed by HASA memebers*) Sometimes I feel really out of it because I have no clue who Feanor and such are. I know very little about the whole Middle-earth timeline. It makes me sad sometimes. Éowyn is my favorite character. (I used to have a thing for Legolas, but once every girl at my school started going Orlando-crazy, I got slightly turned off. I still like Legolas though. Éowyn's just better.) She's so brave and strong. My favorite passage in the books is when she utters that heartbreaking line, "They would not be parted from thee. Because they love thee!" Now more about myself.....hmmm.... Well, in the writing area, I've been writing for three years, but I haven't written a worthy LotR fanfic yet. I hope to remedy that soon! I love imagery. Any story that uses beautiful imagery is wonderful in my book. I also know the evilness of those pesky little Nuzguls! I visited the Challenges section today, and got bitten....TWICE!!! (I can enter 2 challenges, can't I?) I play piano, flute. I love music. It transports me to my dreamland where I can write. I'm scared of flying projectiles. (Basketballs, tennis balls, frisbees....) Oh, yes. I like to welcome people. I think it's fun to search out those empty forums and leave a nice message. I would love to help welcome people, but I'm not sure I know enough about HASA yet to help. I wouldn't know what to say. Another thing: I lurk in the members list area. I LOVE to read bios! (I've probably read yours....) *evil laugh* I must go! Time for bed, and my parents don't sound happy..... ~Nienna

 

Nienna wrote: I adore the LotR movies, and though I've read the books, I just don't enjoy them that much. (*ducks for cover from tomatoes tossed by HASA memebers*) No, I don't throw tomatoes: I have a better projectile... Sometimes I feel really out of it because I have no clue who Feanor and such are. I know very little about the whole Middle-earth timeline. It makes me sad sometimes. May I suggest our own Resources section? Though incomplete, it is an ongoing serial of a project, and our research elves are working every day to improve accurate Middle-earthian knowledge. I also know the evilness of those pesky little Nuzguls! I visited the Challenges section today, and got bitten....TWICE!!! (I can enter 2 challenges, can't I?) That's like music to my evil, CM ears. And yes, you can enter two challenges: you can enter as many challenges as you want! Oh, yes. I like to welcome people. I think it's fun to search out those empty forums and leave a nice message. I would love to help welcome people, but I'm not sure I know enough about HASA yet to help. I wouldn't know what to say. *LE GASP* Do you realize we have just such a position for that? Once you feel more comfortable, you can volunteer to be a Welcome Assistant. It isn't an official admin position, and your job would be to... well, welcome people. So it would be exactly what you like to do: seek out empty forums, and welcome people! Ooo, your post was full of such good things, it makes me so very happy! Allie

 

I agree...Jeanie M did go into very great detail about everything (which is probably why the series stretched over five? books) - If her writing had been better Beta'd, it would have squeezed into a nice trilogy...*snickers* (and yes, the sex scenes got ho-hum after the first four....she could have at least made a prehistoric Kama Sutra out of the exercise...) who am I to say tho, as she's made a fortune and I'm writing fan-fics? Well, however it goes, I hope that peeps will read my fic and enjoy it as much as I have writing it...gimme good reviews! *LOL* Oh, and here's my photoshop exercise (how Orlando would look as a dark-haired Legolas...)

 

Hello Allie! Thank you so much for your message and your suggestions. AHHH!!!!! EVIL BUNNY!!!!! *runs for cover* May I suggest our own Resources section? Though incomplete, it is an ongoing serial of a project, and our research elves are working every day to improve accurate Middle-earthian knowledge. I have checked out the resources section, and it's truly wonderful. There's just so much there! It will take me years to wade through it all! I've started researching Éowyn's ancestry, as she's my favorite character. Maybe in the future I'll have a broader knowledge of Middle-earth. (One can only hope!) Once you feel more comfortable, you can volunteer to be a Welcome Assistant. It isn't an official admin position, and your job would be to... well, welcome people. So it would be exactly what you like to do: seek out empty forums, and welcome people! I am interested in becoming a welcome assistant. What are the daily tasks involved? What would I have to know? I think it would be very fun. Well, I must be off. Thank you again for your lovely message. I love getting messages! ~Nienna

 

Greetings

I'm Pearl Took.  I used to post here then faded away.  I've decided to give HASA another go.

I have been writing fanfic since the early 1980s, though I didn't know it was a genre nor that it had a name.  Since 2003 ( I think) I've been writing and posting Tolkien fanfic.

I've been a Tolkien fan since 1966.

I don't know that I have a favorite Age, I like Hobbits.  I am a hobbit in many ways.

Favorite character is Pippin.

I knit and crochet, do needlepoint, cross stitch and embroidery.  I'm a calligrapher and recently gave Billy Boyd a piece of calligraphy of his song from Return of the King with both the words and music notation.

I am a foil fencer.

I am learning fiddle so I can accompany my husband who plays bluegrass 5 string banjo.

I'm confused a bit as to the purpose of HASA.  Is it to showcase our stories or to be like a writer's guild where the more important thing is discussing writing and critiquing each others works?  How do you let people know you have a new story up?  I did see the story I recently posted on a list somewhere (I can't remember where now) but it was only there for about 1/2 a day, and (though I'm keeping in mind that it has only been here for about 2 1/2 days) it has yet to have a single page click.  In reading about the change in public posting that happened a while ago, I noticed several people that felt that if what you want is to have your stories read by the general public, you should post at other sites.  That what they felt HASA was all about was the more writer's guild aspects of the site.  So I'm curious as to what I should expect and how I wish to become involved.

I will admit that I'm leery of the critiquing/reviewing thing.  I've been burned and handled roughly at various points in time throughout my life in such situations.  It is so easy to come off sounding "holier than thou" even when it is not what is intended - I know as I've done it myself more than once.

At any rate.  I'm here and I'm hoping to find a way to fit in.

Pearl Took

 

I'm confused a bit as to the purpose of HASA.  Is it to showcase our stories or to be like a writer's guild where the more important thing is discussing writing and critiquing each others works?  How do you let people know you have a new story up?  I did see the story I recently posted on a list somewhere (I can't remember where now) but it was only there for about 1/2 a day, and (though I'm keeping in mind that it has only been here for about 2 1/2 days) it has yet to have a single page click.  In reading about the change in public posting that happened a while ago, I noticed several people that felt that if what you want is to have your stories read by the general public, you should post at other sites.  That what they felt HASA was all about was the more writer's guild aspects of the site.  So I'm curious as to what I should expect and how I wish to become involved.

 
Hi Pearl! Welcome back to HASA!

 We are many different things. It's true that 'internal' stories get few page clicks, but the ones that are 'published' are very well read.  If you are looking for a site that gets a high click count for everything uploaded, it won't be here.  On the other hand, HASA does have a reputation for very high quality fiction, so if you do go through the 'review' process with any of your stories to get onto the 'published' side, you will get a lot of traffic.

 The 'review' and 'publish' process is separate from the rest of HASA. No one has to participate in it. However, any member who has been here at least 30 days is welcome to be a reviewer for stories submitted for the archive.  If the process intimidates you for your own stories, please consider signing up as a reviewer and seeing how the process works from the 'other side'.  You'll have the opportunity to influence what stories get approved (it takes 5 out of 9 reviewers voting approve to get a story into the public archive), and see that it might not be so intimidating after all.

What you can always find here are resources: people to ask questions of (forums and discussions), private places to put stories in progress where people of your own choosing can look at them and give feedback (private workshops), open places to ask for feedback (your own forums, discussions, and open workshops), places where you can offer your opinion on other people's stories to not only be helpful in return but to hone your own writing skills (other people's forums, discussions, and workshops).

We also have a newly expanded and wonderful "Resources" section where you can look up answers to canon questions on characters, things, events, etc.

Stories that are flagged 'beta' or 'general'  show up on the 'welcome' page, so we can all see who has posted what lately when we log on.  They move down the list as new stories are added, so how long they show up there depends on how many other people are posting stuff.

 
I recommend that you check out the  "Beta Reading Resources" workshop. (go to the tab at the top of the page that says "sections" and use the pull down menu to access "Workshop". Click on the "all workshops" line on the left hand side, and then just add yourself to the "Beta Reading Resources" workshop (by clicking on the name of the workshop) and any others that strike your fancy.  I know there is a "Hobbit Haven" workshop that is being updated.  You'd be very welcome there.

 
If you have questions about how to use whatever page you are on, you can get a FAQ and tutorials on things that relate to that page by clicking on the FAQ link on the top right hand side of whatever page you are on, right below "bookmarks' and 'search'.

 
You can add your own forum/discussion, create your own workshops, upload  your own stories and either keep them private for a specific group of readers or make them available to anyone.

 The best way to be here is just to be active. Participate in the forums, volunteer your knowledge to others, ask questions and start threads.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You can use the 'contact' link on the Welcome page or email me directly at gwynnyd@di.org

Gwynnyd
Workshop Admin 

 

Hiya Pearl! Edoraslass, Welcome Manager here!
Happy to see you back!

I have been writing fanfic since the early 1980s, though I didn't know it was a genre nor that it had a name

Heee..I know this feeling well. And I'm so glad that none of my dreadful Mary Sue stories survived to come back and haunt me!

I'm confused a bit as to the purpose of HASA. Is it to showcase our stories or to be like a writer's guild where the more important thing is discussing writing and critiquing each others works?

It's both of those things, really -- a place to read and be read, as well a place to discuss the stories of all the members.

How do you let people know you have a new story up?
I think the best way is to put any new story in "beta" status. That way, your story will come up on the Welcome page, under the "Latest Beta Stories" heading. Since that's the first page everyone sees when they sign in, it gives you some publicity. (More about beta further down)

I don't know how familiar you are with the semi-technical workings of HASA, so I'm just going to give you some instructions here, and if you already know this stuff, then never mind!

It can be helpful to start a discussion forum, and link all your stories to it. When you go into "My Stuff", on the left-hand side is a list of options. Click on "My Forums", then on "Add a Discussion". Set it as a "Member" discussion, fill in all the required fields, and bang! You have a shiny new forum. You can Add Topics as you like -- I've got Topics for most of my stories

To link your stories to that forum, go to the Overview page of each. Under "Actions", on the right-hand side of the Overview page, it says "add discussion". Click on that, and your story now has a link that will take a reader directly to your forum.

You can do the reverse as well -- set a link to the story in the forum, so someone reading your forum can go to the story.
I don't know how you are with HTML, so here's the format:
[a href=../stories/chapter.cfm?STID=#]Story Title[/a].
Add in your story title and the number of your story - you can find the number by clicking on your story, and it'll display that number in the web address line.
Change all the brackets to these thingies < > (I have no idea what the proper name for them is), and there's a link! Under My Wing

And don't be discouraged if it takes you a bit to get the hang of linking -- I swear, I still have trouble getting the HTML right! It it's not working, let me know and I'll help ya.
(Or if you already know all this, never mind. I just know that I personally had no clue about HTML when I started posting! Sometimes I still have issues with links. )

That way, when you post a new story, you can make an announcement or story introduction in your forum, and then your forum will also show up on the Welcome page, under the "Latest Forum Posts" heading, so that's more visibility.

I did see the story I recently posted on a list somewhere (I can't remember where now) but it was only there for about 1/2 a day, and (though I'm keeping in mind that it has only been here for about 2 1/2 days) it has yet to have a single page click.

Oh, that can be frustrating. You might try going and putting the story in beta status -- you can change that status any time you like, as often as you'd like. It does help -- I've snagged gained new readers that way.

In reading about the change in public posting that happened a while ago, I noticed several people that felt that if what you want is to have your stories read by the general public, you should post at other sites.

It is true that a story will be more publically available at other sites. However -- and you may have experienced this -- the flip side is that you're also more open to flaming. HASA doesn't put up with flaming, and if you feel that you're being flamed, let one of the Volunteers know immediately so that it can be looked into. HASA's meant to be a friendly, helpful environment.

But of course, there's nothing saying that you can't put your stories at another site, AND here. Lots of HASA authors do that very thing -- I do.

I will admit that I'm leery of the critiquing/reviewing thing. I've been burned and handled roughly at various points in time throughout my life in such situations.

I've heard this concern from lots of people, and when I first started posting my stories, this was what worried me the most. I personally haven't had any troubles with it at HASA -- everyone who's commented on my stuff or done any beta work for me has been straightforward, but kind.
Now putting a story in beta is an indicator that you'd like critique, but as I said above, the beta status will give your story more exposure. Whether you want to do that is entirely up to you and your comfort level, of course. And you shouldn't feel pressured to put something up for review - I've got lots of things I haven't put through the review process, and might never do so.

Also, don't be afraid to comment on other people's boards, or to get involved in Challenges. A good way to ease yourself into Challenges is to check out the Birthday Forum, where people request a drabble for their birthday. Writing or commenting on birthday drabbles will also get you some exposure, and interaction with other members, which is always good! I've met several people just through that forum.
And don't feel obligated to write b-day gifts - it's fun just to talk with other members, and see what they're doing.

Hope this helps -- let me know if I've been unclear, or managed to miss answering a question, or if you have more questions. That's what I'm here for.
Wow, this got long, didn't it? Well, we all know I can't stop talking. Heh.

Anyway, it's good to have you here, Pearl!

Edoraslass
(xxx fingers and hope all my links work on the first try) (which they did not)
Ack! I can't make the Challenges and Birthday Forum links work! *headdesk* but If you click on "Challenges" at bottom of your screen, it'll take you there.

 

Hihi! =) Been lurking around for a while now. I'm quite excessively shy (until I get to know someone better, that is. ^_^) so well~

I got to know about HASA through the FFnet profiles and stories. Seeing all those "written for the HASA ... challenge" made me curious about the place, so well, here I am.

Started writing and reading fanfic a couple of years back when I was a more obsessive Japanese manga fan. I'm back after a year-long hiatus, but not sure how I'm going to sustain it lol, seeing that the new year will be bringing twice the workload I've just gotten rid of. I'm an ex-slash fan and not planning to get back into that anymore. XD *coughs* How interesting, yeah.

I love the First Age and anything to do with the Elves. And since I've just finished the Lays of Beleriand, my favourite character is now Finrod! <3 My other favourites are Glorfindel, Legolas and the whole long list of those in the Finwe family. =) I'm a rabid dog lover (oh dear), and so I'd love to be a dog/hound in ME. Lol, yes, I love Huan too. *sheds a tear*

Interesting hobbies/party tricks... Now that's a tougher one. Um well, I play the bagpipes. Does that count? It's quite rare to see a bagpipe where I live, although Scotland is probably full of 'em. And, uh, I don't cry even when reading the saddest of books or watching the most heart-wrenching movies. Lol, I DO have tear ducts, as partings with my friends will often show. Few books have made me tear up, and The Sil is one of them.

Mm, yes, I believe that's about it. Looking forward to having loads of fun here! =) 

 

Hiya, Indis! Welcome Manager EdorasLass here!

Seeing all those "written for the HASA ... challenge" made me curious about the place, so well, here I am.

That's exactly what happened to me -- curiousity leads you wonderful places, sometimes, doesn't it?

I would make some sort of witty comment about your favourite characters, except that I'm trapped in the 3rd Age, and woefully ignorant of most anything to do with Elves. Pointy ears, right?

And bagpipes! Wow, yeah, I consider that a great "party trick"! I just can never see the logisitics of how they're played, and I'm greatly admiring of anyone who can actually play them!

Glad to see you here! There's another thread in this forum where you can ask any questions you have -- HASA's a pretty big site, and it can get confusing - or use the "Contact" form, if you don't want to ask your questions in public. (It's in the right-hand corner, under the word "Search" -- I can't ever get that link to work!)

Welcome, and have fun!

Edoraslass

 

Hello!

I found HASA on livejournal. that's pretty much all there is to say about that. I've been reading fanfic for a few years and writing for just as long, but I've only just recently started posting. I suppose I like the First Age, but I don't really have a favorite character... I think that's it...

~Aine of Mithlond

 

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