harrowcat · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 9: Change in the Weather
Oh poor, poor Isengar. And a lovely preview of THE birthday party.
Author's reply
Poor Isengar. But you never know what might result from this little scene...
When Winter Fell by Lindelea
Reviews (195)
Dreamflower · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 9: Change in the Weather
I love Bilbo's journal entry! It reminds me of his words to Gandalf years later, about "snapdragons and laburnums". And his conversation with Siggy was wonderful--I'm so glad your Bilbo and Siggy are friends as well! Gandalf was so wonderful, with poor Isengar. *sigh* How sad!
Author's reply
I do think Bilbo learned, with time, to paint pictures with words, don't you? It is fun to contemplate who would have been Bilbo's friends, growing up. (How much of a connexion do you think he'd have had with Brandy Hall?) The sad part is that he outlived so many... I wonder if it alienated some of his friends, the fact that he didn't age the way they did. Poor Isen, but it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Author Reply: p.s. it took me *years* before I understood what that last proverb means!
Inkling · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 1: From the journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
Love the connections between Fortinbras’ journal and Bilbo’s experiences…down to the parallel dates, the sweltering weather, and the ominous harvest activities. Wonder how many young hobbits have been admonished against writing menus by their Grandfas over the years? And how many budding writers cultivated by journal exercises? Fortinbras is definitely improving…and hooked!
Author's reply
LOL! It reminds me of the exercises I read sometimes at homeschool fairs: A Description of My Bedroom (Sort of a variation on "What I Did on My Summer Vacation") Menu-writing seems as if it would come naturally to young hobbits. (I'm sure they'd appreciate the song "Food, Glorious Food!" from "Oliver!") Thanks!
Larner · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 8: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
I find I much like Fortinbras the First. Fine lad he is, fine lad!
Author's reply
I do like Fortinbras. He's got room to grow, but you can see the potential there.
harrowcat · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 8: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
Duh! 'Fool of a Harrowcat!' Shame on me *picture flaming red cheeks and 'stupid hat'. Cancel my last review and re-set for a completely different Hobbit! My only excuse is that it is very late and I ought to be in bed! Sorry Lindelea but I am enjoying the writings really!
Author's reply
I am glad you're enjoying the writings, and doubly glad you're taking time to comment though you ought to be in bed. (Me too. Ought to have slept another hour this a.m., that is, instead of getting up early.)
harrowcat · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 8: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
I am glad that Bilbo never gets done writing. Just think of all that wonderful poetry we would be missing! And who else would have encouraged Frodo to write. And then how would we have heard about the Shire Folk's contribution to the War of the Ring. It doesn't bear thinking about! Yes, I know that I am dotty but I do prefer ME to the stuff I learned in school. But then again LOTR was compulsory reading in our school because my old headmaster used to work in the publishing house that took on the Master's epic! How is that for a sort of claim to fame!!!
Author's reply
I must be dotty too, for I prefer ME to the stuff I learned in school. LOTR was compulsory reading? I wish! (instead we had such "gems" as "Animal Farm" and "Lord of the Flies". Yuck.)
Bodkin · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 8: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
That is just sooo typical. Tell him he must and he'll fight it all the way. Tell him he mustn't and he'll fight that too. (Reverse psychology.) The working their lily-white hands in the fields provides an anxious echo of times to come. And this time we know it was bad. So much pleasure from a short journal entry!
Author's reply
Thanks! It is quite a challenge, to tell everything that seems necessary, from the viewpoint of a young writer who is all too probably excluded from the "big picture".
Dreamflower · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 8: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
Young Fortinbras is a contrary little Took, isn't he? As long as his grandfather told him to write, he griped and complained about it. Now that his grandfather tells him he *doesn't* have to write, he complains about that! *snerk* I've known kids just like that. Reverse psychology always worked on them as long as you didn't do it often enough fo them to catch on. Of course the adults know what they are preparing for, but the young ones haven't a clue...
Author's reply
Am raising some contrary little Tooks, as a matter of fact. Of course, now that Grandfa isn't looking over the contrary little Took's shoulder, so to speak, the diary entries just might get more interesting and informative. You never know. Thanks!
Silvae · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 8: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
Ha! That'll teach you! I won't stop now! What do you mean, that's what you were planning on me doing? What do you mean, manipulation? Humph. Codswollop! I love Fortinbras - great chapter (and story/diary/you know what I mean). Rock on! Chears, Silvae
Author's reply
Hmmm. And don't you suppose Fortinbras is picking up pointers for when, someday, he becomes Thain? Thanks!
harrowcat · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Topics of Interest
I think that we could all do with a wizard visiting once in a while. Like right now please. I will even happily run out of the door without even a pocket hankie!
Author's reply
I wonder if wizards can conjure a clean house? Now that would be worth a visit, for sure. Otherwise, if he merely comes to distract me from my duties, well, I have plenty of distractions already. He's welcome to join me for tea, of course. But no adventures! (At least, not until the dishes and laundry are caught up.)
Bodkin · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Topics of Interest
Tsk, Bilbo. Eavesdropping is naughty. Although you can learn a lot! I liked seeing Gandalf with the lads - and worrying about whether he had been right to take Isengar home. The friendship between the Old Took and Gandalf is good to see - and I'm glad to see that the store cupboard are bulging. But I think Bilbo might end up having to write about something other than food before the winter ends.
Author's reply
It is interesting to see Gandalf burdened with the individuals he cares about, as well as with the whole of Middle-earth. I think the Tooks learned wisdom along with sorrow in a previous winter.
Larner · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Topics of Interest
Alas, to have to write other than menues must be a matter of grief for poor Bilbo. And Gerontius sounds so much like movie Bilbo welcoming Gandalf to Bag End. Seems Bilbo is far more related to his grandfather than many of the Tooks in the Smial!
Author's reply
LOL. Well, I do seem to remember reading somewhere that Gandalf thought Bilbo took after his Tookish side more than his Baggins side.
Dreamflower · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Topics of Interest
Oh how delightful! I just love this beautiful friendship between Gerontius and Gandalf. Of course the talk overheard is going to stick in Bilbo's memory, even if he doesn't quite understand what it means now. I always love the description of how it was the way that hobbits had pity on one another, and cared for one another during the Great Winter, that drew Gandalf's attention to the race. As a representative of the Valar, he would certainly value that quality in them--little knowing that it was their compassion and pity that would one day result in accomplishing his mission, and in saving all of Middle-earth. And he has come, not merely to provide fireworks for a dear old friend's birthday, but also to provide a warning of what is to come...
Author's reply
O thank you! I had to give it some thought... if it was noteworthy enough to be mentioned, then they must be friends indeed, with that easy friendship that is often found between two old men who know a lot about life and have shared some significant experiences. (Gee, now I wonder what these were? More bunnies poking out their noses.) Is there more on Gandalf and the Dearth, than the brief mention in the Tale of Years? All it says there is that Gandalf comes to the aid of the Shire folk. I had been thinking that Gandalf warned Fortinbras' Grandfa of the harsh winter to come, but if it was that winter that brought the hobbits to his attention... well, there are always dreams to fall back on. Grandfa might had a warning dream of the Long Winter--something like Frodo's dreams, later.
Mum's the Word · 28 October 2005 · Chapter 6: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
These "entries" are very well done, and I add my vote to those who want you to continue. This chapter brings a good foreshadowing into the picture -- putting all hands to work at harvesting as much as possible against the coming winter. Can't wait to read more.
Author's reply
Thanks! It is a challenge to show events from such a limited perspective, and I appreciate the vote of confidence.
harrowcat · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 6: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
No, grumbling is not productive but it can occasionally make us feel better for a while at least.
Author's reply
And he really is grumbling. As Grandfa knows very well. Do you suppose he has a hard time keeping a straight face as he reads these entries? Do you suppose he tells the lad to put the journal on the desk, he'll get to it when he's finished with the papers he's perusing, and come back for it later?
Larner · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 6: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
Sorry--meant Fortinbras. Ah, I, too, get my names mixed up!
Author's reply
Those pesky names!
Larner · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 6: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
Aha, Bilbo my lad! Barely a mention of food, is it? And I suspect he is using a very bold hand to fill two pages with THAT! Lovely.
Author's reply
I remember a friend telling me of a teacher that didn't seem to look at the insides of reports the students turned in, but assigned grades by the thickness of the paper. She tested this once by submitting a report, making the first few and the last few pages as they were supposed to look (you know, cover page and table of contents, and bibliography at the back) and putting a bunch of blank pages in the middle. She got an A. However, I *do* think Grandfa is reading every word, and chuckling. And if Grandson's entries get too brief and writ too large, he might just assign extra pages. Grandfas can be like that.
Dreamflower · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 6: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
Ah, Fortinbras, you haven't got a clue, and if the oldsters did tell you, you probably would not believe them. After all, you are a tween and know *everything*.
Author's reply
Not quite a tween, but he is a precocious teen, and thus knows *everything*.
Bodkin · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 6: From the Journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
Endless menus show a lack of imagination? Perhaps - but not a lack of appetite. Driving the lily-handed gentle-Tooks to slave in the fields all morning? With a grim expression on his face? Uncle Isembold clearly knows something that his nephew doesn't. But he is sharp enough to realise that Not All Is Well. I'm so pleased you're back to writing this one.
Author's reply
I want to know how the hobbits would know or at least fear a hard winter is coming. Is it a fact that a hot summer is followed by a harsh winter? Or is that superstition?
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 5: Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
A man, is it? Interesting that a man would know what Isengar went through on the Sea. Interesting, interesting....
Author's reply
And not just any man, but a Man in Grey.
harrowcat · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 5: Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
Sorry to read about the migraines, *hands over virtual cooling cloths for head and shouts for the finest healer in ME* (But then he has a hanging to attend and the other healer is known to had out strange potions!) So how have you managed to keep both stories going? This one is coming along very nicely. More please but most of all feel better soon.
Author's reply
Ah those lovely cooling cloths. I do believe the King is about to arrive at any chapter, now. Perhaps he can spare a moment for the beleaguered author. To answer your question: When a story gets too angsty, or I hit a virtual brick wall in my imagination, I switch between stories to find relief. Before I discovered the technique of writing on two or more stories at a time, I'd go for long stretches without writing at all because of the dreaded Writers Block. That doesn't happen so often now; if I get stuck I just write on something else. Thanks for the good wishes. Today looks better.
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 4: From the journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
Oh, I think I like Fortimbras.
Author's reply
I think he'll make a good Thain, somehow. Is he Ferumbras' father? I don't have my genealogy in front of me at the moment. Too bad, if he is, about his choice of wife. *shakes head* A pretty face does not a happy marriage make. (Not always, anyhow) Author Reply: Oops, I thought you were commenting on a "Bilbo" chapter and not on his great-grandfather! There I go with names again, though in this case it's understandable, considering he has a cousin by the same name as his forebearer.
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 2: From the Frying Pan into the Fire
Hobbit lad entries are so predictable! Tea menues!
Author's reply
Rather like Wookies, always thinking with their stomachs.
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 1: From the journal of Fortinbras Took, S.R. 1158
It sounds much like my idea of what Frodo's first journal entries for Master Tumnus were like! Ah, great minds think alike.
Author's reply
O goodness, if I read them I don't remember! What story is that to be found in?
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 0: Maunderings of a Mad Uncle
Aha! So, Isengar (whom you mistakenly called Isumbras in the last paragraph or so--I'm NOT the only one who does this, I see!) was brought home by Gandalf, and one wonders what his story was! And young Bilbo is not only being readied for his own future as scholar and copyist, but beginning to realize that nature stays much the same.... Wonderful beginning.
Author's reply
O thanks for the catch! Yes, you're not the only one. I do it all the time. I have had fits with Thain Peregrin - Thain Paladin, Ferdinand - Ferdibrand, and now Isen - Isum! Author Reply: And let us not forget Beregond - Beregorn. And he's my favourite character from the ranks of Men! Aargh.