#welcome back to middle earth

Newsfeed #119 December 26, 2019 (26 Ringarë)

THE SAGA OF THRANDUIL–EXTENDED VERSION

First of all, there are a few things about this 3rd Draft of the Extended Version. It is not complete (as it should have been). Why? Because this October, my old laptop died and though it did retrieve nearly all my work, it lost all my notes on The Extended Version. Note to you (and self): Apple Stickies don’t retrieve anything if you lose something. Use Post-It by 3M if you have a tablet (and I’m doing that now). This means you may actually get another lookatThe Extended Version and this is not the last time you get to read it with the additions.

Secondly, when you get to the Appendix, you’ll probably see the additions that got lost while my old laptop died during the Catalina Software Download (and the laptop wasn’t that old, I might add)–there are “new people” not in the story (yet). You can either ignore them or start rumors of their origins (though some are self-explanatory). Some characters will be in Book III: The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen (and that extended version) and/or in Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen (currently on-going).

There is a scene that was about to be put into this book (while I was promoting The House of Durin) that is on Instagram right now about Thranduil dealing with his future “son-in-law” (future husband of his daughter Isílriel). It is located  to the right of a bright photo titled “End of Summer: LAIRË METTA”. I hope to post the scene the event takes place eventually (along with others) either there or in the complete version at a later date TBA.

Also, I just learned today, my new Spell-Check hasn’t learned Elvish. Though, Erestor is blessedly not Crestor, some things in Elvish might look weird (and my laptop froze while I was working and I freaked out because I didn’t want the trauma of losing anything again), some things are still a weird mix of Apple’s inability to recognize another language (oh, Black Speech they know–makes you wonder), Sindarin and Quenya. That’ll be fixed in post.

Please Enjoy this version of the book () knowing eventually there will be way more than 567 pages (including the Appendix) and way more adventures (most being told again in the extended version of The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen).–Jaynaé Marie Miller, author. 

Available Here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=13z0iO0Y-qHUs8yZWIrVJZy_jtGzx–hk

or, if you like: https://tkwrtrilogy.wordpress.com/2019/12/26/the-saga-of-thranduil-the-extended-version-is-here/

Newsfeed #118 December 25, 2019 (25 Ringarë)

MERRY CHRISTMAS: ENJOY THE DAY! DECEMBER 26 IS 23 HOURSAWAY.

It is that time of the year–to celebrate the holidays. Go ahead. I’ll wait until December 26 when the Extended Version will be available for download. Watch this space–carefully. There will be a lot of information forthcoming. (Go watch LOTR in honor of December 25, 3019 T.A.)

Meanwhile, you can always catch up with the Original Version here or on WordPress. Until then, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good-night.

Newsfeed #113 July 6, 2019 (6 Cermië)

YOUTUBE: Are You Ready for Us?

Yeah, not that it matters–we’re going to go there anyway. We are so busy now that we have to find some way to interact with our readers and answer their questions. Since there are two of us in two different countries and time zones, finessing will be involved (so will casting someone to speak for us when we’re busy and I’m not showcasing the sword fighting I use to choreograph battle scenes).

First off, The House of Durin@thehouseofdurin debuts in the Fall of 2019 so you’ll just have to deal with me and @tkwrtrilogy@tkwrtrilogy2@tkwrtrilogy3 @trenarnolegolaslasgalen@oflordsandkingstkwrtbook@tkwrtsongofsevenrivers for a while (and all its other parts: @extendedtkwrtrilogyend@tkwrtrilogylasttale)

But wait! There’s MORE!(and,@staff this is a book that kids can read).

You’ll never guess who’s coming to town.

Okay, okay. Lindir isn’t the only “loremaster” in town. Even the Keepers have tales and boy, is it interesting! (If you’re reading Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen@tkwrtrilogy3 right now, one of the first of them is lurking around in Doriath.

Just when 2019 couldn’t get any busier, 2020 is filling up like a rain barrel in a monsoon. Other than the occasional familial disagreement I have, I spend most of my time coming up with ways Thranduil can conquer the world. He already has LinkedIn mesmerized I have no idea how he pulled that one off. I mean he’s actually got “stans” on a business networking site!

Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to Thranduil. Someone called him my magnum opus today so his opus will be returning in the Winter of 2019.

So, to recap, The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm TrilogyandThe House of Durin will be on YouTube in 2020 (at some point) and you’ll get exclusive looks into Loremasters: Keepers of the Tales and updates on the other books like Book III: The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen,The Song of Seven RiversandOf Lords & Kings.

So, if you were wondering where I’ve been for the past month, well, now you know.

Okay, no. I was writing. But Galadriel just fell in love with CeleborninBook I: The Epic of Eryn Galen. I’m guessing at some point her harrowing tale of crossing the Helcaraxë will come to light.

Newsfeed #108 December 3, 2018 (3 Ringarë)

MERRY CHRISTMAS: ANOTHER BOOK IS ON ITS WAY!

I know, it’s been awhile. I had to take care of a few things after the death of my father. He will be missed but I know he would have wanted me to continue my work (he told me as much prior to his death). Just would like to say that there are TWO of us now–two writers of stories based on the works of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.

Introducing “The House of Durin” by Deborah Meneghetti. 

Tumblr: https://thehouseofdurin.tumblr.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-House-of-Durin-2262672203745024/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/de_crystalwings/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/de_crystalwings

It will be available in (get this) ENGLISHandITALIAN! Yes, this venture is about to go multi-lingual (see below as well). See, I plugged that one, @fortunatelyclevercandy . Just for you, Angioletto .

To give you a little background on what is going on: This book is as it is described, ”The story of the heirs of Durin the Deathless”. Anyone who has read the works of J.R.R. Tolkien knows that the line of Durin runs deep so this will be an opportunity to explore it in depth. Like The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy,The House of Durin is based on the works of Tolkien; put together from what he has left behind, as it were.

Eventually, both books will weave together in many places readers are familiar with and from different perspectives, you can imagine. The other two standalone books belonging to TKWRT (The Song of Seven Rivers@tkwrtsongofsevenriversandOf Lords & Kings@oflordsandkingstkwrtbook ) will do the same thing. In the end, there will be several books telling different tales from the same world that at times meet each other.

Imagine: Girls thought of all this.

Moving on:

This year is the 3rd Anniversary of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil. It is hard to believe how far it has come. This year is special because someone has offered to translate it (and all the other books) into Polish (and possibly French). We are still working out the details and when that moment comes, read it here. Translation: We’re thinking about it.

UPDATE: TKWRT EXPANDS ITS AUDIENCE

Our demographics (according to emails and Facebook) show a demographic that was 18-65 but I learned that some people in my father’s home were into it and an 11th grader (and Tolkien fan) just requested a copy. I won’t say why an 80-year-old woman was interested in turning this book into a film about Thranduil because that would be something for the record books. 

I don’t know what Lee Pace as Thranduil has done to women but it must have been something pretty remarkable for an 80-year-old to want him to return to the screen via Book II: The Saga of Thranduil. Wow, that’s just wow. According to a rumor, I had a four-hour conversation about Lee Pace and I have yet to figure out if I said anything that would offer a clue to why he’s so appealing.

Either way, TKWRT has been officially mainstream for some time now. Getting awesome reviews from people that keep asking me to have this thing published. Well, I can’t say for certain if that will be anytime soon, but I never said I wasn’t looking into it (on several fronts–I’ve made some friends along the way that could make that happen if you ask me nicely). 

COMING 2019

As promised, there will be a sneak preview of the upcoming books

Reasonably since they are both connected by marriage to Book II: The Saga of Thranduil. But also another book will share the moment with them.

Most already know that this book is also here: @trenarnolegolaslasgalenand@tkwrtrilogylasttale (extended version). Yep, going to start working on the FINAL (as in, this will be the last book) in the TKWRT Trilogy. There have been some changes in the format so this is the main reason for a preview. The main reason is the additions made to the EXTENDED VERSION of Book II.

SURPRISE: IT’S BACK & ITS YOUR JOB!

What readers get to do is decide what will go into the final version of the original book. Some people like Legolas’ younger sister Isílriel and most adore the baby elves (and in this one, there are more). Some like the idea of Êlúriel surviving (which in order to have her daughter she would have to live a little longer. Whatever you like–however you like your “Thrandy”, you get some input. If I were you, I’d wait until after Book III: The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen for one reason–the last chapter of Book II is in the prologue and you might want to see that first. 

Yeah, you’re going to really want to see this one.

No, seriously. What has Lee done to you people? You were once so normal. I don’t know. I hardly know most of you. Just trying to figure out this 80-year-old wanting to see a film about Thranduil based on my book with Lee Pace in it. Is it that serious? Really? I don’t see it. 

So that sums up what has been happening since the last post. Still getting over my dad. It took me a couple weeks to get used to the fact I can’t pick up the phone and call him to tell him about all the things happening with the books. I have a few photos my family (who have yet to even call and ask how I’m doing–I’ll live) gave to me. It’s something. I know he’s somewhere looking over me; avoiding my mother who probably is talking everyone to death in the afterlife.

Until next time: Come for the story, stay for Thranduil. I know, I know.

Newsfeed #107 October 29, 2018 (29 Narquelië)

NO: THAT ISN’T JUST A PRETTY PHOTO OF BARD; IT’S A NEW BOOK.

It has been a while–my father died on October 6 of this year so I was gathering myself together and of course getting myself into more trouble. I’m going to be tackling a lot of Middle-Earth History as you can see. 

It is part of what has become the TKWR Trilogy Franchise (or so I’m told that’s what I am; go figure) because if you’ve been reading the actual TKWR Trilogy (Particularly Book II: The Saga of Thranduil), then you know on tiny line of the Bardings (descendants of Bard) are related by marriage to TheElvenking (via his wife Êlúriel)…yeah, it’s as complicated as it is straightforward. 

You will be able to find that tale (that I’ve just begun) here: @oflordsandkingstkwrtbook

Yeah, with over 3000 views in 3 months for the Official TKWR Trilogy on WordPress (https://officialwptkwrt.wordpress.com) I believe the best way to honor my father now is to keep going. The Flagship Book (dedicated to my father) has spawned a revolution (and I’ve added another writer) that will be the legacy I leave behind as I am the legacy my father left behind. 

(Yeah: For those just tuning in, this book is done–except for the last chapter “Thranduil Everlasting” which is in the epilogue of “Book III: The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen”)

Yes, I am looking forward to this and all other things I will bring to the world for my father and always in honor of J.R.R. Tolkien. 

**Sneak Preview Coming 2019**

Newsfeed #100 June 2, 2018 (8 Nárië)

THE NEXT RELEASE DATE–AND THEN SOME

I always release the PDF version of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil on Father’s Day–after all, it is dedicated to my father. There will be a Table of Contents in this version (second draft). This year, there is more to be thankful for. 

Book II: The Saga of Thranduil was invited (as it were) to be submitted to professional readers in order to be seen by publishers and literary agents. This is a first for me; nothing I said to them scared them so they are well aware of all things that will come for any publisher or agent that chooses to represent The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy–including the fact that I recently began working on the “second” book of the trilogy. All they said to me was, “We look forward to your submission.”

Book II: The Saga of Thranduil might get to see actor Lee Pace (with the first news, this “secret” news probably won’t remain quiet forever). Fans of the book and Lee Pace have been wanting him to read it and an opening to do that became available. (I won’t say when, where or how just yet–stay tuned; that one’s complicated and more so with the first news).

It is the Summer of 2018–Mirkwood Rising, I call it. It seems to be coming true in more ways than one.

So there it is: the Father’s Day gift I never expected to be able to give to my father (that received an autographed copy of my book for him for his birthday). He wondered out loud when people in the literary world were going to see this book. This year I can say with 100% certainty they will. It is a dream come true for my first book and trilogy. No matter what happens, Book III: The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen will always be dedicated to my readers all over the world–whether they are reading the PDFs or maybe one day, holding the book in their hands. Because of you, I got the chance. 

Newsfeed #97 March 8, 2018 (8 Súlimë)

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: THE STAND-ALONE SAGA

First of all, I’m not dropping everything to write this particular book (I don’t know why people fear that). The “new” book is not as “new” as I am implying. The story (like the trilogy) is a long and winding one.

When I began outlining the Elves of Mirkwood, naturally people wonder “where are all these elves coming from. For example, it is no secret Thranduil’s cousin Elranduil married a Noldorin (Ardúin) and Thranduil’s wife is a Nandor (Danwaith)–the last of the remaining ones. Nearly all of the main characters have a back story (and after stories), so I had written part of those around the time I began The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy. They were going to go into the Appendix (which at the time included Legolas’ Journals). When I changed the format of the book–having the story told by the four generation of elves–two being rulers and one being an heir to the Woodland Realm–I was free to do with the back stories what I wished–especially the one about the origins of Êlúriel.

It doesn’t have a title yet; it is not put together as well as the other books in the trilogy–even Legolas’ story is already planned from beginning to end. This new book will be part of the Appendix, unless it’s longer than 200 pages. There is a reason for that:

515 pages of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil (original version) is already a ream; its extended version will be at least 600pages in its final form and Book I and Book III are currently estimated to be 500-600pages each–then there’s the extended version of Book III which will more than likely be around 500-600pages long. When I put the trilogies together, that’s a lot of paper to add something 200+ pages long. I’m already over 1100 with Book I/Book II (both versions) not including Book III.

Tolkien’sThe Lord of the RingsTrilogy* in one volume is 1178 pages (including the Appendix; 1031w/o).So you can see I have a doorstop in the making. And even though this new “volume” will mesh with the trilogy (not unlike the STARZshowThe White Queen–based on three books by Philippa Gregory that tell three different sides of the same history; only in this case there’s several sides talking when you add Iarûr (Prologue of Book I) to the stories of Orothôn,Oropher,ThranduilandLegolas), I still have to decide at some point how long will it need to be to fit into the appendix or if it should just stand-alone.

I am still trying to decide whether to cut Book I in half as itself will contain two stories told by two elves–both crossing over at a pivotal event from one POV to another (hard to do especially I will have to eventually make that transition for all three of the original books). I do that, TKWRT won’t stand for TKWR TrilogybutTKWR Tetralogy. That won’t be decided until all three books are complete, though.

You are watching a novel in progress–I like to call it a reality show since readers are literally reading TKWR Trilogy in evolution. There’s is always something new coming around the corner and editing something like this requires someone that has flown over the Cuckoo’s Nest a few times and is literate in Tolkien Languages–especially Adûnaic. That hasn’t been added yet–nor has all of the Quenya. (Quenya is the hardest of the two Elven Languages known; That is why no one is out there selling “Learn Quenya” (even though Sindarin is Quendi for “Grey-Elven Language”). All the languages change with each new age/generation (as all languages do) which makes it impossible to say which “literary” version you are reading–and it gets worse with Tengwar where there’s far more to it than what most people think. 

Adûnaic is harder still, even though Akallabêth is “The Down Fallen” in Adûnaic in The Silmarillion. What you get to read now is my “short-hand” for some things in Sindarin that may be translated eventually into Quenya–especially in Eryn Galen. Oropher didn’t like Sindarin at all (hence why it was unknown whether Thranduil spoke it). There is a reason Oropher didn’t like it and unless you adore reading thousands of pages of Tolkien’s notes in the form of 12+ volumes of Middle Earth History and his other works, you won’t find that reason (mostly because Oropher is in only one book of all books dealing with ME Histories by Tolkien and he’s somewhere else altogether)–hence the reason my book will have a very large bibliography. Yeah, this is an in-depth book I’m writing. I’m a glutton for punishment.

So, that’s it for now; back to work. I have a bunch of elves stuck in Ossiriand for a moment waiting for a few baby elves to be old enough to continue the journey into the West (by “west” I mean some will get lazy somewhere around Beleriand and hang out in Doriath with King Thingol and his Queen Melian). Also, I’ve been advised to use my real name in order to get the accounts for this book and myself verified ✅. Thranduil has come a long, long way from where he started.–JMM (Jaynaé Marie Miller).

*The Lord of the Rings is actually not a trilogy. It was originally supposed to be six books–a hexalogy, so to speak. In fact, in the table of contents, you’ll notice that each of the “books” has “two books” within them.

Images: ©2013. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter IX: The Reckoning (Pt. IV)

I was not in my chambers long before Mîrwen entered. She had a look of dread upon her face. I knew better than to inquire. She had spent much of her time with the Queen this day. With the departure of Thingol, I knew too well the fear in Melian’s heart. What she said to the court with her eyes, she spoke to her most trusted ladies.

“What is on your mind, Orothôn,” she asked as she walked by without a glance. “I could hear your thoughts in the hall.”

“I have nothing on my mind other than my concern for you.”

“As you well should,” she said. “But I would worry more for the fate of the Eldalië.”

“Why is that,” I began. “Do not speak to me in riddles, Mîrwen. Between you and Galadriel, on can hardly dismiss the look of puzzlement upon my face.”

“There is talk of war,” she said angrily. “Or do menfolk not speak of it anymore?”

“We speak of it,” I answered. “But why would ladies concern themselves with war?”

“We are far from immune by the affects of war,” she said. “We are wives and mothers of warriors.”

“Yes, you are,” I said. “And as such, it would be helpful if you would tell your warrior husband what you are trying to say.”

“Mother wishes to sail west.”

I looked at Mîrwen. From her expression, I could tell she knew I was stunned.

“What are you saying, Mîrwen?”

“Dark times are coming to us,” she began. “There will be death among us. Mother wishes for us to go where we should have gone a long time ago.”

I did not know what to say. Before I could think of something, there came a knock at the door.

“Enter,” I said without a backwards glance.

“Ada,” I heard Oropher say. I turned to see my son standing beside Amdir. 

“Yes, Oropher,” I asked.

“You are wanted,” he said. “By Elmo.”

I nodded.

“See to your mother,” I whispered.

“Yes, Ada,” he answered.

“Elmo is with Iarûr in the library,” Amdir added.

I nodded, and made my way down the hall. As I turned down the corridor leading to the library, I met Êlengolas and Finëar.

“Have you two been summoned,” I asked.

“If by summoned you mean intentionally eavesdropping, then yes,” Êlengolas said with a smile. Finëar sighed in annoyance.

“Yes, he was called upon,” he said. “Êlengolas is one of our best warriors, if not our most trying. Angband rumbles again for that creature brought with it more than eyes.”

As we entered the library, several elves busied themselves with putting scrolls into trunks. Iarûr and Elmo stood in the farthest corner speaking quietly as Súlwë sat nearby. When they saw us approaching, we were greeted warmly.

“Orothôn,” Iarûr said. “Good of you to come.”

“I was told Elmo wished to see me,” I answered.

“Yes,” Elmo said. “Have you spoken to Mîrwen?”

“I have only briefly.”

“So, she has told you of Orowen’s desire to sail west.”

“Yes,” I answered. “I am afraid I do not understand.”

“I believe you do, Orothôn,” Elmo said. “It was you, after all, that heard my promise to my wife many years ago on our way to Doriath.”

Everything became clear to me in that moment. My mind returned to the forest beneath the stars.

“You have called me here to tell me we are to leave Doriath?”

“No,” he said softly. “Not just yet, but it is on the minds of many.”

“I find it difficult to fathom King Thingol leaving this world,” I said. “And if my memory serves, you said you would leave if you failed to convince your brother.”

“You memory serves you well,” he answered.

“The King will not leave Doriath,” Êlengolas said. “So long as his daughter remains, he is tethered forever to this land.”

“His daughter has given her love to a mortal,” Finëar added. “Now Elven blood will one day flow together with Atani for many generations.”

“Yes,” Elmo said softly. “I made a promise to my beloved, but I owe my allegiance to my brother.”

“So you wish to stay,” I asked.

“No,” Elmo answered. “I want to leave with my family before more Elven blood is shed.”

“Well, do it quickly,” Iarûr said. “That time will be upon us soon. More than elven blood will flow through this land.”

“Are you planning to leave as well,” I asked Iarûr.

“No,” he said. “I must stay. My fate is tied to another. But I will make my way home when it is is my time to do so.”

“When are you leaving, Elmo,” I asked.

“As soon as my brother returns, I shall tell him my plans so that I may prepare for our journey. You will be coming with us, yes?”

I did not answer. I had not given it much thought. Even after facing the evil of Morgoth, I had come to call Doriath my home.–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 12-11-2021