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Michelle Johnston
Gondor
Oct 30, 6:09am
Post #76 of 79
(1842 views)
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The relationship between a writer and their writings
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Whereas the LOTR took 12 years to write were published and are the author's final thoughts on the matter. It may have scholastic interest and Christopher believed he was authorised to do so, but I could never see JRRT wanting me to read his early drafts. I would think that as a teacher of English language and literature, these would be a good example for the evolution and freedom of thought, the writing process, and development of story. Surely as a professor he would not hide his process to the detriment of learning.
Writers are very happy to share the strange and curious way in which their stories evolve but they are equally fastidious and have a sense of vulnerability when the manuscript goes to press, worrying that some element could still be improved upon. The professor was profoundly frustrated by changes and mistakes that were made in early editions.
I know of no writer who wants the evolving process and all the missteps and errors catalogued.
Mr Tolkien apart from the occasional read (The Fall of Gondolin) separated out his professional life from the things going on at home.
I know of no letter, of anything in his official biography or from students at Merton or relatives (Both of whom I have met in a professional capacity) who would have expected early drafts of the LOTR to be published. The publication of the Silmarillion is entirely different Father and Son discussed it.
Other may know differently, but I stand by knowledge of authors. These days an author will submit to a major, gain acceptance and be told the names, the title and the word count has to be halved, this is deeply frustrating when you own a piece of your own creative imagination that you have toiled over for years. That kind of ownership does not want drafts out in the public.
Lecturing and extemporising yes but not actual manuscripts which an author has a profound sense of vulnerability over.
And remember whatever I say; is the reason the Silmarillion was not published in his lifetime is because he could not solve its many, to him, problems. Why would a man so determined to get things right want his drafts published.
My Dear Bilbo something is the matter with you! you are not the same hobbit that you were.
(This post was edited by Michelle Johnston on Oct 30, 6:13am)
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Junesong
Rohan
Oct 30, 11:37am
Post #77 of 79
(1813 views)
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Stay away from MY rough drafts
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I'm glad we get so much insight into Tolkien's creative process. I'm glad we can pour over the "making of!" with so much detail and so many versions to explore and compare.
But wow - as someone who has done some writing AND some teaching, I would be VERY reluctant for people to pour over my process, unless it was explicitly what I was trying to teach.
I think rough drafts belong in your head and in the waste paper basket.
"So which story do you prefer?"
"The one with the tiger. That's the better story."
"Thank you. And so it goes with God."
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Voronwë_the_Faithful
Valinor
Oct 30, 10:08pm
Post #78 of 79
(1724 views)
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I suspect that Tolkien would be appalled to have the LOTR drafts published
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And I'm vastly grateful to Christopher for ignoring that. Having the opportunity to see the evolution of the text from where it started to where it is today is an incredible gift. While obviously the evolution of the works that became The Silmarillion are where I have spent the most time with in the HoMe books, it is the History of The Lord of the Rings books that I find most illuminating.
'But very bright were the stars upon the margin of the world, when at times the clouds about the West were drawn aside.'
The Hall of Fire
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Michelle Johnston
Gondor
Oct 31, 5:39am
Post #79 of 79
(1694 views)
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I took a lot of pleasure from your candid replies.
Many Thanks.
I am sure it's obvious I look at this issue from a particular perspective, and you guys are just like music fans who want outtakes, early mixes of music, and extras that were discarded at the time of release; the artist having sanctioned those releases.
My Dear Bilbo something is the matter with you! you are not the same hobbit that you were.
(This post was edited by Michelle Johnston on Oct 31, 5:40am)
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