Nothing to do with Les Miserables …
In less than a month’s time, A Tolkienist’s Perspective will be celebrating its one year anniversary since starting this blog … crazy I know.
So in honour of that, I thought by now some of you may be wondering who’s the individual behind all this. And in an upcoming post, I’ll be answering any questions you may want to ask about me. I’m a very private and reserved person, so please nothing too personal! 🙂
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Meanwhile, this blog started out simply as a way to express my opinions on anything Tolkien – meant for no one in particular other than myself.
But over the past months, the number of followers has grown beyond my wildest expectations; and it’s only fair that I ask your advice on the content of this blog.
I’d love to hear your feedback, comments, criticisms, ideas for future posts.
Is there anything you think isn’t dealt with appropriately? Any specific Middle-earth related (or not) articles you’d like me to discuss? Is there anything else you want to see or read about?
Please, let me know!
So if you’ve got anything you would like to share this is your chance!
Simply write your questions/suggestions below, on Twitter or by email on tolkienistperspective@gmail.com … I’ll be tackling some of the questions in an upcoming post 🙂
A Tolkienist's Perspective 
Sounds like fun! I enjoy your blog a lot! Keep it up!
Thanks a lot Kylie 🙂
Great Idea James!
Cheers!
Why don’t you analyze the TV series Sherlock?! Best show ever…
To be honest, I had an idea of creating another blog dedicated entirely to Sherlock (I also think it’s the best TV series 😉 ) and I will seriously consider it, thanks!
After reading this thread and thinking about it, I don’t really have any questions to ask, I enjoy that you have chosen this format to share your thoughts and insights into Tolkien’s world, which allow me to think outside the box and look at Tolkien and his writings in a different way. I wouldn’t want you to change anything about your blog, I like it the way it is. Thanks again for taking the time to share so much with us, who are not just Tolkien fans but fans of your shared experiences as well.
Thanks so much for your wonderful comments Cas 🙂
I think your blog is great as it is and can’t really think of anything I’d like you to do differently. I really enjoy reading your “Approaching Tolkien” series, it helps me get a better grasp on Middle-earth. Just keep doing what you’re doing!
I saw that you are an aspiring author. How about a post expanding on what you are most interested in publishing? If you haven’t already, of course.
And I totally got more of a “Who am I, Gamling?” vibe than Les Miserables haha.
Hey Myla, thanks for your feedback.
Now why didn’t I think about the Gamling reference? It’s spot on!
I’ll hopefully be doing another article on the Approaching Tolkien series and will certainly delve into the “aspiring author” discussion. Thanks 😉
Lol, Les Mis. Nice touch.
Congratulations for making it a year.
Content-wise, I can’t think of anything I’d suggest you add or change. I think you have a good blend of discussions. I’ve seen you work with the books, related texts, movies, #MiddleEarthIsReal and do travel pieces so far.Especially if your followers are picking up, I’d say keep doing what you are doing (and congrats on that, too).
I particularly liked the military organization of Mordor – is there enough info to do something similar for other militaries?
I also enjoyed you sharing the trip to Oxford. Because you are so reserved, when you do share a little slice of yourself like that, it really stands out. One thing I’ve learned as a blogger is that, if you establish a pattern for your content (and you definitely have) when you do something different, especially if it’s personal but still related to your area of interest, people’s ears prick up.
I’ll tweet you two or three of questions to choose from, and nothing too personal. Tolkien related-but maybe a little personal. Don’t feel obliged to answer them all in the post 🙂
Much appreciated! 🙂 I’ll certainly look into the “military structures” topic and see what can be done.
Thanks loads!
I don’t know how I missed this reply, but i did 🙂
I came over to ask when is your actual anniversary? I don’t want to miss it. That would be bad.
Heh! It’s the 8th of July (don’t worry, a post will marking the date 😉 )
I liked the discussion on the continuity error with Celeborn. That was neat. I’ve always been fascinated by the origins of Middle Earth, the fall of Melkor, etc. Also – still no more info on Celebrian? The only thing I know was she was killed by an orc arrow. Anything you find would be interesting. I’ve always wanted to know more about the daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel.
Celebrian! Yes! How could I have forgotten about her? I believe you had suggested it to me once, or am I completely off balance?
That’s a fascinating subject for sure – thanks! 🙂
Yes, it was me. I looked for a bit, but I have a 3.5 and a 1.5 year old now, so I’m being lazy and delegating my burning Middle Earth questions to you.
I’ll have to make it up to you then … will try to write a post about it soon 😉
Nothing too personal, really? 🙂 No, I’m just kidding.
Well, your blog is great so congratulations !
– I will think of questions (I’m sure I ‘ll have some for you ..about Tolkien or Tolkien related) –
Hehe! 😉
Hey James, I love the blog. I feel like we are already friends, but I would love to learn a little bit more about you (as long as it’s not TOO personal :-)). As far as further blogs and content is concerned, we have a saying where I grew up (rural Missouri, USA), “Dance with the one that brung ya!” In other words, just keep doing what you’re doing! I also agree that blogs on the military structure of Rohan, the Elves of Lothlorien, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills, and (especially) the Grey Company / Rangers of the North would be awesome. As a Christian and a pastor, I’m keenly interested in Tolkien’s Christian faith that informs his stories; so a series of blogs on Christian themes in LOTR would be interesting, especially as it relates to understanding the man who created Middle Earth.
Hey Casey, thanks for your comments. I certainly feel surrounded by friends (even though I don’t know you personally). It’s lovely to see others being interested in what I write, and Tolkien in general.
Thank you for your suggestions. I’ll delve more into the military structures for sure 😉
Hello James!
I just started reading your blog a little while ago, and I think it’s great as it is, so keep it up! Your first posts that I have read so far are the Tom Bombadil and Ungoliant ones, so I would definitely appreciate more of that type of post. I also really enjoyed your Ainulindale video – it was so beautiful! I think it would be great if you were to do more videos, because you make them so well. Gothmog’s musical talents are just too good not to be on the internet. 🙂
The only questions I can think to ask right now are: What is your favorite (non-Tolkien related) book? and: Who is your favorite author (besides Tolkien)?
Cheerio!
Cat
Oops, in the second line of my above post I meant to say: My favorites of your posts that I have read so far are the Tom Bombadil and Ungoliant ones, etc.
Sorry about that!
Hey Cat, so great to hear from you! I’m really pleased that you’re enjoying the articles. I’ll certainly work to deliver more and have made a note of your questions. Many thanks 🙂
No question really, just wanted to express praise.
I personally just love discussing one of my many passions with people who share them. I think people who talk about Tolkien and his work help make the world a more enjoyable place. I love your Blog, and your collection.
Thanks so much E.J. for your comments; it really means a lot 🙂
Reblogged this on Sourcerer and commented:
Congratulations James, for making it a year, and for the recent milestones you’ve achieved. I think you’re doing so well because you’re writing such good stuff. Simple as that. Peeps: check out this post if you haven’t seen it yet. James is preparing to mark his one-year anniversary of blogging and he is soliciting questions to answer in an upcoming post. If sent him mine already; you have time to send him one yourself.
I like the fact that I don’t know what is coming next! 😉
Keep up to the good work! I am looking forward to what is coming in year 2. I have no doubt there will be plenty of food for thought regards Middle Earth. 🙂
Another thing I like about this blog is that you and the people interacting here raise questions and issues about Middle Earth that I have not thought much about. An example from my visit today is Celebrian. My immediate response is ooooo (and my mind is filled with questions). What did she encounter that could lead a woman like her to leave her husband and children to go into the West? And then I am thinking, how could this factor into a Fourth Age adventure in Middle Earth perhaps with a flash back to that encounter and maybe, as she leaves for the West, she drops in on Tom Bombadil to reveal something about it that she discerned in her wisdom despite its horror. 😉
Researching a Celebrian topic as we speak 🙂
Hey Bob, thanks so much for your awesome comments 😀
To anyone who will red this: Here’s aomething that does have something to do with Les Miserables… and Middle-earth:
LOTR Les Mis 10th anniversary crossover (a 24 video series by Jaguar Jedi on Youtube.) if you haven’t seen it yet you should.
Aragorn is Valjean
Galadriel is Fantine
Eowyn is Cosette
The Witch-king is Javert
Faramir is Marius
Boromir is Enjolras
Gandalf is the Bishop
Pippin is Gavroche
Arwen is Eponine
And Gollum & Smeagol are the Thenardiers
🙂
I Love this Blog! Keep up the good work James. And maybe finish at least your review for Fellowship of the Ring 😉
Hey Denzel, thanks! I know re: FOTR review shame on me … hopefully I can get the next part done soon 🙂