silwritersguild | SWG Newsletter--July 2006

July's Challenges

Many thanks to Jenni (

digdigil) who has provided us with both challenges this month!

Three Silmarils
Write a story of any length concerning one of the three quotes. You may--but do not have to--use the quote in the story if you'd like. Although all three quotes concern Fëanor, the quotes certainly apply to a broad range of characters, and your story may be about any character you choose.

"For his wounds were mortal, and he knew that his hour was come."

"She restrained him when the fire of his heart grew too hot."

"But he lied in his lust and his envy."

If you're feeling extra ambitious, of course, you're welcome to do a series of stories involving all three!

Holidays in Arda
July is the month where much of the world travels on holidays, seeking reprieve from their daily routine. Whether you will enjoy such an opportunity or not, this challenge asks you to take a mental reprieve by visiting your favorite place on Arda for a fictional "holiday."

The aim of this challenge is to set a story in a place that you would like to visit, whether a city, region, island, or body of water. Through the eyes of your character(s), take your readers to your haven and show why it appeals to you, whether visiting for the first time or returning as an old friend.

If you are fortunate enough to be one of the millions who will be traveling away from home this July, don't forget to take the opportunity to learn from your new surroundings. Places unfamiliar to us--whether seashores, mountains, or bustling cities--can inspire stories or hone our descriptions when we visit similar places in our tales. Perhaps shape your experiences to Middle-earth and use them to write this challenge.

The Quote of the Month Challenge
The Quote of the Month challenge asks you to write based on the themes and thoughts the quote inspires or about the event in which the quote occurred. You may write in any format--poem, story, essay, or drabble--with any characters, genre, or rating.

Thanks to Tárion (

tarion_anarore) for suggesting this month's quote!

"'If none can release us,' said Maglor, 'then indeed the Everlasting Darkness shall be our lot, whether we keep our oath or break it; but less evil shall we do in the breaking.'"
-The Silmarillion, “Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath”

Do you have a favorite quote that you think might inspire other authors as well? Let me know! I am seeking quotes for future quote challenges; please email me at DawnFelagund@comcast.net with your ideas.

Other Ongoing Challenges
At SWG, challenges never die. You are welcome to write for a challenge at any time. All of our past challenges have been tagged and may be found here or on our website.

A Call for New Challenges!
The SWG does not have a committee or person devoted to challenges: The challenges are for members to create! If you have an idea for a challenge or would like to suggest a quote for the monthly quote challenge, please do not hesitate to suggest it on-list or email me privately at DawnFelagund@comcast.net.

As always, all Silmarillion writing, including challenge responses, is welcome in our LJ community.

Welcomes and Birthdays

Three of our members with July birthdays have signed up for stories!

Rhapsody (

rhapsody11) celebrates her birthday on the 6th. She loves stories about Maglor, Celegorm, Beleg Cuthalion, Fëanor, Isildur, Amandil, and Elendil. She also likes stories about life on and the downfall of Númenor and the battles of Beleriand, but she prefers not to receive slash.

Marta (

marta0712) celebrates her birthday on the 12th. She loves stories about any of the Sindar--but particularly Celeborn--and also likes stories involving the Númenoreans and the Maiar. She likes stories centered in Númenor and Doriath or pertaining to the Rings of Power but asks not to receive stories about suicide.

Aramel (

aramel_calawen) celebrates her birthday on the 21st. She loves anything to do with the House of Fëanor, Fingon, Finrod, and Aredhel. Her favorite scenes are any where Fëanor makes one of his speeches, Maedhros relinquishing the crown to Fingolfin, Maedhros in the Dagor Bragollach, and Maedhros and Maglor raised Elrond and Elros. She asks not to receive erotica, either het or slash.

Do you want to get stories for your birthday and other special occasions? Sign up on our "Give Someone a Silmaril" database, located on our Yahoo! Groups homepage or post your request to the list or the LiveJournal.

News and Announcements

Welcome to Jenni, Our New Mod!
Jenni (

digdigil)--one of the first members of SWG--will now help our group as a moderator as we prepare to expand further into the wilds of the Internet. Please feel free to contact her with your questions, ideas, and concerns.

Our moderation team now consists of Dawn (

dawn_felagund), Uli (

ford_of_bruinen), and Jenni (

digdigil). We're here to help, so please don't hesitate to contact any of us at any time.

Not a member? Do you want to be?
The SWG consists of two components: a Yahoo! email group, for discussions, story promotions, and planning, and a LiveJournal community for sharing our Silmarillion writing. Members are welcome to belong to both or just one, depending on what best suits their needs.

Read more about the Silmarillion Writers' Guild at our LiveJournal Community Information page.

To join our Yahoo! group:

At any time, I encourage people--both members and non-members--to contact me with inquiries. I may be reached at DawnFelagund@comcast.net or through either the Yahoo! or LiveJournal groups.