2006 Author Reviews for
Dwimordene

Dwimordene writes very complex, subtle and intelligent stories and drabbles. I have read many well-written works that have made me rethink some of my assumptions, but she employs keen insights that seen to turn my thoughts into new interpretations of Tolkien\'s universe more than any other. Dwimordene is not afraid to explore very unusual and sometimes uncomfortable theories, and invariably does them very well. She manages several variations of her personal Tolkien universe that nonetheless share a few common traits, themes or other connections. She strikes me as an author that is a stickler for continuity and reasonable development within each of those different story arcs, even (or especially) when events and individuals are proceeding in unconventional ways. Finally, not only can she magnificently write her own versions of characters, but she has done brilliant work by \"borrowing\" individuals developed by other writers. An excellent and subtle author.

The elegant writing is multi-layered and rich, exploring complex, thought-provoking subjects, both political, historical and personal to the characters of the stories, often employing only briefly sketched allusions and references to give a feeling of even greater depth. At the same time, Dwimordene tells engrossing, moving tales with excellent, believable characterisations and character interaction, flowing dialogues, and very evocative and detailed (but not overburdened) descriptions, that bring the atmosphere and mood instantly and vividly to life with sounds, smells and sights.

Dwimordene is a writer who can see far into the cracks, nooks and crannies of Middle-earth with precision and keen wit. She opens up what Tolkien left out, and handles the intricacies of politics and family dynamics with subtlety. Her dialogue is excellent.

Dwimordene?s body of work speaks for itself. I am particularly attached to her interpretations of Aragorn and Halbarad. This review is based upon her story ?Both Beholden.? I find absolutely irresistible Dwimordene?s characterizations in this short story of both Boromir and Halbarad as well as the knowledge of Aragorn that is given to the reader through Boromir?s observations of Halbarad. The motivation and the setup is flawless. Boromir may not be as eloquent as his father or brother, but he certainly knows how to think and his loyalty and principles are clear. Halbarad, of course, is Halbarad, very much as Dwimordene has painted him before, and as I have come to accept him. I haven?t written of Halbarad but if I ever do, whether he shades a bit differently in superficial attributes or not, he will certainly be unable to escape from the imprint of Dwimordene?s portrayal of him here and in other stories. This is a classic, in-character Halbarad for me. The use of references to near or ancient history in the telling of this tale are beautiful layered throughout the text adding depth. I loved Boromir?s dream/vision and his musing on what Faramir might have thought of it. Also, I found Halbarad?s ability to discern that something had happened completely convincing. The description of the other Rangers and the physical environment are exquisite. My attention is absolutely riveted from beginning to end in this story, which breaks all the popular rules of fiction writing?in theory nothing happens here. In actuality the story ends in a total different space from where it started. We begin in a dark place and end with a glowing flash of hope. Perfect piece of work. My favorite lines are those of Halbarad: {??you do not know Aragorn, and no tale I could tell would bring you closer knowledge of him. ?.? \"I do know him. And this I will say, for what peace it may give you: knowing him, and knowing what I know of you, I have no doubt that when the choice comes, you will stand with him, Steward of Gondor.\"}

I grieve so that my computer was down for so very long, and I must now be all too hasty in my reviews. Of the songs and poems I\'ve read, several have moved me. And certainly the image of Eomer amongst the burial mounds will now remain with me ever, as she equals or bests many others.

A lot of what I have described about why I like Dwimordene\'s writing so much, I have already said in other story reviews. The quality that perhaps I have not touched on, that seems to inform almost every piece of hers that I have ever read (and that\'s quite a lot), is how *deep* her writing is. The four of her five pieces that are in this year\'s MEFAs that I have read are all about very different issues, as divergent as spousal domestic abuse to survivors\' guilt. Yet in none of these stories are we offered a pat answer. Instead, we have to face the situation in all its\' complexity, which can be disconcerting but is in the end more satisfying. In her piece \"That Which Remains Us\" Dwimordene shows us a side of her writing that I don\'t think I\'ve seen so clearly in the other pieces of hers that I\'ve read: the raw technical skill of her writing. It really evokes the scenes and the characters involved. There\'s just something about the way Dwim describes the room, the volume of poems ? I can almost see the single elegant line where Denethor crosses out a word. The poetry, both the verses that work and those that Denethor feels uneven, just describe his character so perfectly. It\'s not plotting or pacing or even the thoughts of Denethor or Faramir, it\'s the words they both use. The one piece of Dwim\'s nominated this year that I haven\'t read, \"Wizardry\", is only a ficlet and I could probably read it in time to vote on it this year. But I like saving all of Dwim\'s stuff for when I\'m in the right mood and have the time to let it seep in. Her stories deserve to be read, \"aired\" in the mind, and read again. There are just so many layers to unpack, this is an author whose stories have some real meat that needs to be digested.

A lot of what I have described about why I like Dwimordene\'s writing so much, I have already said in other story reviews. The quality that perhaps I have not touched on, that seems to inform almost every piece of hers that I have ever read (and that\'s quite a lot), is how *deep* her writing is. The four of her five pieces that are in this year\'s MEFAs that I have read are all about very different issues, as divergent as spousal domestic abuse to survivors\' guilt. Yet in none of these stories are we offered a pat answer. Instead, we have to face the situation in all its\' complexity, which can be disconcerting but is in the end more satisfying. In her piece \"That Which Remains Us\" Dwimordene shows us a side of her writing that I don\'t think I\'ve seen so clearly in the other pieces of hers that I\'ve read: the raw technical skill of her writing. It really evokes the scenes and the characters involved. There\'s just something about the way Dwim describes the room, the volume of poems ? I can almost see the single elegant line where Denethor crosses out a word. The poetry, both the verses that work and those that Denethor feels uneven, just describe his character so perfectly. It\'s not plotting or pacing or even the thoughts of Denethor or Faramir, it\'s the words they both use. The one piece of Dwim\'s nominated this year that I haven\'t read, \"Wizardry\", is only a ficlet and I could probably read it in time to vote on it this year. But I like saving all of Dwim\'s stuff for when I\'m in the right mood and have the time to let it seep in. Her stories deserve to be read, \"aired\" in the mind, and read again. There are just so many layers to unpack, this is an author whose stories have some real meat that needs to be digested.

I always enjoy the detail and craftsmanship that goes into one of Dwimordene\'s stories.

Dwimordene\'s drabbles convey layers of meaning in a short space, often with no more than one well-chosen word. They are resonating, evoking tone, atmosphere, surroundings and characters vividly, regardless of subject matter.

Dwimordene is a writer who can see far into the cracks, nooks and crannies of Middle-earth with precision and keen wit. She handles the intricacies of politics and family dynamics with subtlety. And my hat is off to her for investing a ficlet about Gandalf and Aragorn with credible humor.

Dwimordene writes very complex, subtle and intelligent stories and drabbles. I have read many well-written works that have made me rethink some of my assumptions, but she employs keen insights that seen to turn my thoughts into new interpretations of Tolkien\'s universe more than any other. Dwimordene is not afraid to explore very unusual and sometimes uncomfortable theories, and invariably does them very well. She manages several variations of her personal Tolkien universe that nonetheless share a few common traits, themes or other connections. She strikes me as an author that is a stickler for continuity and reasonable development within each of those different story arcs, even (or especially) when events and individuals are proceeding in unconventional ways. Finally, not only can she magnificently write her own versions of characters, but she has done brilliant work by \"borrowing\" individuals developed by other writers. An excellent and subtle author.

A lot of what I have described about why I like Dwimordene\'s writing so much, I have already said in other story reviews. The quality that perhaps I have not touched on, that seems to inform almost every piece of hers that I have ever read (and that\'s quite a lot), is how *deep* her writing is. The four of her five pieces that are in this year\'s MEFAs that I have read are all about very different issues, as divergent as spousal domestic abuse to survivors\' guilt. Yet in none of these stories are we offered a pat answer. Instead, we have to face the situation in all its\' complexity, which can be disconcerting but is in the end more satisfying. In her piece \"That Which Remains Us\" Dwimordene shows us a side of her writing that I don\'t think I\'ve seen so clearly in the other pieces of hers that I\'ve read: the raw technical skill of her writing. It really evokes the scenes and the characters involved. There\'s just something about the way Dwim describes the room, the volume of poems ? I can almost see the single elegant line where Denethor crosses out a word. The poetry, both the verses that work and those that Denethor feels uneven, just describe his character so perfectly. It\'s not plotting or pacing or even the thoughts of Denethor or Faramir, it\'s the words they both use. The one piece of Dwim\'s nominated this year that I haven\'t read, \"Wizardry\", is only a ficlet and I could probably read it in time to vote on it this year. But I like saving all of Dwim\'s stuff for when I\'m in the right mood and have the time to let it seep in. Her stories deserve to be read, \"aired\" in the mind, and read again. There are just so many layers to unpack, this is an author whose stories have some real meat that needs to be digested.

I always enjoy the detail and craftsmanship that goes into one of Dwimordene\'s stories.