2005 Author Reviews for
Gwynnyd

Another author who does gap-fillers very well. Although she's hit and miss for me in drabble length, vignettes and longer stories seem to be her fort?. Gwynnyd finds the gaps that you suspect Tolkien didn't fill because he had no idea how to fill them, and creates a believable bridge from point A to point B, creating cultures and customs, power-plays and pawns as she goes, or simply filling in those interpersonal relationships that must've been present but were never shown in the books. With an architect's meticulous attention to details, she blocks out the boundaries she needs to work in, the questions that need answering, and then proceeds to unfold a response that stays within canon while enriching it.

In the stories nominated for the MEFAs, Gwynnyd demonstrates that she is among the best writers in the fandom focusing on Aragorn and the events that cluster around him. In particular, she has a talent for explaining the lacunae, mysteries and downright absurdities in Tolkien?s writings about this character. Her writing often teems with rich detail about the smallest aspect of her scenes which she uses to illuminate and drive forward her main story. Gwynnyd?s stories are spread across a number of categories. Here, in ?Not Without Hope?, we have what is arguably her best story, one that explains how it was possible to hide the Heir of Isildur in Rivendell when he was clearly being cared for and treated as a son by the wife of the previous chieftain. What I like most about this story is how Gwynnyd has created a vivid and credible original character, Halbeleg, sketching in his personality so effectively that I have trouble remembering her is not a canon character. I also think this is a beautifully structured story that leads us through Gilraen?s thought process so we understand clearly her final decision.

In reading drabbles, I've decided one of the keys to a good one is a very good final line. Both Gwynnyd's "Going to Rohan" and "Second Watch" have beautiful concluding lines, particularly the latter, and they add quite a bit to the overall feel of the drabble. But then, Gwynnyd tends to keep drabbles lively anyway. There's always motion of some kind involved, and this becomes a great asset because Gwynnyd using that motion to give the illusion that more is happening and that the length of the drabble doesn't really matter. Very effeictve writing technique, and it certainly makes the drabbles more entertaining.

In the stories nominated for the MEFAs, Gwynnyd demonstrates that she is among the best writers in the fandom focusing on Aragorn and the events that cluster around him. In particular, she has a talent for explaining the lacunae, mysteries and downright absurdities in Tolkien?s writings about this character. Her writing often teems with rich detail about the smallest aspect of her scenes which she uses to illuminate and drive forward her main story. Gwynnyd?s stories are spread across a number of categories. Here, in ?Bare Feet and Beer?, she shows us how the Ranger-turned-King adapts to his new role, working hard to befriend his Steward, and trying to find ways to resist the crushing weight of royal protocol and retain simple friendships. What I particularly enjoyed about Gwynnyd?s writing in this piece was the light wit she sprinkles throughout both characters? dialogue.

Gwynnyd's strength in both "Bare Feet and Beer" and "In Thranduil's Halls" seems to be an ability to capture times of change. And also the people who change with them. There's an awkwardness about such situation, like trying to stick a square peg in a round hole, and that awkwardness comes primarily from perceptions of what is expected. But once those perceptions change, the resolution feels very nice and very comfortable. Strong writing on Gwynnyd's part, and excellent treatment of difficult subjects.

In the stories nominated for the MEFAs, Gwynnyd demonstrates that she is among the best writers in the fandom focusing on Aragorn and the events that cluster around him. In particular, she has a talent for explaining the lacunae, mysteries and downright absurdities in Tolkien?s writings about this character. Her writing often teems with rich detail about the smallest aspect of her scenes which she uses to illuminate and drive forward her main story. Gwynnyd?s stories are spread across a number of categories. Here, in ?Nothing in Haste?, she provides Elrond?s reaction to the news of Arwen?s betrothal to Aragorn. What I like most in this story is the way she makes us feel Elrond?s emotions through his thoughts and memories, written so evocatively that I can smell the honeysuckle, hear the drone of bees and feel the weight of Vilya on his hand. This is an excellent example of how to do ?show not tell?.

In the stories nominated for the MEFAs, Gwynnyd demonstrates that she is among the best writers in the fandom focusing on Aragorn and the events that cluster around him. In particular, she has a talent for explaining the lacunae, mysteries and downright absurdities in Tolkien?s writings about this character. Her writing often teems with rich detail about the smallest aspect of her scenes which she uses to illuminate and drive forward her main story. Gwynnyd?s stories are spread across a number of categories. Here, in ?Toy Story?, she explores Aragorn?s reaction to the news of his lineage through the eyes of his foster-brother, who has seen many chieftains grow to maturity. In this piece, I particularly enjoyed the way Gwynnyd used the toy soldiers to help Aragorn and Elrohir discuss some difficult issues.

Gwynnyd has pulled off something neat here: a characterization of Arwen that puts her on equal footing with Aragorn without forcing her into the role of Arwen: Warrior Princess. Some fantastic imagery definitely helped, as did the contrasts within the narrative itself. Gwynnyd wove a drabble as tightly as Arwen might have, foiling light and dark, strong and weak, etc. Very impressive.