Forums

NOTE: Please be sure you are logged in when clicking on the links.

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

The following members have birthday this month. If you're in the drabbling mood, why not write them 100 words as a birthday card?

RS (April, 4th) requested: my favorite character is Aragorn. I would love to see a relaxed and fun Aragorn...or Aragorn on vacation! Or maybe Aragorn and Arwen in an argument (there's no such thing as a perfect couple!).

Ainaechoiriel (April, 7th) requested: ...in light of our now-started adoption process of a little girl from Russia[...], I request adoption stories. Please, not all Aragorn and Frodo[...] Anyway, orphans that needed care. And there were likely adults who chose to take them in. Let's meet some of them and find what's in their hearts. Interracial or intercultural is a plus.

Larner (April, 13) requested: Following a perceived insult of some kind, Frodo has determined to play a prank on his friend Aragorn. It can be anywhere along the road [...] One of the others may try to warn Aragorn of his peril, and that he's in danger of retaliation by a master of retaliatory pranks.

If you have a birthday in April and would like a drabble about your favorite character or topic, you can request it here.

---

This week's focus:

FORUMS

One of the best ways to get involved at HASA is through our forums. People are discussing research questions and stories as well as having fannish squees regularly there.

Some useful forum links:

On Our Minds
"On Our Minds" displays the ten most recent posts in forums open to all HASA members. It's a good way to catch up on what you've missed, though the page can move quickly when lots of forums are active at once.

One Month of Posts
If you've been out of touch for longer than a few days you might want to use the "One Month of Posts" page. This page has just what it sounds like: a list of forums that have been posted to in the last month, beginning with the most recently updated.

Workshops
Workshops are specialized writing communities. They allow you to share stories you aren't ready to post to the whole site, and many have interesting forums attached to them. Explore workshops to find a group of members interested in similar topics. (You must be logged in to see this link).

Here's hoping this week finds you having many interesting discussion about all things Tolkien. Because, really, you were trying to cut back on sleep anyway, right?

Hugs and Cookies,
Arandil

PS: Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASANews.

Story Updates + Mid-Month Nuzgul

NOTE: Please be sure you are logged in when clicking on the links.

MARCH IS TALE OF YEARS MONTH

Resource volunteers are pleased to announce that March is Tale of Years month! Each day, many of the events that occurred on that day in the Tale of Years will be featured on the HASA Welcome Page. Be sure to stop by and see what events from the Research Library are highlighted each day!

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BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

The following members have a birthday this month. If you're in the drabbling mood, why not write them 100 words as a birthday card?

Elena Tiriel (March, 14) requested, "I'd love a drabble about any character, event, place, or object from Tolkien's world that especially fascinates you... the (Middle-earth) sky's the limit!"

Vistula the Dunadan (March, 20) requested, " ...having spent the past nine months settling into a new - long anticipated - home, I'd love a drabble centered around a new home, or new place to live. And if you could slip my dear Samwise in it somehow, that'd be even sweeter."

Obsidianj (March, 24) requested, " I would like a drabble about either Aragorn or Boromir and if it would be possible to have both in one drabble that would make my day."


The following drabbles have been written in the past week:

The King’s Colors by Dwimordene for Obsidianj

Home Is Where The Heart Is by Larner for Jay (and Mothers everwhere)

If you have a birthday in March and would like a drabble about your favorite character or topic, you can request it here.

---

This week's focus:

RECENTLY UPDATED STORIES

All of us writers love feedback. It is the lembas and miruvor that sustains us as we write our story, and leaving a few words about a story is always a nice thing to do, whether the story is new or old.

Every fifteen minutes HASA hilights a story chosen at random from the Reviewed and General stories in the archive. The current story is:

Essecarmë by Dawn Felagund
Curufin, the fifth son of Fëanor, is said to have been his favorite. Why did Maedhros get passed over for this honor? This story looks at Eldarin naming traditions and the family dramas they create.

Why not go to http://www.henneth-annun.net/ and check out the currently featured story?


Many talented writers are publishing every day. Check out these stories just added to HASA:

Reviewed Stories

Upon the Pebbled Shore by Peregrin Ionad
Upon the pebbled shores of the sea stand two brothers, but as the tide begins to turn the sound of the gulls will choose their futures. This is for my brother, who didn't get the ending he wanted.

Pierced by Nieriel Raina
Elrond receives a most grievous wound shortly after Celebrían’s departure from Middle-earth.

~*~

General Stories

The Adventures of Scaldo and Dwarf by Kitt Otter
Scaldo Chubb is a hobbit who wants nothing more than to eat for the rest of his days, until one horrible day when a rude traveler of no name drags him off into the unknown. At the mercy of an insane dwarf, Scaldo must face unseen enemies, hungry water, and even uncooked meals…

A Cat In King Elessar's Court by Agape4Gondor
A royal descendant of Berúthiel's cats spends time with us, reminiscing about life in Minas Tirith once a certain Hobbit arrives. Drama/humor.

~*~

Beta Stories
(Please note, you need to be logged in to view these stories.)

The Romantic and the Balrog by Lady Donalwen
Based loosely on the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast, it tells the story of a bookish woman and the scary Balrog that lived in the nearby castle.

Leönalta by fremmet
A sad tale of how Legolas and Elladan became bonded mates.

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And now for your mid-month nuzgul. Because the only way to get stories to read is for someone to write them, and that requires our fangy little friends.

Modern girl goes to Middle-earth...
...and takes up with Sauron! What would be the consequences of introducing gunpowder, artillery, modern military tactics, etc. - all on the side of evil? Points for introspection - don't just make her an ostracised [expletive] who wants revenge on the pretty people who ignore her, give her a valid reason for joining the dark side. Double points for tackling and/or overcoming the language barrier (contrary to popular belief, English was NOT spoken in ME!).

If you don't feel the tickle of little fangs in your ankle yet, there are many more potential stories just waiting to be written. Read all of HASA's many story prompts in our Nuzgul hutch @ http://www.henneth-annun.net/members/challenge/nuzgul.cfm.

Do you have a suggestion you'd like to see added to the hutch? Submit it using the “Submit a Story Suggestion” form at http://www.henneth-annun.net/members/challenge/suggest.cfm.

Hugs and Cookies,
Arandil

PS: Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASANews.

Resources

NOTE: Please be sure you are logged in when clicking on the links.

MARCH IS TALE OF YEARS MONTH

Resource volunteers are pleased to announce that March is Tale of Years month! Each day, many of the events that occurred on that day in the Tale of Years will be featured on the HASA Welcome Page. Be sure to stop by and see what events from the Research Library are highlighted each day!

---

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

The following members have a birthday this month. If you're in the drabbling mood, why not write them 100 words as a birthday card?

Elena Tiriel (March, 14) requested, "I'd love a drabble about any character, event, place, or object from Tolkien's world that especially fascinates you... the (Middle-earth) sky's the limit!"

Vistula the Dunadan (March, 20) requested, " ...having spent the past nine months settling into a new - long anticipated - home, I'd love a drabble centered around a new home, or new place to live. And if you could slip my dear Samwise in it somehow, that'd be even sweeter."

Obsidianj (March, 24) requested, " I would like a drabble about either Aragorn or Boromir and if it would be possible to have both in one drabble that would make my day."

The following drabbles have been written in the following week:

Epiphany by Larner for Elena Tiriel
Star-Songs of the Eorlingas by Tanaqui for Elena Tiriel
The Legend of the Grey Riders by Jay of Lasgalen for Elena Tiriel
New Quarters by Larner for Vistula

If you have a birthday in March and would like a drabble about your favorite character or topic, you can request it here.

---

This week's focus:

RESOURCES

The HASA Research Library is a very useful resource for writers as well as for online discussions on book canon. You can find entries on characters, settings, events, and items, containing cited quotes about the item you are trying to find more information on. This portion of the site is available to both members and non-members at http://www.henneth-annun.net/resources/index.cfm.

Would you like to get involved with Resources? If you like researching and want to help develop this section of HASA you can contact the Resources & Research Library through the contact form at http://www.henneth-annun.net/about/contact.cfm.

What's new in Resources:

Timeline Events
Corsairs attack the South Road to Minas Tirith
Fëanor improves the written alphabet of Rúmil

Character Biographies
Rúmil of Tirion
Nahar
Lothíriel

Places
Ringló
Mounds of Mundburg

Things
Tengwar
Ainulindalë
Aldudénië

And always remember, grasshopper: the path of wisdom leads through proper citations. *grins*

Good luck researching your story! If you enjoy this section of the site please feel free to thank the researchers, listed at the bottom of every entry.

Until next time,
Hugs and Cookies,
Arandil

PS: Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASA News.

Challenges

NOTE: Please be sure you are logged in when clicking on the links.

HASA FUNDING UPDATE

No website is truly free. HASA does not display ads or charge for memberships, but there are still costs associated with running the website. The website depends on member donations to pay its monthly hosting fee of $150.00.

If anyone would like to make a donation, you may do so here.

---

MARCH IS TALE OF YEARS MONTH

Resource volunteers are pleased to announce that March is Tale of Years month! Each day, many of the events that occurred on that day in the Tale of Years will be featured on the HASA Welcome Page. Be sure to stop by and see what events from the Research Library are highlighted each day!

---

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

There are no members asking for birthday drabbles for March. If you are a
March baby, go and request your drabble!

DRABBLE SUGGESTION: Jay of Lasgalen suggested:

It's not my birthday, but today (March 2nd) is Mother's Day here in the UK. How about drabbles with any mother and child of your choice?

---

This Week's Focus:

CHALLENGES

X takes the Ring - AU challenge – Closes March 25, 2008

This challenge states: I have seen a few stories over the years where for instance Galadriel takes the Ring when Frodo offers it to her. But what would happen if others were to take it, for any reason, good or evil? Aragorn? Boromir, Gandalf, or Pippin perhaps? Or Sam abandons Frodo at Cirith Ungol and goes on alone to try to destroy the Ring...

It wouldn't have to be a member of the Fellowship; maybe Barliman Butterbur finds a golden ring in the room the Hobbits used… or Bilbo loses it on one of his walking trips in the Shire…

These could be anything, serious, funny, dark; from drabbles to multi-chapter AUs, and anything in between.


Entries for this challenge include:
Answering the Call by docmon
A Lesser Treason by Jay of Lasgalen
Dark Elf by Jay of Lasgalen
Old Man Willow by Nath

If you don’t have a story written yet, you can enter the challenge with a placeholder and submit your story when it is ready.

Nuzgul Hutch

If you’re brave enough… venture into the Nuzgul hutch.

Oliphaunt Pen

Or, if none of those little buggers nip at your heel, it’s not too late to adopt an Oliphaunt. Just because its challenge is closed, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a little love.

---

Happy writing!

Hugs and Cookies,
Arandil

PS: Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASA News.

New Forum Posts

NOTE: Please be sure you are logged in when clicking on the links.

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

There are no members asking for birthday drabbles for February. Quick! If you are a
February baby, go and request your drabble! There is still a week left!

February Birthday Drabble Requests

And if you have a birthday coming up in March, be sure to go and request it at Birthday Drabble Forum

---

This week's focus:

FORUMS

One of the best ways to get involved at HASA is through our forums. People are discussing research questions and stories as well as having fannish squees regularly there.
Some useful forum links:

On Our Minds
"On Our Minds" displays the ten most recent posts in forums open to all HASA members. It's a good way to catch up on what you've missed, though the page can move quickly when lots of forums are active at once.

One Month of Posts
If you've been out of touch for longer than a few days you might want to use the "One Month of Posts" page. This page has just what it sounds like: a list of forums that have been posted to in the last month, beginning with the most recently updated.

Workshops
Workshops are specialized writing communities. They allow you to share stories you aren't ready to post to the whole site, and many have interesting forums attached to them. Explore workshops to find a group of members interested in similar topics. (You must be logged in to see this link).

Now, here are some of the most recently-updated threads in HASA forum. Don't be shy. If any interest you, why not jump in?

From Afar Discussion
Subject: What did Boromir do…

Research Questions
Subject: Getting Faramir Drunk

Gandalf’s Apprentice, pro and con
Subject: The Scarred Man, new chapter in The Sword of Elendil

Here's hoping this week finds you having many interesting discussion about all things Tolkien. Because, really, you were trying to cut back on sleep anyway, right?

Hugs and Cookies,
Arandil

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASANews(AT)henneth-annun(DOT)net.

Recently-Updated Stories

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

No requests have come in yet from February drabbles. If you have a birthday or other special occasion you'd like a drabble for, you can request it here.

---

This week's focus:

RECENTLY UPDATED STORIES

All of us writers love feedback. It is the lembas and miruvor that sustains us as we write our story, and leaving a few words about a story is always a nice thing to do, whether the story is new or old.

Every fifteen minutes HASA hilights a story chosen at random from the Reviewed and General stories in the archive. The current story is

Night Course in Pet Care by Werecat
A story inspired from this tantalising question: were fell beasts house-trained? Set in Carn Dum, it sheds light to an unknown side of the Witch-king and his, well, household. Introducing Fuinraw, the Chieftain of the Cats of Angmar.

Why not go to http://www.henneth-annun.net/ and check out the currently featured story?

Many talented writers are publishing every day. Check out these stories just added to HASA:

Reviewed Stories

Feanorian Fates by Alassante
A poem and a series of drabbles based on the series of events beginning with the creating of the Silmarils and including the kinslayings.

Stolen by Meril
A dark AU about Galadriel. (Adult)

~*~

General Stories

A Cat in King Elessar's Court by agape4gondor
A royal descendant of Beruthiel's cats spends time with us, reminiscing about life in Minas Tirith once a certain Hobbit arrives. (WIP)

A Light in the Darkness by Wildbearies
Haldir wakes after Helm's Deep suffering terrible injuries. As he slowly recovers, he recalls years before and the adventures (and misadventures) of his younger days. Definitely NC-17 for M/M Slash and sexual situations. Definitely AU, non-canon, angst. (WIP) (Adult)

~*~

Beta Stories
(Please note, you need to be logged in to view these stories.)

Blessed Day by AngelQueen
S.R. 1463-Faramir Took marries Goldilocks, daughter of Samwise.

Accursed Dawn by AngelQueen
A princess of Númenor finds what she needs in the darkness, but the dawn always comes. (Adult)

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And now for your mid-month nuzgul. Because the only way to get stories to read is for someone to write them, and that requires our fangy little friends.

Death
We know that Arwen has become mortal. But what does she think about it? Does she discuss it with anyone? Write a story where Arwen discusses the thought of dying with one other person. Anyone you like - it doesn't have to be Aragorn or Elrond.

If you don't feel the tickle of little fangs in your ankle yet, there are many more potential stories just waiting to be written. Read all of HASA's many story prompts in our Nuzgul hutch.


Do you have a suggestion you'd like to see added to the hutch? Submit it using the "Submit a Story Suggestion" form.

Happy reviewing!
Marta
PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email me.

Resources and Challenges and

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

No members have yet requested a birthday drabble for February. If you have a February birthday, please request it here.

The following drabbles have been written in the last two weeks:

--- "A Final Toast" by Ignoble Bard for Jay of Lasgalen

Read this drabble here.

---

HASA FUNDING UPDATE

No website is truly free. HASA does not display ads or charge for memberships, but there are still costs associated with running the website. The website depends on member donations to pay its monthly hosting fee of $150.00.

Currently available funding: $389.67
To provide funding through: April 2008

If anyone would like to make a donation, you may do so here.

---

FEBRUARY 2008 CHALLENGES BULLETIN

I wasn't able to post the monthly challenges bulletin last week, but it is up at the website. You can view it here.

(you'll need to be logged in to see it.)

---

This week's focus:

RESOURCES

The HASA Research Library is a very useful resource for writers as well as for online discussions on book canon. You can find entries on characters, settings, events, and items, containing cited quotes about the item you are trying to find more information on. This portion of the site is available to both members and non-members here.

Would you like to get involved with Resources? If you like researching and want to help develop this section of HASA you can contact the Resources & Research Library through the contact form here.

What's new in Resources:

Timeline Events:
Elessar and Arwen visit the Hobbits at Brandywine Bridge
Elessar and Arwen dwell in Arnor awhile

Character Biographies
Morwen of Lossarnach
Gleowine

Places
Barrowfield
Rath Dinen

Things
Marshals of the Mark
Grey Company

Good luck researching your story! If you enjoy this section of the site please feel free to thank the researchers, listed at the bottom of every entry.

And always remember, grasshopper: the path of wisdom leads through proper citations. *grins*

Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email me.

BIRTHDAY CARD FORUMS

No members have requested birthday drabbles for this week, and no new drabbles have been written this week. HOWEVER - the thread to request birthday drabbles for February is up. If you have a February birthday, please put your request up here.

---

This week's focus:

FORUMS

One of the best ways to get involved at HASA is through our forums. People are discussing research questions and stories as well as having fannish squees regularly there.

Some useful forum links:

"On Our Minds" displays the ten most recent posts in forums open to all HASA members. It's a good way to catch up on what you've missed, though the page can move quickly when lots of forums are active at once.

If you've been out of touch for longer than a few days you might want to use the "One Month of Posts" page. This page has just what it sounds like: a list of forums that have been posted to in the last month, beginning with the most recently updated.

Workshops are specialized writing communities. They allow you to share stories you aren't ready to post to the whole site, and many have interesting forums attached to them. Explore workshops to find a group of members interested in similar topics. (You must be logged in to see this link.)

Now, here are some of the most recently-updated threads in HASA forum. Don't be shy. If any interest you, why not jump in?

HASA Birthday Cards Forum
Subject: February 2008 Birthdays

The Heart is Highland
Subject: Trading Pledges

Imhiriel's Imaginings
Subject: The Heart of a Knight

Here's hoping this week finds you having many interesting discussion about all things Tolkien. Because, really, you were trying to cut back on sleep anyway, right?

Until next time,
Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email me.

Recently-Updated Stories

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

No drabble requests for this week! But it's not too late to write a drabble for one of the earlier requests this month. Those requests are:

The following members have birthday this week. If you're in the drabbling mood, why not write them 100 words as a birthday card?

January 3 – Imhiriel: I'd like to get drabbles from the PoV of something that normally has no voice - a tree, a building, an heirloom, a landscape, a constellation etc. - time or place don't matter, but the more unusual the PoV, the better.

January 7 - Jay of Lasgalen: As most people know, my favourites are Elladan and Elrohir - but I'd like a drabble about one of the twins, alone. I'll leave you to decide why, and where the other might be.

You can post a drabble for either of these requests here.

Also, February babies, start thinking about what you'd like for your drabbles. It will be time to request a birthday drabble soon.

There was one drabble written this week:

Reflection by Ignoble Bard for Imhiriel

Feel free to read it, and leave IgnobleBard a review.

---

This week's focus:

RECENTLY UPDATED STORIES

All of us writers love feedback. It is the lembas and miruvor that sustains us as we write our story, and leaving a few words about a story is always a nice thing to do, whether the story is new or old.

Every fifteen minutes HASA hilights a story chosen at random from the Reviewed and General stories in the archive. The current story is

Ai Elbereth by Tehta
A Glorfindel/Ecthelion PWP, full of dodgy humour, neurosis, and blasphemy. (Adult)

Why not go to http://www.henneth-annun.net/ and check out the currently featured story?

Many talented writers are publishing every day. Check out these stories just added to HASA:

Reviewed Stories
Coming Home to Crickhollow by Calanthe
Back in the Shire, Merry has to confront how much the experiences of their journey changed both Pippin and himself. (Adult)

Blue Book of Melleth: Different Skills by Elen Kortirion
A young Boromir has one of 'those' conversations with his 12 year-old brother.... telling him a few things not so much about the 'birds and bees'.... more about the preferences between 'snails and oysters'. (Adult)

~*~

General Stories
Outmatched by Tiana Luthien
Eomer & Faramir have a few matches on the training field. Set during Faramir's visit to Rohan at the end of ROTK.

Journeys by Aria
One of our favourite minstrels goes wandering in the south during the Fourth Age, and finds something strangely familiar. A story of hope unlooked for. (WIP)

~*~

Beta Stories
(Please note, you need to be logged in to view these stories.)

Beyond the Storm Clouds by Windfola
First steps towards an exploration of the childhood of Aragorn at Rivendell from the age of ten. (WIP)

The Tenant From Staddle by Larner
When Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee was ennobled on the Field of Cormallen, Gondor and Arnor granted them lands held in the King's name for their maintenance in keeping with the customs of the lands. And now a farmer formerly from Staddle learns he must have permission from the Lord Iorhael in order to remain where he has begun excavating a new smial and setting up a farm for himself and his family.

---

And now for your mid-month nuzgul. Because the only way to get stories to read is for someone to write them, and that requires our fangy little friends.

Wanderers Speak

Write a story about a character overcome with wanderlust. Write about rangers trying to settle down or elves exploring in the early days. Maybe a hobbit has itchy feet? Or a dwarf leaves to search out new metals and discovers he loves to travel. Write about what is just over the horizon and the character who yearns to see it.

If you don't feel the tickle of little fangs in your ankle yet, there are many more potential stories just waiting to be written. Read all of HASA's many story prompts in our Nuzgul hutch @ http://www.henneth-annun.net/members/challenge/nuzgul.cfm.

Do you have a suggestion you'd like to see added to the hutch? Submit it using the "Submit a Story Suggestion" form.

Happy reviewing!
Marta
PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASANews(at)henneth-annun(dot)net.

Calling all Reviewers!

There are currently twenty stories awaiting reviewers, with five more about to be released. If you've been a member of HASA for thirty days you're welcome to become a reviewer. Here are just a few of the summaries for stories currently available:

--- "As he leads Tuor to Gondolin, Voronwe learns of love, of fate, of fear... and most importantly, of hope. Contains mild slash, but is ultimately true to canon."
--- "Bad weather blues, past shadows and the hope of light; old traditions become new ones on a rainy night in Emyn Arnen."
--- "When 9-year-old Samwise Gamgee's older sisters develop a crush on a certain newcomer, guess whose help they enlist?"

To review these or any of the other many stories, log in to HASA and go to http://henneth-annun.net/members/review/index.cfm.

---

Birthday Drabbles

No members have requested birthday drabbles for this week. If you have a birthday in the upcoming week and would like a drabble, you can request one at http://henneth-annun.net/forums/messages.cfm?confId=0&forumId=482&messageId=51422.

The following drabbles have been written in the last week.

"Renewal" by Elena Tiriel for Imhiriel

---

The Remembrances Challenge closes tomorrow, January 14. One more entry or placeholder, and it will be a successful challenge. So if you'd like to write about your favorite character looking back at something that happened in the past, join in!

So far, the following members have written stories:

A Wind from the West by Aiwendil
Gandalf reflects on his relationship with Saruman on the afternoon of November 3, 3019.

The Remembrance of Trees by Imhiriel
Moments in the lives of the White Trees and their ancestors. Drabble series.

A Different Road by Nath
Ten years after the destruction of the One Ring, the Steward of Gondor looks back and remembers the war. AU, darkish.

(You must be logged in for these links to work.)

---

This week's focus:

RESOURCES

The HASA Research Library is a very useful resource for writers as well as for online discussions on book canon. You can find entries on characters, settings, events, and items, containing cited quotes about the item you are trying to find more information on. This portion of the site is available to both members and non-members here.

Would you like to get involved with Resources? If you like researching and want to help develop this section of HASA you can contact the Resources & Research Library through the contact form.

What's new in Resources:

Timeline Events:
Celebrimbor forges the three Elven Rings of Power.
Rivendell established.

Character Biographies
Estelmo
Azaghal

Places
Minas Tirith (Gondor)
Minas Tirith (Beleriand)

Things
Elven sheath for Anduril
Three Elven Rings of Power

---

Good luck researching your story! If you enjoy this section of the site please feel free to thank the researchers, listed at the bottom of every entry.

And always remember, grasshopper: the path of wisdom leads through proper citations. *grins*

Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASANews(at)henneth-annun(dot)net.

Hey guys,

A day late and a dollar short :-), but here is your weekly HASA update.

HASA FUNDING UPDATE

No website is truly free. HASA does not display ads or charge for memberships, but there are still costs associated with running the website. The website depends on member donations to pay its monthly hosting fee of $150.00.

Currently available funding: $193.45
To provide funding through: February

If anyone would like to make a donation, you may do so here.

---

BIRTHDAY CARDS

The following members have birthday this week. If you're in the drabbling mood, why not write them 100 words as a birthday card?

Jay of Lasgalen requested, "As most people know, my favourites are Elladan and Elrohir - but I'd like a drabble about one of the twins, alone. I'll leave you to decide why, and where the other might be."

The following drabbles and ficlets have been written this week:

--- "I Stand No Longer Alone" by Larner for Imhiriel
--- several additions to "Fell and Fair" by Elena Tiriel for Jay of Lasgalen
--- "Forged in Fire" by Jay of Lasgalen for Imhiriel
--- "Renewal" by Elena Tiriel for Imhiriel

Read all of these drabbles here.

If you have a birthday in January and would like a drabble about your favorite character or topic, you can request it here.

---

QUICKIE CHALLENGE

The quickie challenge "Remembrances" has another week to run. Write a story, poem, drabble, etc. about any character looking back on something happening in the past. This is in honor of New Year's Eve last week.

The following story has been entered:

--- Solstice by Vilwarin

Get these nuzgul while they're hot! And when you write that story you know is already weaseling its way into your brain, be sure to tell us all about it here.

---

This Week's Focus:

CHALLENGES

Birthdays!
3th - Imhiriel: I'd like to get drabbles from the PoV of something that normally has no voice - a tree, a building, an heirloom, a landscape, a constellation etc. - time or place don't matter, but the more unusual the PoV, the better.

7th - Jay of Lasgalen: As most people know, my favourites are Elladan and Elrohir - but I'd like a drabble about one of the twins, alone. I'll leave you to decide why, and where the other might be.

Post your request at the Birthday Card Forum.

Please create your story and add it to the birthday card workshop. This lets others put drabbles they write in an easily accessible location. Enter your story in the challenge for JANUARY drabbles. All birthday stories will also now be listed in a master playlist. There are instructions on how to do all this at the top of each thread in the Birthday Cards Forum; if you need help with the workshop, just ask the Workshop Manager, Gwynnyd.

New Challenges
Remembrances January 14 2008
Write a story, poem, or drabble about any character (original or canonical) looking back on a past event. A short-term challenge for New Year's Eve, 2007.
(Note, you must be logged in to HASA to visit this link.)

Make a suggestion in the prospective Challenges thread. When five people accept, you have created a new Challenge

Old Challenges
X takes the Ring - AU Challenge March 25 2008
I have seen a few stories over the years where for instance Galadriel takes the Ring when Frodo offers it to her. But what would happen if others were to take it, for any reason, good or evil? Aragorn? Boromir, Gandalf, or Pippin perhaps? Or Sam abandons Frodo at Cirith Ungol and goes on alone to try to destroy the Ring...

It wouldn't have to be a member of the Fellowship; maybe Barliman Butterbur finds a golden ring in the room the Hobbits used, or Bilbo loses it on one of his walking trips in the Shire.

These could be anything, serious, funny, dark; from drabbles to multi-chapter AUs, and anything in between.

---

Happy writing!

Fangedly yours,
>:-E Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email me.

HASA Announcement: New Quickie Challenge

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

The thread for January Birthday drabbles is up. If you have a January birthday and haven't done so already, post your request here.

Imhiriel has a birthday this upcoming week. She requested,"I'd like to get drabbles from the PoV of something that normally has no voice - a tree, a building, an heirloom, a landscape, a constellation etc. - time or place don't matter, but the more unusual the PoV, the better."

The following drabbles were posted this week:

--- "Waiting" by Vilwarin for Imhiriel
--- "The Kindly Airs" by Dwimordene for Imhiriel

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FUNDING UPDATE

HASA is currently only funded through the end of January. If you would like to donate money toward future months' site fees, you can do so here.

---

QUICKIE CHALLENGE

This Sunday is the fifth Sunday of December, which means it's time for another quickie challenge. In honor of New Year's Eve, this challenge focuses on remembrances. Write a story, drabble, or poem about a character remembering a past event. When you post the story, make sure you enter it in the challenge here and comment in the forum here.

---

REVIEWS

There are currently nine stories in review. If you have been a member of HASA for thirty days, you are welcome (and encouraged!) to become a reviewer. Here are three sample summaries to pique your interest:

----- "As he leads Tuor to Gondolin, Voronwë learns of love, of fate, of fear... and most importantly, of hope. Contains mild slash, but is ultimately true to canon."

----- "What is seen of the Ringbearer from four different points of view."

----- "The War of the Ring is over, but memories remain. A vignette about life, death, and a date's irony."

HASA members, to see if there's a story you'd be interested in reviewing, check it out. (You'll need to be logged in.)

---

And that's it! Have a good week.

Marta
(HASA Admin.)

PS - If you have an announcement you'd like included for next week, please email me.

New Forum Posts

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

There haven't been any birthday requests for December yet. If you have a December birthday, you still have some time to make a request:

Birthday Drabble Forum

---

This week's focus:

FORUMS

One of the best ways to get involved at HASA is through our forums.
People are discussing research questions and stories as well as having fannish squees regularly there.

Some useful forum links:


"On Our Minds" displays the ten most recent posts in forums open to all HASA members. It's a good way to catch up on what you've missed, though the page can move quickly when lots of forums are active at once.

If you've been out of touch for longer than a few days you might want to use the "One Month of Posts" page. This page has just what it sounds like: a list of forums that have been posted to in the last month, beginning with the most recently updated.

Workshops are specialized writing communities. They allow you to share stories you aren't ready to post to the whole site, and many have interesting forums attached to them. Explore workshops to find a group of members interested in similar topics. (You must be logged in to see this link.)

---

Here's hoping this week finds you having many interesting discussion about all things Tolkien. Because, really, you were trying to cut back on sleep anyway, right?

Until next time,
Arandil

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email
HASANews(AT)henneth-annun(DOT)net.

Recently-Updated Stories

BIRTHDAY DRABBLE REQUESTS

Still no December birthday requests! If you have a birthday birthday and would like a drabble, why not post a request at

http://henneth-annun.net/forums/messages.cfm?confId=0&forumId=482&messageId=51332

If you're unsure how it all works, send up a red flag at that same forum, and Imhiriel the Challenges Assistant who works with birthday drabbles will be glad to help you.

---

This week's focus:

RECENTLY UPDATED STORIES

All of us writers love feedback. It is the lembas and miruvor that sustains us as we write our story, and leaving a few words about a story is always a nice thing to do, whether the story is new or old.

Every fifteen minutes HASA hilights a story chosen at random from the Reviewed and General stories in the archive. The current story is

"A Creature of Fire by daw
[Summary]

Why not go to http://www.henneth-annun.net/ and check out the currently featured story?

---

Many talented writers are publishing every day. Check out these stories just added to HASA:

Reviewed Stories --- http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/story_reviewed.cfm
Of Like Passion by Adaneth
The fiends have been slain, and the Men and Dwarves of Dûnhebaid are hoping for peace and prosperity. Yet monstrous foes make other irritations seem trifling. Out of that shade, quarrels are like to bloom . . . and Lindon takes steps to deal with the interlopers. The Dûnhebaid Cycle, Part III.

My Oaths Will I Keep by Encaitariel
A story of Gildor Inglorion, following In This Far Land. Beren, son of Barahir, comes to Nargothrond.

~*~

General Stories --- http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/story_general.cfm
West of the Moon, East of the Sun by Armariel
A sequel to "Light from the West"...the story of the reunion of Sam and Frodo in the Undying Lands. (WIP)

Unto the Ending of the World by Nath
Dark AU, diverging from the end of the Two Towers: Sauron regains his Ring in Ithilien, and a very bleak world emerges. (WIP)

~*~

Beta Stories --- http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/story_beta.cfm
(Please note, you need to be logged in to view these stories.)

A Reason for Hope by Lady Donalwen
A-U. Arwen and her firend Doni are returning home to Rivendell from Lothlorien when they are attacked by a band of orcs. The attack leaves them both unconscious and when they wake up in Rivendell, they find that they have been switched; Arwen is mistaken for Doni and sent to Dale as a lady's maid while an unconscious Doni, mistaken for a dead Arwen, is laid to rest and later rescued. (WIP)

The Sins of the Fathers: Tirion by Mirefinwe
Three Ages in the life of a city.

---

For your mid-month nuzgul, I'd like to point you to the drabble challenge currently going on at the there_n_back LiveJournal community. Lots of HASA-ites are participating. Every day, an illustration from a Tolkien calendar is posted to the community, and members respond with drabbles about the illustration. It's a good way to write if you don't have a lot of time.

The illustration is posted each day at

http://there-n-back.livejournal.com/

If you don't feel the tickle of little fangs in your ankle yet, there are many more potential stories just waiting to be written. Read all of HASA's many story prompts in our Nuzgul hutch.

Do you have a suggestion you'd like to see added to the hutch? Submit it using the "Submit a Story Suggestion" form.

Happy reviewing!
Marta
PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASANews(at)henneth-annun(dot)not.

Updates to Resources

Birthday Drabbles

The following members have birthday this week. If you're in the drabbling mood, why not write them 100 words as a birthday card?

No birthday drabbles for December have been requested. If you have a December birthday please request it here.

---

This week's focus:

RESOURCES

The HASA Research Library is a very useful resource for writers as well as for online discussions on book canon. You can find entries on characters, settings, events, and items, containing cited quotes about the item you are trying to find more information on. This portion of the site is available to both members and non-members at http://www.henneth-annun.net/resources/index.cfm.

Would you like to get involved with Resources? If you like researching and want to help develop this section of HASA you can contact the Resources & Research Library through the contact form at http://www.henneth-annun.net/about/contact.cfm.

What's new in Resources:

Timeline Events:
History of Gondor: Overview
Azaghal and the Dwarves of Belegost defeat Glaurung in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad

Character Biographies
Amdir
Beruthiel

Places
Dunharrow
Dome of Stars

Things
Laurelin
Telperion

Good luck researching your story! If you enjoy this section of the site please feel free to thank the researchers, listed at the bottom of every entry.

And always remember, grasshopper: the path of wisdom leads through proper citations. *grins*

Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASANews@henneth-annun.net.

HASA FUNDING UPDATE

No website is truly free. HASA does not display ads or charge for memberships, but there are still costs associated with running the website. The website depends on member donations to pay its monthly hosting fee of $150.00.

Currently available funding: $372.83
To provide funding through: February 2008

If anyone would like to make a donation, you may do so at

http://www.henneth-annun.net/about/donate.cfm

---

BIRTHDAY CARDS

No members with a December birthday have requested a birthday drabble yet.

Post your request at the Birthday Cards Forum

http://www.hennethannun.net/members/challenge/threads.cfm?confid=5&forumid=482.

Please create your story and add it to the birthday card workshop. This lets others put drabbles they write in an easily accessible location. Enter your story in the challenge for DECEMBER drabbles. All birthday stories will also now be listed in a master playlist. There are instructions on how to do all this at the top of each thread in the Birthday Cards Forum; if you need help with the workshop, just ask the Workshop Manager, Gwynnyd.

---

New Challenges

Make a suggestion in the prospective Challenges thread. When five people
accept, you have created a new Challenge

---

Old Challenges

X takes the Ring - AU Challenge March 25 2008
I have seen a few stories over the years where for instance Galadriel takes the Ring when Frodo offers it to her. But what would happen if others were to take it, for any reason, good or evil? Aragorn? Boromir, Gandalf, or Pippin perhaps? Or Sam abandons Frodo at Cirith Ungol and goes on alone to try to destroy the Ring...

It wouldn't have to be a member of the Fellowship; maybe Barliman Butterbur finds a golden ring in the room the Hobbits used… or Bilbo loses it on one of his walking trips in the Shire…

These could be anything, serious, funny, dark; from drabbles to multi-chapter AUs, and anything in between.

---

'Tis the Season to Be Filking....

Every year several HASA members try to write Arda-themed filks of Christmas carols and other winter holiday-themed songs. It's great fun. If you do this feel free to post them at HASA so we can all admire your work. If enough people write these we'll start a challenge for them.

---

Happy (Yule) writing!

Fangedly yours,
]:-E Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASANews@henneth-annun.net.

BIRTHDAY DRABBLES

The following members have birthday this week. If you're in the drabbling mood, why not write them 100 words as a birthday card?

Aranel Took requested "some Dwarven romance, because Dwarves need love too! Any era, any pairing, OCs are welcome."

Also, the December forum is up. If your birthday is in December, please request a birthday drabble here.

---

This week's focus:

FORUMS

One of the best ways to get involved at HASA is through our forums. People are discussing research questions and stories as well as having fannish squees regularly there.

Some useful forum links:

"On Our Minds" displays the ten most recent posts in forums open to all HASA members. It's a good way to catch up on what you've missed, though the page can move quickly when lots of forums are active at once.

If you've been out of touch for longer than a few days you might want to use the "One Month of Posts" page. This page has just what it sounds like: a list of forums that have been posted to in the last month, beginning with the most recently updated.

Workshops are specialized writing communities. They allow you to share stories you aren't ready to post to the whole site, and many have interesting forums attached to them. Explore workshops to find a group of members interested in similar topics. (You must be logged in to see this link.

Now, here are some of the most recently-updated threads in HASA forum. Don't be shy. If any interest you, why not jump in?

HASA Birthday Cards Forum
Subject: November 2007 Birthdays

Prospective Challenges
Subject: Lord of the Rings/Harry Potter Crossover Challenge

Prospective Challenges
Subject: Naked Yule Fic Challenge

Here's hoping this week finds you having many interesting discussion about all things Tolkien. Because, really, you were trying to cut back on sleep anyway, right?

Until next time,
Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email me.

Birthday Drabble Requests

The following members have birthday this week. If you're in the drabbling mood, why not write them 100 words as a birthday card?

Nieriel Raina requested anything with Glorfindel and Ecthelion prior to the Fall of Gondolin, Thranduil as the Elvenking, or serious Legolas and Gimli. No slash please. Or to really make my day how about something het with Erestor?

---

This week's focus:

RECENTLY UPDATED STORIES

All of us writers love feedback. It is the lembas and miruvor that sustains us as we write our story, and leaving a few words about a story is always a nice thing to do, whether the story is new or old.

Every fifteen minutes HASA hilights a story chosen at random from the Reviewed and General stories in the archive. The current story is

Erin's 2005 Birthday Prezzies by various authors
Erin's 2005 Birthday Drabbles: gifts from the kind muses of others. My B-day drabble request is: I would like to see any interaction between any Rohirrim, canon or oc, and any Dunedain. Wherever your imagination places you!

Why not go to http://www.henneth-annun.net/ and check out the currently featured story?

Many talented writers are publishing every day. Check out these stories just added to HASA:

Reviewed Stories
The Wink of an Eye by Linda Hoyland
Everyone has a need for fun, even fallen Maiar. See what Sauron does for kicks in the late Third Age.... 100 Words as counted in MS Word. With thanks to Raksha.

Tying Notes by Imhiriel
Faramir at a reception of the Ambassador of Harad. Drabble.

~*~

General Stories
The Reluctant Warrior by Aiwendiel
Gandalf, thirteen Dwarves and one hobbit are about to depart from Rivendell on their adventure. But Gandalf’s sense of ominous foreboding is strong. Serious doubt has awakened in the wizard after hearing Elrond translate the runes carved on a very old sword, causing him to question his claim on it. Two Elf Lords help an Istari face up to and overcome his hidden fear.

The Lion and His Lady by Lialathuveril
How did Éomer, King of Rohan, meet his wife? This is a series of oneshots describing different scenarios, some long some short, some serious some less so. No connection with each other or any of my other stories.

~*~

Beta Stories
(Please note, you need to be logged in to view these stories.)

Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair by Marta
Five moments in the lives of Denethor and Aragorn. Slash. (WIP) (Adult)

Finding Arwen by Lady Donalwen
A-U if Arwen went missing for a couple of years and Aragorn meets and marries someone else. Arwen is found, but Aragorn is engaged to another woman and Arwen and firends must break the engagment before its too late. (WIP)

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And now for your mid-month nuzgul. Because the only way to get stories to read is for someone to write them, and that requires our fangy little friends.

Lord of the Rings/Harry Potter Crossover
There's a potential challenge to write Tolkien/Potter crossovers, set in the world of Middle-earth. The prompt:

"The challenge is asking for cross-over stories no longer than 30.000 characters (approx. 20 pages). The stories should feature the characters, settings, and major story line of The Lord of the Rings as their main setting. I'd love for the stories to stick as close as possible to canon, thus please no OCs. Slash stories are welcome."

If you don't feel the tickle of little fangs in your ankle yet, there are many more potential stories just waiting to be written. Read all of HASA's many story prompts in our Nuzgul hutch.

Do you have a suggestion you'd like to see added to the hutch? Submit it using the "Submit a Story Suggestion" form at http://www.henneth-annun.net/members/challenge/suggest.cfm.

Happy reviewing!

Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email HASANews@henneth-annun.net.

Birthday Drabbles

The following members have birthday this week. If you're in the drabbling mood, why not write them 100 words as a birthday card?

Elfethiria Baggins (November 13) requested "My birthday is on the thirteenth and for my request I would love anything with angst for Frodo. I don't mind other characters popping in too though. No slash."

Nieriel Raina (November 18) requested "anything with Glorfindel and Ecthelion prior to the Fall of Gondolin, Thranduil as the Elvenking, or serious Legolas and Gimli. No slash please. Or to really make my day how about something het with Erestor? "

---

HASA Reviews

There are several stories in HASA Review that have been in there for a few weeks. Also, a lo of stories were submitted last weekend, so there are also several *new* stories you may not have seen yet if you try to review stories regularly.

Why not review one of these stories? Your opinion matters. Members can find stories currently in review here.

---

This week's focus:

RESOURCES.

The HASA Research Library is a very useful resource for writers as well as for online discussions on book canon. You can find entries on characters, settings, events, and items, containing cited quotes about the item you are trying to find more information on. This portion of the site is available to both members and non-members here.

Would you like to get involved with Resources? If you like researching and want to help develop this section of HASA you can contact the Resources & Research Library through the contact form.

What's new in Resources:

Timeline Events:
Faramir sets out on an errand across the Anduin, March 1 3019 T.A.
Masters of Buckland established by Gorhendad Oldbuck, 2340 T.A.

Character Biographies
Miriel Serinde
Silmarien

Places
Ea
Barrowfield

Things
Great Music
Stone of Erech

Good luck researching your story! If you enjoy this section of the site please feel free to thank the researchers, listed at the bottom of every entry.

And always remember, grasshopper: the path of wisdom leads through proper citations. *grins*

Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email me.

BIRTHDAY CARDS

November birthday babies: the thread to request drabbles for your birthday is up. If you have a birthday this month, please visit the below link and post a request.

http://www.henneth-annun.net/forums/messages.cfm?confId=0&forumId=482&messageId=51215

And don't forget to set up a story for any stories written for your birthday. If you have questions about how to do this, just post at the above forum.

There are no drabble requests for this week. To see requests for later this month, just go to the above forum.

---

NEW VOLUNTEER

Imhiriel has agreed to manage the birthday drabbles forum and the associated challenges and workshop. Feel free to ask her if you have any questions about anything connected to birthday drabbles.

---

This Week's Focus:

CHALLENGES

Birthdays!

November 13 - Eleftheria Baggins: My birthday is on the thirteenth and for my request I would love anything with angst for Frodo. I don't mind other characters popping in too though. No slash.

November 27 - Aranel Took: I'd like some Dwarven romance, because Dwarves need love too! Any era, any pairing, OCs are welcome.

Post your request at the Birthday Cards Forum

Please create your story and add it to the birthday card workshop. This lets others put drabbles they write in an easily accessible location. Enter your story in the challenge for NOVEMBER drabbles. All birthday stories will also now be listed in a master playlist. There are instructions on how to do all this at the top of each thread in the Birthday Cards Forum; if you need help with the workshop, just ask the Workshop Manager, Gwynnyd.

New Challenges
Make a suggestion in the prospective Challenges thread. When five people accept, you have created a new Challenge.

Suggest a new challenge here.

Old Challenges
New Members 2006 - 2007 October 29 2007
This is a challenge for new members. By definition, a new member is any member who has been a member for fewer than four months or who, at the time of reading this, has written three (3) or fewer Tolkien fanfics.

Choose one of the following - there are choices from any Age, from "The Hobbit," from "Lord of the Rings," from "The Silmarillion", from "Unfinished Tales", and three choices from the Peter Jackson "Lord of the Rings" - movies.

Write a story on any of these prompts. There are no page limits.

X takes the Ring - AU Challenge March 25 2008
I have seen a few stories over the years where for instance Galadriel takes the Ring when Frodo offers it to her. But what would happen if others were to take it, for any reason, good or evil? Aragorn? Boromir, Gandalf, or Pippin perhaps? Or Sam abandons Frodo at Cirith Ungol and goes on alone to try to destroy the Ring...

It wouldn't have to be a member of the Fellowship; maybe Barliman Butterbur finds a golden ring in the room the Hobbits usedŠ or Bilbo loses it on one of his walking trips in the Shire.

These could be anything, serious, funny, dark; from drabbles to multi-chapter AUs, and anything in between.

Keep a New Year's resolution.

Wander over to the Nuzgul pen and adopt one today.

Review one story weekly.

Browse the Resources.

Leave a comment monthly.

---

Happy writing!

Fangedly yours,
>:-E Marta

PS- Do you have something in particular you would like included in next week's announcement? If so, please email me.