: The Tolkien family has no wish to see a sequel produced.

[snip]

Does that mean they would frown on (and hence not authorize) any kinds of Tolkien-related literature?

The reason I ask is that I have at least three Middle-earth stories floating around in my head (and some pieces of paper ;) ) - one about the end of the fourth age; one about Arvedui (an elaboration of what Tolkien wrote into an actual novel on its own); and one about another region of middle-earth (only incidentally related to Tolkien, featuring two blue wizards and the early exploits of a certain Curunir).

Not to toot my own horn, but I think I have a grasp and feel of Tolkien's world. And I've written plenty of other Tolkien stories in my younger days that were pure crap, so I know what pitfalls to avoid. Of course, my stories wouldn't *be* Tolkien, and wouldn't mess with the canon (Balrog wings would still be openly debatable, as would the shape of Elven ears). I would simply be expanding on my vision of his works, which I've kept close to my heart for many years. And the reason I would want estate approval is to avoid being one of the throng of cheesy Tolkien rip-off artists - using his names and creatures without being true to his spirit.

But if the Tolkien estate is dead set against such things, then I guess I should abandon my hopes of having them published. I'll probably still write them, but they would just be stories for my kids or wife... oh, well.

Dave C-Q