Reviews (161)

Author's reply

Glad you like the chapter titles: researching aspects of, and phrases relating to, diamonds has been one of the fun parts of this story. I'm actually coming at the gift thing from the other perspective,LOL: my birthday is in November, and throughout my life I've gotten comlaints from some family members about it being too close to Christmas. I think, of course, that it's quite handy to be able to ask for whatever I particularly wanted but didn't get for my birthday for Christmas. :) Perhaps the trick with your dad is asking for something specific -- preferably a larger project that would be difficult to do in a production run for everybody else: blanket/steamer chest? dresser? entertainment center? Glad you liked the kiss. Falling in love is hard on the nerves, LOL; perhaps that's why there's all those stereotypes about people stopping eating, etc., as they fall!

Author's reply

I think "hussies" is the spelling you are looking for. :) So you didn't expect this, eh? I did....for quite some time, LOL. ("the kitchen lasses' giggles as he walked by them" -- Chap. 5; Poplar witnessing Pip and Diamond's disagreement about the color of her dress in Chap. 6; "the kitchen lasses he caught staring and giggling in his direction" -- Chap. 8 (poor Bert, he thought they were looking at him, when it was actually Pippin who was standing nearby); Ganelon's accusation --Chap. 9; Estella's joke -- Chap. 10) :) I've been trying to write in foreshadowing and characterizations that would support this ever since I introduced the kitchen lasses. Very little in this fic is (meant to be, anyway) an accident. :) (Although OK, I admit the piglet races in Chap. 8 were a bit gratuitous.) How does that song go? "Things can only get better..." (Note to all reviewers re: Chap. 12. Expect slight delay in posting due to RL houseguests.)

Author's reply

Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks! Glad you liked her calling him by name, and that she realized he was courting her. The dinner scene was actually *supposed* to be a little confusing: the idea is that you have sympathy with Merry and Estella until you get to the point where Pip says "thank you" to Diamond, and then the subsequent explanations that come after that turn the situation around and make the point that Diamond's formalities do have their good points, and Pippin benefits from them -- which at least he realizes, if the other hobbits don't always quite catch on as soon. Sorry this fic might not have as much butter slapped on as you'd like -- it's tending to be a bit more subtle -- but I shall keep going. :)

Author's reply

Yes, that was a very empowering moment for our Diamond!:) The "ninnies" got hired at the Great Smials because they are tweenaged help of the kind that signs on to work at the Smials for a certain period of time before going home to contribute their wages to their families, find their own hobbits, whatever. The permanent staff, such as Second Cook Geranium and hobbitservant Bert, is more thoroughly vetted for quality. :) You are very insightful about what's going on with Pervinca. Her list of topics to chatter about at Pip's bedside intentionally does *not* include her own husband -- although she unintentionally is right about Pip being more of a gentlehobbit and showing Diamond more consideration than Mr. Proudfoot did for Pervinca (who was smuggled to his smial in Blotmath, i.e. November, 1419 (chap. 1) and whose oldest child was born in Sept. 1420 (chap. 8). I am so glad you like my characterizations! (BTW, this is one reason I don't write Pearl much, since every time I try, she just flows out of my pen as a flibbertigibbet.) (Note to all reviewers: expect slight delay in posting of Chap. 12 due to RL houseguests.)

Author's reply

It is a difficult and ongoing process -- it requires a partnership, to learn how to make a marriage, and for *both* partners to make an effort. (Soon and very soon...hums the rest of the tune.) Pippin is very sad and tired in this chapter; even though he's creating much of his misery himself, it nearly breaks my heart, and I'm the one who wrote him into it! (Makes you just want to cuddle him better, doesn't it? ;) ) (Note to all reviewers: expect slight delay in Chap. 12 due to RL.)

Author's reply

Well, you're actually the *first* one to notice the significance of the chapter titles, so I can think you can pat yourself on the back! (I have a few more, although some of them do get a little more obscure, LOL.) Yes, sigh, men...er, hobbits! What *do* they see in all that pipe smoke and ale they hide behind anyway, LOL? You're right: he's *literally* not opening his eyes in this chapter. There's some sort of anti-Diamond feelings that seem to swirl about the fandom, so you were probably just tapping into the zeitgeist when you convinced yourself you wouldn't like her. (Or thinking of your own excellent stories, which I'm sure we would all like to see continued. Hint. Hint. :) ) Glad you like this story, and thanks for the compliment! (As I've said to other reviewers, expect a slight delay in Chap. 12 due to RL.)

Author's reply

Another very insightful review. Yes, Diamond is in love, although I don't think she -- quite -- realizes it yet. And she's starting to get an inkling of her desires and what they mean.:) (Soon. ;) ) Lack of communication is a big problem.: it's a huge issue in any relationship. Life would probably be much easier for these two if they could read each other's minds.:) And that lasses' healer...well, her plan worked for the lass, but it kind of backfired since she didn't have enough familiarity with the lad in question to take his reaction into account. Hadn't thought of a connection to Anne of Greene Gables's Gilbert. (I thought the last couple of books in that series kind of declined in quality from the ones set earlier in Anne's life, but that's really neither here nor there.) I'm glad you liked the line, though. Everyone was so focused on how it seemed impersonal that Diamond called Pippin "husband" all the time, that I don't think there was any consideration of her feelings about why she did it, or what *she'd* like to be called. Chap. 12 will be slightly delayed as my mother, sister and nieces come to visit and occupy my house and my writing time for a few days this week and into next.

Author's reply

Hmm. Pippin is actually creating most -- not all, grant you, but most -- of his own misery in this chapter. It takes two to tango: and not to, as well. Other stuff happens next; expect a slight delay in posting due to RL houseguests.

Author's reply

What a delightful review. Yes, Rosie is a very smart hobbitess. Glad you liked the name revelation, Diamond's formal manners doing good for Pippin in the situation with the servants and Estella at Brandy Hall, and her revelation through the books -- there were several moments of "clarity" in this chapter.:)

Author's reply

I thought someone (besides Diamond, that is, of course) would appreciate bare-chested Pippin.:) You are, still, a lovely reviewer. Glad you're liking Diamond and that you're looking forward to where I'm going. (Ooh, the pressure!)

Author's reply

Merry and Estella are upset because Diamond dissed Estella in front of a whole bunch of other hobbits by implying that she was out of her head/acting crazy (although she did it very politely and tried to blame the food rather than the hobbitess), and took her food away -- a harsh thing to do to any hobbit, and also the sort of punishment you’d inflict on a child. The reason this was a *good* thing from Pippin and Diamond’s perspective is because, no matter how casual their relationship in the past or in private, Pippin is in the process of assuming many of the responsibilities he’s heir to -- he’s at Brandy Hall as the Thain’s representative, not as Merry’s cousin Pip -- and Estella can’t just go poking him in public, implying he’s an irresponsible litterbug, and making sexual innuendos about him with and in front of the servants. Those “mind-numbingly formal” manners you cite -- and Diamond herself -- do have a purpose, and Pippin (as the representative of the Tooks and the Thain) benefits from them, as he realizes. As for the books, as I said to Ariel, we are not reading the entirety of the books, they are not all the same...and I can only write so many hobbit romances at once.;)

Author's reply

Actually, Pippin *isn’t* his given name, so by calling him Captain Peregrin (which she doesn’t do to his face, but only when speaking *of* him), she’s closer than the rest of the Shire.;) And she still gets to use both appellations -- “Pippin” and “husband” -- at various times. Notice that, as long as she calls him Pippin occasionally, he doesn’t mind the other coming from her? Thanks for your compliment! As for the influence of Diamond’s reading material, and Pippin’s courting, stay tuned.... :)

Author's reply

Glad you liked that line. I have a friend who really likes to know where the title of a book or a chapter comes from, so sometimes I try to appease her and make it as explicit as possible. And everyone thought all she could get out of the books was sex tips! (Shakes head.) The names do tell things about a relationship...for instance, you might notice that Pippin doesn’t want anyone *else* calling him husband, but kind of likes it on occasion from Diamond. :)

Author's reply

Hmm. Reviews with accompanying menus. Interesting. Did remind me to go make some popcorn, though -- thanks! We are only getting the relevant parts of the books she’s reading...and, unlike the stereotypical view of human romance novels, they are not all the same. (Adamantine and Rufus’s story was historical fiction, in case you cared.:) ) And you do realize that I have to write those books as well as the main story -- and that I’m getting paid even less for the hobbit romance imprint than I am for “Healing”, if that’s possible? Sigh. And here I thought that silhouette of a pointed-eared, rounded tummy hobbit embracing a pointed-eared lass who’s kicking up her heel on the spines of them was a sufficient mark for the Shire booksellers to identify the writer/editor/publisher and funnel the profits along. As I said before, I’m really trying to meet my goal of regular updates. Might be somewhat delayed in the week after next, though, as I will have houseguests and less writing and computer time.

Author's reply

Well...Ganelon's definitely pretentious. Maybe the rest of them are just formal? Thank you for your comments. It was good for Pippin to see Diamond in her "natural habitat," so to speak, and for him to see, both literally and figuratively, "where she's coming from." Hmm: who says *Pippin's* going to tell her to stop calling him "husband"?

Author's reply

Well, I didn't exactly think ending up with your petticoats in the air and your rear end in a barrel was exactly prim and proper, but OK... I'm not done addressing the names, but it's dangerous to assume that just because something bothers you, it bothers someone else. There are lots of marriages out there where the spouses don't call each other by name, but "honey" or something like that, even not counting all the ones where, after the kids come, they end up calling each other "Mom" and "Dad" forever.

Author's reply

Hmm. The "squeezing their hands together fondly in an old habit" wasn't meant to be secretive -- it's an old habit, so obviously the kids have seen it before. Nobody was paying that close of attention to Gerin and Honeysuckle at the moment because they were busy with other things --- Diamond was watching Pippin. ;) And her mom holds Diamond's hands, and her dad hugs her, when Pippin isn't around, so maybe, like he thinks, it's just him that's making them act more formal than usual -- although they are, of course, different from the Tooks of Great Smials, as every family is different from each other. Yes, the Great Smials is wearing off on Diamond. Actually, she was already being more friendly with the servants (taking Geranium's hand in thanks) and saying "aye" instead of "yes" (after she plays an improved game of draughts) as far back as Chap. 5. She just didn't get any credit for it because it wasn't as noticeable that she'd changed until it was set off against a background where people didn't just expect her to act that way. Pip and Diamond actually had four conversations in this chapter: when he said they were going on vacation, when she was drawing his bath, when they woke up and she asked what he was doing, and at night when he was sitting by the window. And you're right that they're forming a friendship -- he feels a bit awkward and out of place in this chapter (hmm. wonder who that reminds you of?), and that helps him to understand her better, as does seeing her in the North Farthing. And, yes, he is such a gentlehobbit! (I like him that way, LOL.) The names bit was partially addressed in this chapter, but still keep watching.:) And try not to bite your fingernails, LOL, you must have picked that up from MovieFrodo.

Author's reply

Thank you! Not to worry about the end of the chapter -- it's supposed to end with "Ask her to tell you stories of her lad." I do always check that the end is there in chapter preview mode before posting. Unfortunately, the weird characters, I think, have something to do with the length of the chapter -- they've just started showing up on the last two -- and edit mode *won't* let me get rid of them! Aargh!

Author's reply

No, they are not strangers anymore...and did you catch what Diamond's parents, who look at each other fondly, call each other? :) Please do not die of curiosity! I would hate to lose such a loyal reader. The story will probably get moving faster eventually. And I am trying to update at least once a week -- while I do know the basics of what happens, I haven't actually written beyond the posted point yet.

Author's reply

Thank you! The Fair was a lot of fun -- to write about, and to attend (both for the hobbits, and for me). (All Fair events/sights are based on actual occurrences at state and/or county fairs and festivals I have attended.) I'm surprised, but glad, someone actually liked my take on the elections, after I got all mealymouthed and didn't show what they actually did in that voting tent. I think Sam was all right whilst he was actually "speechifyin'." It's just before and after that he tends to get nervous. Can't tell you what Ganelon's planning, but worry away, my dear. Thanks for looking forward to more. :)

Author's reply

So glad you liked Pip in this chapter particularly. Personally, I think he's rather cute in every chapter -- and almost every Pippin story I've read, LOL! And nope, Diamond hasn't actually called him by any name to his face yet. Keep watching. :) It was not necessarily my intention to drive all my readers to frustrated distraction with this story.; it just seems to be an unintentional byproduct, LOL! I shall keep writing. :)

Author's reply

She does have thoughts of her own...she's just not necessarily sharing them out loud yet. And I'm betting that Frodo walked past the romance novel section every time he went to the booksellers in Hobbiton -- not that he necessarily purchased any, mind you, but he walked past them.

Author's reply

Yep, she does "peek out a bit" at the end of this chapter. Of course, if no characters have any problems to overcome, it's a pretty short story.;)

Author's reply

Snerk! Shame, shame, shame on you, Ariel, for encouraging such behavior. (Pushes glasses down nose like an old schoolmarm and shakes head.) Tsk, tsk. (LOL!) Seriously, thank you so much for your reactions to my story. -- "interesting and provocative" -- ooh, that makes me so glad! I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do about that scene that you spurred the creation of. I did check out "Autumn's Requiem" --- beautiful. And sad. And beautiful. And sad. -- but I am also aware of something that happened on SOA with another author. I will keep you in the loop. Glad my WIP pulled you in: I am committing myself to regular updates in part because of my own frustrations with WIPs in a fandom I used to read -- where I actually stopped reading some people's work, even though I enjoyed it, because they were so likely to abandon it in the middle -- and in part because of a couple of things I have heard RL authors say this year. One (a mystery writer whose books are set in southwestern Wisconsin; I don't remember her name) said that a writer essentially has a contract with the reader to provide them a story. And the other, Robert Alexander, author of "The Kitchen Boy" (historical fiction) said that one mark of a successful writer is that he or she finishes things. I'm trying to live up to both of these inspiring statements.

Author's reply

Thank you so much! As I said to another reviewer in a previous chapter, we are getting to know Diamond -- bit by bit, as you say -- in pretty much the same timeframe as Pippin does. And the Fair is good for relaxing things a bit -- Pimpernel even forgot to call her brother "Peregrin" in front of Diamond!