Sixth Edition

Feb 5

Hey folks,

You might have noticed the newsletter looks a bit different today, and that's because this is a special edition dedicated to supporting and promoting some incredible members of the Tolkien community on TikTok. With everything happening lately, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the impact this platform has had on many of them. For a lot of creators, TikTok has become more than just a space to share their love for Tolkien—it’s been a vital source of income, a place where they've fostered their own pockets of community, built meaningful friendships, and grown their small businesses.

My heart aches for what they’re going through right now—the sense of loss, the grief of watching something they've worked so hard for become uncertain. But even in the midst of this, there's resilience. Many of these creators are finding new platforms, building fresh beginnings, and continuing to share their love for Tolkien’s works. I encourage you to follow them on these new journeys and offer your support wherever you can.

And to my wonderful TikTok Tolkien creators—please know I'm here for you. Whether you need assistance migrating content to a new platform, help in building your audience elsewhere, or even just a little comic relief to lighten the load, this Grey Haven Raven is at your service. Whatever you need, I’m ready to help promote your work and support you through this transition.

I’ve also got a few news tidbits to kick things off, so let’s dive right in!

News

Overlooked No More: Karen Wynn Fonstad, Who Mapped Tolkien’s Middle-earth

First up this week, I want to share a touching tribute from the New York Times honoring the late Karen Fonstad, the brilliant author of The Atlas of Middle-earth. This cherished book is a must-have for any Tolkien fan—a staple on many shelves, including my own! The article beautifully celebrates Fonstad’s life and work, offering a heartfelt glimpse into how she discovered Tolkien's world and the journey of creating her hand-drawn maps and models. If you haven’t yet added this book to your collection, it’s an absolute must. Her meticulous artistry is essential for truly appreciating the scope, scale, and epic journeys of Middle-earth.

Exciting News from The Prancing Pony Podcast!

I’m beyond excited to share some thrilling updates about my favorite podcast, The Prancing Pony Podcast! Imagine rediscovering a cherished, long-forgotten book on your shelf—that’s the feeling as Alan, our very own Man of the West, breathes life into a long-held project idea that’s been waiting for its moment. But here’s the twist: you’ll have to wait until next Tuesday, January 21st, to uncover the mystery!

While we count down the days, here’s a sneak peek at some exciting things on the horizon: 👉 Check out the full video here!

This project might grow to be a great one...but it's name you must discover for yourself! Mark your calendars for January 21st to find out what Alan has planned, when it’s happening, and where you can tune in.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into some amazing TolkienTok creators you should absolutely follow.