Nice idea ...
What Maril is suggesting is the more challenging road, but it is ultimately more rewarding. Your characters will be more interesting, and quirky, and more a reflection of your own creativity. And not only will you feel more fulfilled, but your story will almost certainly be more readable and entertaining (to you and anyone who reads it).
But it's not necessarily easy. Remember, Tolkien spent years gathering together all the ideas and essences for LotR, and further years revising and refining! You don't have to go that far, but - make it special. Set aside dedicated time, for research as well as for the writing. Do the notebook thing, that is what all successful and aspiring writers do, and look at real people - try and find faces or characteristics in people you know or see that match those of your proposed characters (it's a bit like casting for a movie). In this way you can see whether your characters are believable (I don't mean 'historically realistic', I mean interesting).
You're not the first to be inspired to write by LotR. Make it an honourable venture. You will emerge tired, frustrated and aching, but somehow wiser and more self-aware.
Another (or concurrent) approach is to on principle avoid the obvious choices and build something out of the unexpected. So the daughter of Arwen and Aragorn, instead of being beautiful, might be plain. Instead of hanging out with the beautiful people, she prefers the company of dwarves and hobbits. The first time she is threatened or in danger, instead of boldly smiting down the wicked, she runs away - or joins them ... and so on.
This could take you into a story that is intriguing and unpredictable, especially for you, and will make the writing more fun!
But do what Maril says first, then go away and write the story of the Punk Princess of Gondor (You heard it here first).
Peace
[ February 27, 2002: Message edited by: Kalessin ]
[ February 27, 2002: Message edited by: Kalessin ]
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