August 31st, 2007

Torn Deep by JM Dragon [alt/über/unfinished]
Susan Callahan’s life as an archeologist who specialized in ancient history ticked along without diversion. When hired to consult on the authenticity of works of art she knew where housed in the Smithsonian her life took a dramatic turn. Kidnapped and tossed over the side of a boat to drown, Susan finds herself rescued by a woman named Zea. Because she lost her glasses during the kidnapping she can’t see the woman clearly but nevertheless feels drawn to her. After she returned to her safe existence, Susan fanaticizes about her rescuer and longs to see her again and tell her how she feels. After five years of letters and messages that lead nowhere she still held the mysterious woman up as her dream lover. A chance encounter at a museum has Susan beginning to let Zea go and move on.

Added part 5 of Aurelia's Possessing Morgan

Added part 6 of Herstory by Xena's Girl

August 30th, 2007

Announcement
-from Intaglio Press

Intaglio Publications, Inc. is proud to announce a reading by Lynn Ames from her new book Heartsong from 3 to 4:30 p.m. October 11 at the lovely Fairbanks Inn in Provincetown during Women’s Week. Also on hand will be Kate Sweeney with her new book Away from the Dawn and Robin Alexander with Gift of Time.
 
Our gracious hostesses Alicia and Kathleen will provide wine and cheese for the event. Intaglio Publications extends our thanks and gratitude to these ladies for accommodating us. If you’re planning a trip to Provincetown, consider the Fairbanks Inn, you won’t be disappointed.
 
Lynn, Kate and Robin also will be on hand to sign books at Women’s Craft Book Store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. October 12 and at 3:30 p.m. at Now Voyager Book Store. They will return to Now Voyager from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. October 13.
 
If you’re going to be in P-town for Women’s Week 2007, come by and visit, we’d love to meet you

August 29th, 2007

The Wrong Side of the Tracks by BlueMoonwriter [alt/über/complete]
A short story that proves it IS better late than never...

Added part 4 of Ripples in the Water by Xenamungrrr

August 28th, 2007

The Stranger of My Heart by Red Hope [conqueror/crossover/classic post-FIN/alt/incomplete]
The sequel to A Stranger in my Family and A Strange Interlude: I Had a Strange Dream. The Conqueror's dreams about her time in Chin, Japa, and India suddenly play an important role in freeing a heroic warrior's locked soul. Meanwhile the realm wages deeper into war against the Britanni, but Gabrielle stumbles across information that the rebellion may be a diversion for something far more evil. Time becomes increasingly precious though, and the Conqueror must find the answers before everything is undone.

Added part 4 of Possessing Morgan by Aurelia

Announcement
-from Intaglio Publishing

Intaglio Publications, Inc. is proud to announce the release of Away From The Dawn by Kate Sweeney winner of the 2007 GCLS Literary Award for Debut Author.

Away From The Dawn
by Kate Sweeney
ISBN: 978-1-933113-81-4
Price: $16.95
Release Date: Available now
 
Haunted by her immortality, Sebastian wandered Europe for five centuries in search of her lost humanity. Her quest – to find a way to live among the mortals. The search seemed futile, until she meets the brilliant, Dr. Alex Taylor. Sebastian reluctantly joins forces with this woman, this mortal who could be her savior.
 
Sebastian’s quest now causes an upheaval in the hierarchy, and the vampire community is in jeopardy for the first time in over a thousand years. Ancient ways are challenged, and the battle for supremacy among the hierarchy begins.
 
Enter Leigh, Sebastian’s lover and companion through the centuries. Will she be Sebastian’s comrade or nemesis?
 
Will Leigh aide Sebastian in her quest, or hold Sebastian away from the dawn

August 27th, 2007

Swirls in Time by Janine Hilltop [classic/alt/complete]
A piece of the Kronos stone is letting Callisto change more than her own past and future. Xena and Gabrielle's mission is to find Callisto in time....

Added part 7 (conclusion) of Backwards to Oregon by Jae

August 26th, 2007

Birdie's Song - The Invasion by Onesockbard
The adolescent daughter of Xena and Gabrielle is growing up and it’s no easier for her than it was for any of the rest of us. On this plate of adventure there is conflict with the Romans on the horizon, every day skirmishes with her parents, and a new love becoming more and more important to her.

55 word stories

Camouflage by IseQween

August 25th, 2007

Added part 30 (conclusion) of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

August 24th, 2007

Added part 3 of Possessing Morgan by Aurelia

Added part 29 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

August 23rd, 2007

Added part 27 and part 28 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

August 22nd, 2007

Added part 26 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

August 21st, 2007

Added Licit Cusp part 6 by weebod

Added part 7 of Two Part Harmony by Colleen

Added parts 24 and 25 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Added The Written Word part 4 by Mickey Minner

Added part 6 of Backwards to Oregon by Jae

August 20th, 2007

The Collector by Andi Marquette [original/alt/complete]
Lady Sarah will do anything to find her father's gold and exact revenge on the privateer who took it. When offered a way to accomplish her goals, it's clear that the terms of the agreement might be a devil's bargain.

What I Did on my Summer Vacation by Andi Marquette [original/alt/complete]
Tristan, a grad student in archaeology, is spending her summer in Athens. She has a rep among her student colleagues for her free-wheeling attitude toward sexual liaisons. Tristan insists there's more to her than that, but she's having a hard time convincing the object of her true affections of that.

Road Trip by Andi Marquette [original/alt/complete]
Codie's moving back to Seattle from Orlando. She's got a long drive ahead of her, but a cute stranger at a rest stop gives her fodder for fantasy. Much to Codie's surprise, the cute stranger seems to be traveling the same route, and the fantasy has a chance to become reality and maybe a bit more.

Added part 23 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Added part 2 of Possessing Morgan by Aurelia

August 19th, 2007

Added part 22 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Added parts 4-9 (conclusion) of In Sync by Filfil

August 18th, 2007

Added part 21 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Added part 3 of In Sync by Filfil

Added part 5 of Unconquerable Hearts by Gabrixena2007

Added part 6 of Cage Undone by Roselle Graskey

August 17th, 2007

Backwards to Oregon by Jae [original/alt/unfinished]
“Luke” Hamilton has always been sure that she’d never marry. She accepted that she would spend her life alone when she chose to live her life disguised as a man. After working in a brothel for three years, Nora Macauley has lost all illusions about love. She no longer hopes for a man who will sweep her off her feet and take her away to begin a new, respectable life. But now they find themselves married and on the way to Oregon in a covered wagon, with two thousand miles ahead of them.

Added part 20 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Added part 2 of In Sync by Filfil

Announcement
from Khimairal Ink

Hi!
The September issue is almost here. Authors, publishing companies and artists are invited to take advantage of a great way to advertise your endeavors. For less than a latte, you can place an add in Khimairal Ink that will be seen by thousands of readers from all over the world. Check us out!
http://fictionwriting.wordpress.com/advertise-with-us/

Khimairal Ink also has an opening for a Graphic Artist. The duties include, creating a graphical theme for each issue and applying this theme to all the graphics in the issue. The artist must be able to work on deadline, have knowledge of and access to graphic software such as Photoshop or its equivalent, and must love to be creatively challenged.

Khimairal Ink is published three issues a year and usually has seven to nine graphical elements plus the cover per issue.

This is a volunteer position. We offer free ad space for our artists in Khimairal Ink, not to mention something to put on the resume.

If you're interested drop an email to editor@bedazzledink.com. If you have a Web site or someplace on the Web where we can see your artwork, that would be great. If you want to send samples, please let us know when you query about the position so we're prepared for larger files coming through.

Thanks!
Claudia Wilde
www.bedazzledink.com

August 16th, 2007

Possessing Morgan: A Matter of Conviction by Aurelia [original/alt/unfinished]
Morgan O’Callaghan thought she knew what she wanted in life. Being a New York City detective had been a family tradition that she had willingly supported and, as ‘Mickey’s Girl’, she had been exceedingly good at. Andrea Worthington had moved from her native Charleston to New York City to take up the position of Assistant District Attorney, much to the derision of her family. Their first meeting was like two freight trains crashing head on. Now a high profile murder case has thrown them together and they must find common ground if they are to work together.

In Sync by Filfil [original/alt-fantasy/unfinished]
'In Sync' begins right were ‘The Matchmaking Festival’ left off and takes us deeper into the realm of the Irish sidhe. Julia and Eileen have to face an adventure of life and death that threatens to destroy their life. Will they be able to survive the challenge that is thrown in their way? Or will their life together end as fast as it begun?

Added part 18 and part 19 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Added part 15 of Nwyn by PsiDraconis

Hall of Fame Thanks
from Anne Azel
I have been out of country and have only now seen that I have been recognized by the Academy of Bards for my stories.  Thank you.  It is an honour.  I greatly appreciate your work on behalf of the bards.  Your efforts at encouraging and preserving online fiction will make a difference. 

from JM Dragon
I'm still dumbfounded by the news that I've been inducted into the hall  of fame. I call that the most wonderful positive feedback  from readers any bard could receive.  

As I notch up my tenth year in October writing in the Xenaverse. I'm  very proud to be associated with the genre, readers, and wonderful people I've  met or communicated with over those years.

Thank you for keeping the forums alive where we bards can express our  imagination and share it with others. I'm personally exceptionally  grateful for the opportunity to tell a tale from time to time and know  others appreciate it.

Once again thanks for the honour and a very special thank you to all the  readers who voted.

August 14th, 2007

Added part 17 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

August 13th, 2007

The LESBIAN FICTION READERS CHOICE AWARDS is pleased to announce our first annual FAVORITE BOOK COVER Award.

More details will be forthcoming but start looking at book covers and decide which ones you would like to nominate.

To be eligible a cover must be from a published lesbian fiction book that was released (or re-released) prior to January 1, 2007. No fan fiction covers are eligible. When nominating, the member will be asked to provide: Name of the Book, Name of the Author, Name of the Publisher, Year of Publication, and (if known) Name of Cover Artist.

The nomination period will begin September 1st and end September 20th. Please hold

your nominations until that time.

Thanks to everyone who continue to support the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LesbianFictionReadersChoiceAwards/

Jo Fothergill
LFRCA Administrator

Added part 16 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

August 12th, 2007

Added part 15 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Added part 3 of The Written Word by Mickey Minner

August 11th, 2007

PD Publishing Announcement:
10 August 2007: Barb and I are very excited about the following announcements for this special day (5 years ago, today, we had our commitment ceremony - though our "official anniversary" is Aug 21 when we'll celebrate being a couple for 16 years!).

The following books are now available for purchase from your favorite book seller!

Seasons, 3rd edition by Anne Azel, the story of Robbie and Janet is now back in print from the award winning author. Continue reading below about Anne's upcoming collection of short stories just recently signed.
The House on Capitol Hill by Jeffrey Lynn Stoddard. This is a wonderful mystery/ghost story of two men moving into a beautiful Seattle home. The suspense will keep you reading until the last page (don't forget to keep the night light on)!

We are also pleased to announce four new books signed:

The Veil of Sorrow by Crystal Michallet-Romero to be published in Summer 2008 - a Gothic vampire story not to be missed! Ms. Michallet-Romero has penned a story so very different than what you might expect.
Web by J.P. Mercer to be published in Summer 2008 - murder, intrigue, espionage that is classic Mercer. It's amazing how lives can be tangled together in a web of mystery, honor, and love.
Barking at the Moon by Nene Adams to be published Summer 2008 - a full novel from Ms. Adams' short story of a similar name. Murder is found in the hill country, along with humor, love, and family.
A Little Book of Big Christmas Tales by Anne Azel to be published Fall 2008 - a collection of short stories that will definitely be something you'll want to give to family and friends. These tales are about women, their lives, and their experiences during the Christmas season. Women - young and old, with the variety and diversity found in Canada, that you'll never forget as they touch your heart as only Ms. Azel can do.

Information can be found at www.pdpublishing.com.

Thanks for your interest and support of all of PD's authors. Linda and Barb

Added part 3 of Living in the Past: Book One - Ripples in the Water by Xenamungrrr

Added part 14 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

August 10th, 2007

55 word stories

Moth by IseQween

August 9th, 2007

Welcome to the Academy, Xenabrielle

A Different Night [alt/classic/complete]
This is my first attempt at a fan fic, it's not set after any particular episode but can be interpreted by the reader to be set after pretty much any battle which they desire. The story is a 'first time' tale of Xena and Gabrielle admitting their true feelings for one another.

August 8th, 2007

Added part 13 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Added part 4 (conclusion) of Amor Vinci Omnia by Boudica X

Announcement

Today is the last day to bid on first edition books by KG MacGregor - Shaken and Malicious Pursuit. The covers for the first edition were done by the Academy of Bards' own Michelle de la Rosa. These are highly collectible and these versions are no longer in print. Proceeds from the auction will go to the parents of Michelle to help cover the costs of her catastrophic illness and cremation. Go to www.kgmacgregor.com for more details and bid!

August 7th, 2007

The Most Dangerous Game of All by Aurelia [pre-conqueror X:WP/alt/complete]
Leading an army through Greece had earned Xena many enemies. She was being watched. She felt it. But little did Xena know that this one observer was more dangerous to her than all the legions of armies awaiting the arrival of the conqueror of Greece.

Added part 2 of The Written Word by Mickey Minner

Added part 12 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

August 6th, 2007

Announcement
A somewhat belated announcement from dabkey:

My story, And Playing the Role of Herself, was accepted by Regal Crest Enterprises last year, and published earlier this year under the author name K.E. Lane. The book is now available from StarCrossed Productions http://www.scp-inc.biz/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=829&HS= 1 as well as other online retailers, or can be ordered from your local bookstore.

For those of you who have no idea what I‚m talking about, here‚s a synopsis:

Actress Caidence Harris is living her dreams after landing a leading role among the star-studded, veteran cast of 9th Precinct, a hot new police drama shot on location in glitzy LA. Her sometimes-costar Robyn Ward is magnetic, glamorous, and devastatingly beautiful, the quintessential A-List celebrity on the fast-track to super-stardom. When the two meet on the set of 9th Precinct, Caid is instantly infatuated but settles for friendship, positive that Robyn is both unavailable and uninterested. Soon Caid sees that all is not as it appears, but can she take a chance and risk her heart when the outcome is so uncertain?

And for those of you who are wondering how the book might differ from the online story enough to make it worth your hard earned scratch, you can take peek at the book‚s first chapter at my website www.kelaneworks.com , under the preview link.

Added part 11 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Added part 10 of When We Met by B. Soiree

August 5th, 2007

Added part 10 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

55 Word Stories

They Say by IseQween

August 4th, 2007

Through the Eyes - Series by Del Robertson [classic/alt/complete]
A feast honoring the return of the Amazon Queen as seen through the Gabrielle's, Xena's, Ephiny's and Eponin's eyes.  This is intended as part of a series entitled "Through The Eyes" as the same event is recounted through four different pov's.  It should make no difference as to which order the four pieces are read in.  Spoilers for Hooves and Harlots, The Quest and Blind Faith.
Through the Bard's Eyes
Through the Eyes of the Warrior
Through the Weapons Master's Eyes
Through the Eyes of the Regent

August 3rd, 2007

Added part 9 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Hall of Fame Thanks
-from Kim Pritekel

First off, I'd like to thank MJ for letting me know that 1049 Club had been inducted. I was inducted as a writer into the HOF in 2005, and was so very touched.  I'm equally touched to have another story inducted.  Thank you all so much who voted for 1049, it touches me deeply.  Thank you to my dear friend, Steph and all the other wonderful folks who run The Academy, and keep us "heard".  Love ya all.  Thanks again.

August 2nd, 2007

Added part 9 of When We Met by BSoiree

Added part 5 of Licit Cusp by Weebod

Hall of Fame Thanks
-from Di Bauden

Howdy!

I just got a nice email from someone letting me know I'd been inducted to
the Academy Hall of Fame for 2007! How exciting!

You know, I started writing FF in the Xenaverse because I was inspired by the other authors who put their necks out there for folks to critique their imaginations and writing abilities. It was such an incredible feeling for me to be connected with so many people. Some of those readers have also become wonderful friends over the years. I know that I'm not the only one who has experienced the Xenaverse in such a way. It's a magical place and I'm thrilled to have been a part of it. To be in such amazing company is truly an honor. Thanks so much!

Several years ago, I pushed for August to be the month for us to give thanks to you - webmasters. Somewhere along the way that got lost. So I'd like to personally thank you gals for all that you do. Lucia made a graphic for that particular annual event, so I'll see if I still have it.

Hats off to you all.

Thank you again!
Di Bauden

-from D

To the wonderful readers who have taken the time to read and feed this bard over the years.  I appreciate all of ya'll and thank you for voting me and _Most Cherished Dreams_ into the Hall of Fame this year.

Grateful thanks to the Academy for hosting a Hall of Fame, the Munchkins who continue to put up with my funky formatting and OZ who just puts up with me.  And to the Special Academy Angel, you will be sorely missed.  
Peace.
-- D

-from Jynaki

Hello There.....
WOW!!! What an honor this truly is. I am stunned beyond words. Who knew eh? KEWL...This is sooo awesome (ok happy dance again for the 100th time).
Jynaki.  

Announcement
-from Erin O'Reilly
I am pleased to announce the release of Revelations ( ISBN: 978-1-933113-75-3) available now from SCP. This rewritten and reedited version of Emma’s Journey includes new scenes and a more satisfying ending. I wish to thank Intaglio Publications for their faith in this story and me. I also wish to express my gratitude to all the readers of my stories on the Internet who have supported me and encouraged me to continue writing.
 
Story Synopsis:
 
Emma Sanders survives in a dark world of fear and shadows created by her mother. Circumstances thrown into her life's path keep her isolated, alone, and far removed from the trappings of modern society. She does what she has to do to endure life in spite of her perceived inadequacies and worthlessness.
 
When a shadowy figure emerges from the muddy depths of water near her boat dock, light begins to creep into Emma's lonely existence. Cay O'Neill's path twists and turns, bringing her to Jones' Lake and Emma Sanders.
 
Slowly, Emma allows Cay into her life, rejoicing in the new found emotion of friendship and other feelings that she can’t quite explain. But a common enemy threatens the fledgling relationship. Can they form a strong bond in a fight to stay alive? Will the light of a once-inconceivable world shine on her or will Emma find betrayal?
 

August 1st, 2007

Bringing Down the Barriers by Janine Hilltop [classic/alt/complete]
Barriers of the heart aren't the only troubles Gabrielle and Xena have to overcome by the next dark moon. 

Added part 8 of The Collector by Kim Pritekel

Announcement
from the Academy of Bards

Memorial Service for Michelle de la Rosa

The service will be held at 1300 hours (1  pm) Saturday August 4th at First Assembly Of God Church, Chandler Texas, 840 N Broad St (903) 849-6418 

Announcement from OZ:

First, I want to thanks all the readers who took the time to Feed The Bards.  Y'all told dozens of Bards how much you appreciated them sharing their talents with you and possibly kick-started a few muses along the way too. Y'all done good.

Our Fan of the Year (the bestest Bard stuffer of 2007) is KIM kimke2@gmail.com

CONGRATS TO KIM...Excellent Job!  <.applause.>

Second, I would like to thank all the folks who sent in their votes for the 2007 Hall of Fame inductions.  The HOF Bards/Stories are selected by you.  This year we were supposed to honor 5 Bards and 10 stories.  However, due to ties...we have 6 Bards and 9 stories.

The author's pages will be updated with the HOF statuette graphic (both for Bard and Story/Series winners). In addition, if the 6 new Bard inductees will contact me privately (PHIL728@aol.com), I would like to send you our HOF medallion.

The Class of 2007 BARDS:

Anne Azel
DS Bauden
Carrie Carr
D
JM Dragon
Jynaki
 
The Class of 2007 STORIES:

Extension 147 - Jynaki (top vote-getter)
1049 Club - Kim Pritekel
Harry/Desi Series - Ali Vali
Kara's Moon - Gerri Hill
Misplaced People - Devize
Most Cherished Dreams - D
Second Son - AK Naten
Skarz - Jynaki
Tomahawk'd - DS Bauden
 
Kim Pritekel and D become our first HOFers to have 3 stories each inducted.
WOW!
 
While y'all choose the HOF Bards and Stories, the Academy Staff chooses the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.  We reserve this award for folks we believe have tirelessly promoted the cause of X&G fan fiction, usually through their classic collective body of work.  This year, we honor not a Bard but someone who has had a huge impact on the Xenaverse none the less.  
 
Who doesn't recognize the words "I give it my highest recommendation" ?
Who doesn't understand the "Lunacy Factor"? <.g.>
 
The 2007 Academy Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Lunacy.  
 
She Siskel-ed, she Ebert-ed <.g.> and she constantly reminded folks to feed the Bards and to save stories.
 
<.APPLAUSE.>
 
Third, we also had the 17th Bard Challenge Criss-Crossover in July.  This was the first time that we had a challenge include characters from other fandoms.  I would like to thank all the participating Bards.  I hope you had fun and will be back to compete in our annual Solstice Challenge this coming winter.  Now...drum roll please...

Our WINNER of Best Story (as voted by you the readers) is story #2:  Disconnect by Sassette    pink_overalls@yahoo.com

Our Honorable Mention is story # 7:                                                       Star Light, Star Bright by Aurelia   aurelia_fan@yahoo.com.au

The WINNER of  Category two...Most pairings is #5:                           Once in a Lifetime by Akiela Xal    AkielaXal@yahoo.com
CONGRATS to all three.

Finally...I bet you thought I would never stop typing here <.bg.>...the WINNER of our PUNzle Contest is Claudia wormser58@yahoo.com

Y'know, everytime Evil J and I think we have out-eviled ourselves some folks come along and prove us wrong.  Our WINNER got almost every one of the pairings correct.  However, J and I will be back with another...you can count on it.  BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Big THANK YOUS to all who participated, all who voted, all who wrote, all who read, and all who fed.  Personally, I would also like to thank the Academy Munchkins who make this all work.  

I will be contacting all our winners, in the next day or so, to find out which gift certificates y'all would like and to arrange your other prizes as well.