Michelle's Raffle - Fabulous Prizes!
help Michelle's family with the medical bills - $1 & $5 chances

Halloween has been a really fun time historically at the Academy of Bards. We love getting some of our favorite writers to participate in a big treat for all the readers who support us (and them!). This year has been bittersweet with the loss of one of the major players in our invitationals, Michelle de la Rosa.
As you guys know, she lost her brief battle with cancer earlier this summer. We still miss her terribly. Especially at a time like this. If you look at our earlier Halloween specials, her graphics were all over the place. She and J Crater have done most of everything for the past few years graphic-wise. 
So, Michelle, we're still thinking of you and miss you.

And now a word from Oz -
You've always wanted to see your name in print, right?
Just not on a parking ticket, <.g.>
Well, you have just a little more time (until midnight 10/31) to get in on the raffle to name a character in a future novel by Nene Adams or SX Meagher.  You love their characters and their stories...now be a part of one. 
Tickets are $5 per chance and proceeds go to Michelle de la Rosa's family to help defray medical costs.  It's a great cause and a really unique raffle prize to win.  See  http://www.academyofbards.org/rafflelist.html  for info on buying the tickets.
C'mon take a chance and buy a ticket...be immortalized in print.
Those wanted posters at the Post Office don't count.  ;o)

And now, this year's Halloween Invitational offerings.
http://www.academyofbards.org/halloween/2007/

October 30th, 2007

Added part 12 and part 13 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

October 29th, 2007

Amazon by Jessie [alt/Über/unfinished]
When Queen Terrine took Roman prisoners, she didn't know she was getting more than she bargined for.

October 28th, 2007

Starlight, Starbright by Jessie [general/Über/unfinished]
Two worlds collide on accident but the results are long lasting.

Added part 11 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

October 27th, 2007

Announcement
-from Jo Fothergill

We are very pleased to announce the results of the 2006 LESBIAN FICTION READERS CHOICE BOOK COVER AWARDS.

Congratulations to the following:

Donna Pawlowski Tropical Storm by Melissa Good (2006)
Carolyn Norman All That Matters by Susan X Meagher (2006)
Valerie Hayken None So Blind by L J Maas (2004)
Sandy Knowles One Summer Night by Gerri Hill (2000)
Katherine Smith & Mickey Minner Sweetwater by Mickey Minner (2006)

Thanks to all who voted.

The LESBIAN FICTION READERS CHOICE AWARDS are not just about awards.
Activities are planned year-round to provide readers a voice. Regular features will include Reader Interviews and Rate That Book polls. The LFRCA is open to any reader of Lesbian Fiction and joining is easy.
For more information on the LFRCA or to join in the fun, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LesbianFictionReadersChoiceAwards/

Thank you.

Jo Fothergill
LFRCA Administrator

Believe in Spooks by Geonn Cannon [alt/original/complete
A slightly-early Halloween story for everyone, set after my novel "On the Air" (which should be released sometime in mid-November! Keep your eyes peeled!): Nadine Butler is working the night shift on Halloween. And it seems she's not alone in the station.

Added part 26, part 27 and part 28 (conclusion) of Possessing Morgan by Aurelia

October 26th, 2007

Added part 10 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

Added part 9 of Cage Undone by Roselle Graskey

Added part 5 of Living in the Past by Xeenamungrrr

October 25th, 2007

Welcome to the Academy, Artemis Callaghan with two short stories.

Hen Night [original/alt/complete]
The hen night: last bastion of the straight girl, so what on earth is a lesbian doing there? This is the question Kit asks herself as she waits for the bride to be and her sister.

The Cat and the Fence [original/alt/complete]
Martin has two new neighbours: Bob, a black and white cat, and Lucy, the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. He can’t believe his luck, but things are not as they first appear.

An Andante for Two by Lori A. Meyers [post-FIN/alt/complete]
Xena is pondering her decision to admit her feelings for Gabrielle after the events in FIN.

Added part 22, part 23, part 24 and part 25 of Possessing Morgan by Aurelia

Added part 9 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

October 23rd, 2007

Added part 8 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

October 22nd, 2007

Added part 7 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel s

Added part 7 of Extended Intentions by Jynaki

October 21st, 2007

Added part 1 of an untitled story by Mickey Minner [Uber/Alt/Incomplete]
Linda is tired of a life working long days and not much else. So she sets off to discover what she's been missing and happens upon the small town of Henry's. She is intrigued by the quiet charm of the place and of a certain cafe owner.

What will happen when these two women meet? At this point, no one knows...

I'm writing this story with the help of my discussion group. It's an original story but I have no idea where it is going because after each part I'm asking the members of my group to decide what comes next.

October 19th, 2007

Added parts 18, 19, 20, 21 of Possessing Morgan by Aurelia

Added part 6 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

Added If We Had Sex by Vilia Kinell [Uber/Alt/Complete]
In a time of modern technology and instant messaging, a woman with no social life calls out for a change. She finds it online. The banter, the excitement, the danger of internet viruses... A pop-up ad will change her life!

Added Part 1 of Ayer is Human by Phair [Uber/Alt/Incomplete]

Added Part 1 of Post Traumatic Treat by Phair [Uber/Alt/Incomplete]

Announcements

For those of you who don't know Amazon.com is sponsoring a "Breakthrough Novel Award".  Follows is part of their blurb about the contest:

Are you a writer longing to be discovered? Submit your manuscript for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. It’s the perfect opportunity to become the next great novelist: the winning author will receive a publishing contract from Penguin Group, including promotional support for their book on Amazon.com, and a media suite from Hewlett-Packard. All entrants are eligible to self-publish their novel with CreateSpace and sell it on Amazon.com. Enter your manuscript for consideration by November 5, 2007!

The link to the site where the rest of the information can be found is http://www.amazon.com/b?node=332264011 
 
For those bards at your sites who have already completed novel length stories but are not yet published, this could be a great opportunity.  Please post this message to let others know. 
 
Thanks,
Akiela Xal (aka Stephanie Novack Thalmann)

Hi, all.

The latest installment in the IFMHISF series and a new book of brand new short stories are available for purchase.

*Getaway* - Jamie and Ryan take Caitlin and Catherine to Disneyland for a short vacation.
Price $12.00 - 160 pages

*Girl Meets Girl* - Seven Scintillating Short Stories - Some are short and some are long, but I hope that all of the stories capture the first flush of attraction, desire and maybe even love.
Price $13.00 - 192 pages

The books will be available for shipping Saturday, October 20th.

As always - I will autograph and personalize each book as you instruct.

Just paste this link in your browser to go to the book ordering page.

www.briskpress.com/catalog.html

For International buyers - be sure to select the special shipping option for *Girl Meets Girl* and *Getaway*.

Happy Reading!

Susan

October 15th, 2007

Added part 3 of Birdie's Song - The Invasion by Onesockbard

October 14th, 2007

Added part 17 of Possessing Morgan by Aurelia

October 13th, 2007

Announcement
-from Intaglio

BookNews from "Intaglio Publications"

Intaglio Publications is proud to announce the publication of Lynn Ames's fifth novel Heartsong.

Lynn Ames, author of the best-selling, critically acclaimed novels The Price of Fame‹ short-listed for a 2005 Goldie as best lesbian romance‹The Cost of Commitment, The Value of Valor, and The Flip Side of Desire is back with Heartsong, a breathtaking new romance.

The Value of Valor has just received the prestigious Arizona Book Award for Best Gay/Lesbian book as awarded by the Arizona Book Publishing Association.

Heartsong‹Scheduled for release October 15th 2007

After three years spent mourning the death of her partner in a tragic climbing accident, Danica Warren has re-emerged in the public eye. With a best-selling memoir, a blockbuster movie about her heroic efforts to save three other climbers, and a successful career on the motivational speaking circuit, Danica has convinced herself that her life can be full without love.

When Chase Crosley walks into Danica¹s field of vision everything changes. Danica is suddenly faced with questions she¹s never pondered.

Is there really one love that transcends all concepts of space and time? One great love that joins two hearts so that they beat as one? One moment of recognition when twin flames join and burn together?

Will Danica and Chase be able to overcome the barriers standing between them and find forever? And can that love be sustained, even in the face of cruel circumstances and fate?

What the critics have said about Lynn Ames¹s writing:

"Gripping"
"Compulsively readable"
"Insightful"
"Engaging"
"Be prepared to stay up all night reading!"

Heartsong will be available in bookstores worldwide and on the web at http://www.scp-inc.biz/ .

Added part 2 of Tales of the Airaito: In the Crimson Tide by N.D. Matsunga and AJ Akechi

October 12th, 2007

Remember, buying raffle tickets is as easy as going to paypal.com! Visit our raffle page to see a list of items you can win and more details how to buy tickets. http://www.academyofbards.org/rafflelist.html

Stories

Endless by IseQween [classic/alt/complete]

October 11th, 2007

Just a reminder folks...
We have some really cool stuff in the $1 raffle.   Your favorite Bards have been more than generous.  We have a books signed by KG MacGregor, Carrie Carr, CL Hart, Linda Crist, Mickey Minner, Gerri Hill, D Jordan Redhawk and Nene Adams.  Speaking of which, we have not one but two copies of Sunne In Gold.  This book is rare and out of print.  AND we have a signed copy (it could possibly be a one and only) available.  How cool is that?  

We also have several celebrity signed items and a few Lucia items in the $1 raffle.  

AND in the $5 raffle, SX Meagher and Nene Adams are each offering a winner a chance to name a character in one of their future novels.  I won't ask you how cool that is, cause I KNOW it's cool.  <.g.>

Take a minute to get a few tickets...take a chance and help a tremendous cause.

Stories

Maryland State Trooper #1153 - The Test Trial Über by Red Hope [Xena & Voyager über/Alt/Incomplete]
Ashley K. Carver, Maryland State Trooper #1153, is driving home one evening from her girlfriend's house when she comes upon a suspicious car. She tails the car to a cornfield and discovers a young woman, Katia, is about to be harmed. Ashley quickly acts and in the process finds herself in a new friendship that she never expected. This is the story about Ashley and Katia, who find that their opposite lives binds them closer than blood ever could.

Added part 16 of Possessing Morgan by Aurelia

Announcement
-from Brenda Barton

My name is Brenda Barton and after many, many years, I'm organizing another yet bards event. This time around it's the Bards' Banquet and it will take place on the closing evening of the 2008 Xena Convention in Burbank CA. The bards that have been around since at least 1999 may remember the Bards Brunches that took place during the Pasadena conventions in 2000 and 2001.

Since time and spam filters aren't on my side this time around, I'm issuing an open invitation to all the bards on various lists before I announce the event to the general public. The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 27th in one of the Marriott hotel's ballrooms and we have the room until midnight. Dinner will consist of an Italian Buffet and we have tentative plans for a fun and frivolous awards ceremony. Other activities are on the drawing board. It'll cost $55 to attend and this cost covers all expenses.

Many Bards have pretty firm plans to attend, while others are hedging their bets. I hope that many of you will consider joining us because, while there are many events exclusively for the Bards, published and otherwise, there aren't many, if any, for you to mingle and meet with your fans. This is such an event. AND as a fan, I know that I love meeting and talking with all of you. If you're at all interested, here are some pertinent email addy's bbarton@insight.rr.com brenda@bardsbrunch.com and we've got a group bardsbanquet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and very, very soon http://www.bardsbrunch.com .

Please be aware that the Bards Banquet group is open to Bards and fans alike. I hope to hear from many of you. If this event lives up to its
predecessors, it'll be a lot of fun.

October 9th, 2007

Added part 6 of Unconquerable Hearts by Gabrixena

Announcement
-from Oz and the Academy

As you all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This a cause near and dear to the Academy.  So the Royal Academy of Bards would like to ask all it's readers to please click on the link on the "what's new" page for the Breast cancer site and help provide free mammograms to everyone who needs one.  We also would like to announce a raffle to help raise money for the family of Michelle DeLaRosa.  We would like to help defray some of the costs of the medical bills.
 
If you will go here:  http://www.academyofbards.org/rafflelist.html
you will find a listing of the prizes which will be randomly lotted into 25 mystery boxes.  Tickets for this main raffle will be $1 each.  We have some very rare and unique items in the mix.  We also have a killer inventory of signed novels (many out-of-print).
 
The RAOB would like to thank all those who donated items for the raffle...
Y'ALL ROCK!
 
In addition, we have a special second raffle.  SX Meagher and Nene Adams are both offering to name a character in their next book for the lucky winners of these drawings. The tickets for this raffle will be $5 each.
 
Tickets for both raffles may be purchased via Paypal  (PHIL728@aol.com) please clearly specify in the transaction:
1) that it is for Michelle's Raffle
2) exactly how many tickets of each kind you would like to purchase
3) your email address
 
I will acknowledge via email (within 48 hours) receipt of your payment/purchase and will email you your raffle ticket numbers.
 
If you wish to pay via personal check...they can be sent to me at:
Phyllis Schudde
1514 Valparaiso Blvd
Niceville, Florida  32578
 
IMPORTANT: please write 'Michelle's Raffle' on the outside of the envelope.
 
Please also include a piece of paper, in with the check, with the following information on it:
1) that it is for Michelle's Raffle
2) exactly how many tickets of each kind you would like to purchase
3) your email address
 
Again, I will acknowledge via email receipt of your payment/purchase and will email you your raffle ticket numbers.  
 
Check must be received by October 31st.  Any envelopes containing checks received after that date will be returned to the sender.
 
Drawings will be held on November 1st.
 
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE...c'mon out and take a chance or twelve. <.g.>
It's all for a terrific cause.  
 
We Miss you Michelle
-The Academy
 
Also, please note the Academy Marketplace  http://www.cafepress.com/RAOB
has a special shop set up with Academy Angel merchandise, but more importantly, all profit on purchases made to any of the Academy shops will also be donated to Michelle's family.
 

October 8th, 2007

Added part 5 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

Added chapter 5 of Night Blooming by Maderlin Bidmead

October 7th, 2007

Chakram and Scroll by Cheza Yumi Usagi [postFIN/alt/complete]
Heading to Amphipolis to bury Xena's ashes, Gabrielle meets up with Aphrodite and Virgil. Together they head out for Egypt. What will await them in the Land of the Pharaohs?

Added part 11 and part 12 (conclusion) of Path of Thorns by Annemaart

October 6th, 2007

Announcement
-from Sandra Barret & J. Y. Morgan

Author Signing - Friday Oct 12, 2:30pm at Now Voyager -357 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA.

Come join Sandra Barret and J.Y. Morgan at Provincetown' s premiere GLBT bookstore during Women's week.

Sandra Barret will be signing copies of her romance novel, Lavender Secrets, as well as early release copies of her new SF novel, Face of the Enemy.

J.Y. Morgan will be signing copies of her new romance, Download, as well as Learning to Trust.

Hope to see you there!
Sandra Barret & J Y Morgan

Author of Learning to Trust
Regal Crest Publication
Available now from Amazon or SCP

Added part 5 and part 6 of The Renegade Lady Sheriff by bsoiree

October 5th, 2007

Added part 4 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

Announcement
-from PD Publishing

Barb and I are very pleased to announce these new titles have been signed:

Ancestral Magic by Moondancer Drake to be available Fall 2008. Ancestral Magic, a paranormal lesbian romance, includes life experiences of both Sky and Meg. However, the acknowledgement of the varying powers or abilities each of us possess that make us unique, yet part of a larger family, makes this is much more than just the story of Sky and Meg...

Gemini by Geonn Cannon to be available Fall 2008. Molly was a successful head chef - her life was all she had ever wanted, or was it? When she heard that her estranged twin sister had been killed in an automobile accident, Molly needed to deal with her past as well as her present...

World on Fire by Geonn Cannon to be available Spring 2009. Firefighter Alex Crawford and Dr. Rachel Tom meet when Alex is injured in a fire. But what they would soon find out was an arsonist was out there who also wanted to kill firefighters...

Deadly Challenge, 2nd edition by Trish Kocialski to be available Winter 2008. The third in the Katie and Dean series concludes the theme building throughout the previous two stories. Friends being threatened and Dean's relationship with her estranged father are only two of the many issues Kate and Dean have to face in this suspenseful episode...

The Visitors, 2nd edition by Trish Kocialski to be available Summer 2008. The fourth in the Katie and Dean series finds the women joining forces with two unexpected allies as they face the sudden, and mysterious, death and destruction surrounding them...

Five new PD titles!  PD is very proud of the quality of authors, quality of writing, and the varied themes we can offer to our readers.   Come visit www.pdpublishing.com to get more information regarding these new titles, these new authors, or to just search the other titles in our catalogue.  I'm sure you'll find something to your liking, no matter your preferences in reading matter.  Thanks, again, for your support of all our authors.
~ Linda

October 4th, 2007

Added part 3 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

October 3rd, 2007

Added part 15 of Possessing Morgan by Aurelia

October 2nd, 2007

This Can't Be Happening by Janine Hilltop [original/alt/complete]
Two minds try to live and love through tragedy and hearbreak.

Added part 2 of Awaken by Kim Pritekel

October 1st , 2007

At the Edge of the World by Geonn Cannon [alt/original/complete
Squire's Isle, 1964. Shannon Linn is the last keeper of the Squire's Lighthouse. It's a lonely life, and her only contact with the outside world is Dylan Swan, the delivery girl from the local supermarket. When Dylan is stranded at the lighthouse during a rainstorm, very few things seem impossible.

Awaken by Kim Pritekel [alt/original/unfinished]
Braxton Crowley lingers between life and death after a tragic car accident.  Can she be guided back to the light?

Going Home by Kim Pritekel [classic X&G/alt/complete]
Gabrielle has married Perdicus, and they've lived on his farm in Potedaia for two years.  Xena has refused to visit, her heart unable to take the happy, domestic picture.  Cyrene's one wish for her birthday is to have her 'two girls' under her roof, and leaves Xena with no choice but to break down and face her torment.

Added part 4 of The Renegade Lady Sheriff by bsoiree