“What is the shortest word in the English language that contains the letters: abcdef?
Answer: feedback. Don't forget that feedback is one of the essential elements of good communication.”
July 31st, 200
Feedback is a pleasant thing. I get a lot of letters from unexpected people in unexpected places. ~ Brian Aldiss
Birdie's Song - The Road Trip II by Onesockbard [alt/classic/complete (series)]
Birdie, Rachelle, Xena, Gabrielle are on
their way to Athens for the yearly convention of the Royal Academy of
Bards
Added part 8 -14 (conclusion) of Island of Belleza by Cam Taylor
Added part 4 of Paradox of Love by JM Dragon and Erin O'Reilly
July 30th, 2008
I've had a lot of very positive feedback about those stories, and seem to have struck upon something that most people feel. I can also tap dance, and don't know many other authors who can. ~ Paul Kane
In the Light of Day by Cheyne [alt/über/complete]
When Riley Vaughn wakes up in a strange bed, it leads to awakenings of a
different kind.
July 29th, 2008
Another woman approached me while I was having lunch at the Russian Tea Room in New York and told me that the reason she had become a lawyer was because she had read Rage of Angels. To me, that kind of feedback has more meaning than any sales figures. ~
Sidney Sheldon
Island of Belleza: part 2 by Cam Taylor [über/alt/unfinished]
When their peaceful existence is disrupted by an attack, Dionis and her wife Queen Athena decide to retaliate and send their warriors of to war.
The Queen's daughter Arcadia is left behind as her true love is sent off to fight, left wondering if they'll ever see each other again and if she'll get the wedding she has wished for. As the war rages in a distant land, the Princess has to cope with problems of her own while trying not to worry too much about her departed love.
Will they be reunited and live happily ever after?
The Wish Fulfilling Jewel by Xena's Dialectic [Mel&Janice/alt/complete]
pwp, first time
Added parts 13 to 20 of Destiny's Choice by Karen Hockemeyer
July 28th, 2008
The orbs create feedback loops that can influence either personal of
employee behavior.
~ David Rose
Added part 5 of Ayer Is Human by Phair
July 27th, 2008
I get a lot of inspiration from the audience feedback to our live shows.
~ Donnie Iris
Announcement from Claudia
More fun summer reading! Alix & Valerie by Ingrid Diaz. Available from Star-Crossed, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Claudia
Alix Morris has spent the past seven years of her life nurturing an unrequited love for her soon-to-be-married best friend. The pain from this silent longing has settled within her like a faithful companion and she?s loathe to let it go. Two nights before the wedding, she agrees to an impromptu outing to a hip night club with a friend. There she meets wise-cracking Valerie Skye who unloosens some of those painful ties. But Valerie has some secrets of her own to overcome. Can Alix and Valerie untangle their pasts and hope the fate that brought them together isn?t fickle?
http://nuancebooks.wordpress.com/order-books/
296 pp., 6 x 9
$16.95, £9.95 paperback
978-1-934452-04-2
July 26th, 2008
That's sort of like asking a parent who their favorite child is. It's very
hard to determine. Sometimes I'll get feedback from somebody who liked this
part of the show. Others like another part of the show.
~
Lance Burton
Second Chances by Bobbie Halchishak [original/alt/complete]
Anila, a young and talented blacksmith of an easily forgettable backwater village is haunted by the death of her one and only student. Can she ever forgive herself for the role she played in her death? Or will she be forever haunted by it and her dark violent past?
July 25th, 2008
It is important to me that what Poe has to say gets across to people. I want to give people the feeling that I get from all this. I think that we are succeeding. The feedback is very warm. ~
John Astin
Added part 2 of Galaxy Dancers by JA Bard
Added part 4 through 6 of As the Winged Serpent Rises by Silvermoonlight
Announcement
- from Intaglio Publications
Intaglio Publications is proud to announce the release of
The Sea Captain and The Lady by Vada Foster
$16.95
Available now at www.bellabooks.com and
SCP http://www.scp-inc.biz/
The Caribbean in the latter part of the seventeenth
century, and into the eighteenth century,
is under pirate rule. To maintain his claim to the
islands, the King of England appoints Lord John
Hume as governor of the Bahamas. Hume, along
with his wife and daughter, Abigail, set sail.
Colleen Edwards, daughter of an English Privateer,
meets Abby while on an errand for her father.
An immediate bond forms between the two
women and the infrequency of their contact
leaves them both hungry for a more permanent
arrangement.
When Abby is captured and held for ransom by
the notorious pirate Jack Rackham,
Colleen and her father set out to rescue
her, but when Charles Edwards is wounded, Colleen
continues on the quest alone. If she can succeed
in freeing the woman she loves, will it be
possible for the two of them to create a life
together?
July 24th, 2008
I just sit at the drawing board most of the time. I am used to talking to people. I love going to conventions, getting feedback and talking to people. Some artists don't. Some artists sit at their drawing board because their personality actually dictates that. ~
David Lloyd
Added part 3 of Paradox of Love by JM Dragon and Erin O'Reilly
July 22nd, 2008
I'm getting positive feedback for my acting so we'll see if any other interesting parts come up. ~
Johnny Vegas
Announcement
-
from Blue Feather Books
It's the book you've been waiting for! Blue Feather Books is very pleased to announce the release of Mavis Applewater's new full-length novel, Tempus Fugit.
Buchanan High School senior Ellen Druette has a secure spot on the Varsity cheerleading squad, a first-string football player boyfriend, and a solid plan for her life.
Then the Swenson twins sweep into town in their matching Chevy Bel Air convertibles. Tall, blonde, and gorgeous, the twins are quickly accepted into the cheerleading squad, and Ellen's plan begins to unravel. Though Laurie Swenson makes the first move on her, it's Ginny who captures her heart.
But malicious forces are at work in the Swenson family, and Ginny, their scapegoat, is convicted of crimes she didn't commit and sent to prison. Determined to prove her lover's innocence, Ellen investigates the case even as she completes her pre-law studies and enters law school.
By the time Ginny is released from prison, she and Ellen have grown apart. They're still attracted to one another, but neither is confident of the other's feelings. Are they really in love, or are they just very good friends? Against the turbulent, psychedelic backdrop of the Sixties, Ellen and Ginny drift in and out of each other's lives as they strive for the courage to reveal their hearts.
Mavis will be at the GCLS convention in a couple of weeks, to sign copies! This is one book you won't want to miss.
July 21st, 2008
Negative feedback is better that none. I would rather have a man hate me
than overlook me. As long as he hates me I make a difference. ~
Hugh Prather
Who Are You, Gabrielle? by Word Warrior [classic/alt/complete]
This was written in response to a conversation about the nature of the character of Gabrielle.
In this discussion, it was postulated that perhaps the bard could be seen in
a different light than most fanfic portrays her. I thought it was a fascinating
theory and simply had to see what would happen if this particular mirror was
held up before her. The following is the result.
Who Are You, Xena? by Word Warrior [classic/alt/complete]
Not willing
to leave any challenge unmet, I've taken up the gauntlet suggested by some readers.
This is the result. Is it any good? I dunno, but it's a darn fun exercise to
try to see things in a different way than I'm used to. Oh, and I tried to follow
the lines of some of the complaints I've seen lately about Xena -- you'll recognize
'em when you see 'em. Once again, it's just me, playing games with character
and psychology, seeing what falls outta my head.
One Or Two Beds by Word Warrior [classic/alt/complete]
A scene from 'In Sickness and in Hell'...
July 20th, 2008
In the theatre, the actor is given immediate feedback. ~
Charles Keating
PD Announcements:
Barb and I have several things to share with you:
First, the following titles are now available for purchase at your favorite bookseller!
Web by J.P. Mercer - Web is a wonderful story full of twists and turns, like Peg Mercer is so well-known for in her writing. Another thrilling lesbian adventure that you should not miss!
Maloney's Law by Anne Brooke - A gay, British, Private Investigator story, Maloney's Law is a wonderful look at life, choices, and reasons behind those choices.
Next, we have signed FOUR new titles.
XOXO Hayden by Chris Corkum, a gay romance, is to be published in Fall 2009.
Nigredo by Alex Mykals, the long awaited sequel to Adeptus Major is to be published in Fall 2009.
Hidden Faults by Ann Somerville, a gay fantasy, is to be published in Fall 2009.
Consequences by Ann Somerville, the exciting sequel to her gay scifi/fantasy, Remastering Jerna, is to be published in Spring 2010.
Barb and I are so proud of these books in print as well as the titles that have been signed for future publication. Thanks so much for supporting our authors. Please check out any of these titles as well as our other books at our homepage. www.pdpublishing.com. ~ Linda
K.I.S.S. by Vilia Kinell [original/alt/complete]
In the last installment of the If We Had Sex-series, Sage has taken it upon herself to find her online flirt and tell her a piece of her mind. When she shows up, Avery is so surprised by the visit she shuts her out. Literally, but ineffectively...
July 19th, 2008 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FEMSLASH
I think then, when we started receiving the first of the user feedback,
feedback from people that I had not specifically told about it, but had
spread from friend to friend and then they were giving us feedback. ~
Shawn Fanning
We have two stories written specially for today...
Ordinary Town by Geonn [orginal/alt/complete]
The world can be a huge, unfriendly place. Except on Squire's Isle.
Half Life by Shadowriter [orginal/alt/complete]
A holiday weekend becomes much more than a four day break for eight friends when secrets past and present are revealed. Their annual camping trip includes fishing trips, fist fights, lovers' spats, and a true ghost story that leaves everyone questioning what they know to be real.
...and two more...
Athens by Mayt [Conqueror/alt/complete]
Following the events of THE MEDALLION, against Xena's wishes, Gabrielle travels to Athens on a diplomatic mission. Gabrielle is soon faced with her most profound decision as Queen. As a consequences of her choice she suffers a series of sorrows. In turn, the events of Athens force Xena to defend her honor in the face of an intimate accuser.
Jungle Reign by Word Warrior [classic/alt/complete]
July 18th, 2008
I'm vulnerable to criticism. Any artist is, because you work alone in your studio and, until recently, critics were the only way you'd get any
feedback. ~
Howard Hodgkin
Call for material from Lee Lynch
The Butch Cook Book has been met with such enthusiasm, we're doing a
sequel!
The new book will include submissions from all self-identified
lesbians: singles, couples, mothers; grandmothers, teenagers, et al.
Please pass this on to your lesbian friends!
Please go to
http://www.butchcookbook.com/new.htm for guidelines.
We're looking forward to seeing your recipes and enjoying them.
Lee Lynch
July 17th, 2008
But I always communicate with the audience. I never pretend like I'm just in my bedroom making a track. The whole point of doing a gig is, like, a feedback thing between you and the audience. ~
Tom Jenkinson
Added part 2 of Paradox of Love by JM Dragon and Erin O'Reilly
July 16th, 2008
Other times, you're doing some piece of work and suddenly you get feedback that tells you that you have touched something that is very alive in the cosmos. ~
Leonard Nimoy
Drifter by D [alt/orignal/complete]
A different kind of western.
Announcement
-from the Academy of Bards
It has come to our attention that the Xenaverse has lost another one of its stars. We are sad to announce the passing of "Queenfor4". She won our Hall of Fame award in 2005 for her wonderful story, Snowbound as well as a Swollen Bud award for the same story. She recently commented on an email list that she had another story in mind and had hoped to start it by the end of the year. She leaves behind her partner of 37 years, Peggy. I received the following email from Netta asking for us to sign her guest book -
For those of you who wanted further information about Queenfor4. I
contacted her daughter and forwarded all of our condolences and I got the
name of the funeral home. It is the Adams-Green Funeral Home and the
website is: http://www.adamsgreen.com/view_visitation.php?id=508. Her real
name is Regina Ward and she and her partner had been together for 37 years.
There were only three people who have signed her online visitation book, I
think we can do better than that... Her daughter said to tell everybody
thank you and that these groups meant the world to her mom and that she had
some stories that Gina had written that she was getting together to post for
her. Netta
Regina Ann Ward, On July 13, 2008 at Sterling, Va. She is survived by
brother, Eugene Ward of Sterling, VA; sister-in-law, Sharon Ward of Fairfax,
Va.; Life Partner, Peggy Bardon of Sterling, Va. Sisters; Barbara,
Virginia, Joanie, Tacy, Denise and Bardon. Brothers; Tommy, Adam Colbert,
Paul Coates, Harold Scott and 53 nieces and nephews. Family will receive
friends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints Chantilly Ward,
2727 Centreville Rd., Chantilly, VA from 4-7 PM with a funeral service to
follow at 7PM.
Rest in peace, Gina.
July 15th, 2008
A lot of people recognize me or feel that they know me. A lot of times when I speak, they recognize my voice. It's fun, it's exciting. It's always good feedback. ~ Tina Yothers
Added part 5 (conclusion) of The Oil of Lanius by Korkyra
July 14th, 2008
I guess it is the sense of personal satisfaction that racing gives you that
I am probably going to miss, because in racing you get that feedback very
quickly. ~
Bobby Rahal
Added part 10 of Mickey Minner's Fortress at the Edge of the World
July 13th, 2008
Loving a baby is a circular business, a kind of feedback loop. The more you
give the more you get and the more you get the more you feel like giving. ~
Penelope Leach
Better Sorry Than Safe by Geonn [orginal/alt/complete]
Since pretty much every single bit of feedback I got for Everything for Time requested one... I present the sequel to "Everything for Time": Kira McManus finds herself suddenly in a relationship and must overcome her anxiety to move the relationship to the next level.
July 11th, 2008
There is nothing to compare with the instantaneous feedback a singer gets from the people sitting in front of him. That is where it all comes together - all the rehearsing and working to get everything just exactly right. ~
Andy Gibb
Paradox of Love by Erin O'Reilly and JM Dragon [über/alt/unfinished]
Parker Davis’s car limped its way into Portsmouth. It was just another city in a long line of places she’d traveled never to settle down. The major repairs and debt caused by her vehicle, forced her to stay in the city and find employment with the local police department. Olivia Santos lived for her work as a police officer, following a family tradition that she was proud of. The only thing that she would place above her police work was the love she had for her only living relative-her brother an undercover cop. When Parker and Olivia meet at a social function, there is an immediate attraction, which starts them on a road of passionate, unquenchable love. Their relationship binds them together in ways neither of them understand until a tragedy threatens the very fabric of their life together and their love. What happens will reflect on their future like an indelible stain forever.
Announcement
- from Blue Feather Books
Blue Feather Books is excited to announce the release of the action-packed sequel to Black's Magic: Addison Black and the Eye of Bastet.
Precious artefacts, deadly retribution, and a plot to hold the world at ransom: it's all in a day's work for British Special Agent Addison Black.
Black's back, and this time she's bringing along MI5's latest Special Ops recruit, Dr. Skyler Tidwell. This time, their assignment takes them from the ancient tombs of Egypt to the deepest jungles of Sierra Leone. Black's experience and Tidwell's genius must prevail in a race against time to thwart a dastardly plot to control the world.
So don't hesitate -- get your copy now, at www.bluefeatherbooks.com
July 9th, 2008
Everybody needs feedback, and it's a heck of a lot cheaper than paying a trainer. ~
Doug Lowenstein
Added part 4 of The Oil of Lanius by Korkyra
July 8th, 2008
Feedback is the breakfast of champions. ~
Ken Blanchard
Trying Fun by IseQween [alt/classic/finished]
Xena and Gabrielle deal with "growing pains" that surface in their relationship after THE PRICE and will later develop into the full-blown "rift" of season three.
Added part 20 (conclusion) of Nwyn by PsiDraconis
July 7th, 2008
If you don't get feedback from your performers and your audience, you're
going to be working in a vacuum. ~
Peter M. Davies
Added part 20 (conclusion) of Strength in Numbers by Jeanine Hoffman
Added part 9 of Mickey Minner's Fortress at the Edge of the World
July 5th, 2008
In comedy, though, it's good to get feedback from the audience about what
they find funny. ~
Bobby Farrelly
Announcement
Whooo hooo!! We've have another new book out. It's from our new sports imprint.
Claudia Wilde
www.bedazzledink.com
Bedazzled Ink is proud to announce a new imprint devoted to sports. The first book from Fletching Books ( http://www.bedazzledink.com/fletchingbooks) is "Running Through Roadblocks" by Jerry Del Priore.
Never give up! It's not just a rallying cry but the everyday philosophy for twenty heroic athletes. Jerry Del Priore chronicles the trials and tribulations of these warrior athletes who inspire through optimism in the face of life-changing adversity. These indomitable spirits have battled life?s greatest challenges to show the world that winning doesn?t always mean getting across the finish line first.
Running Through Roadblocks is the perfect inspirational gift for people overcoming their own roadblocks in the rocky road of life and for people who revel in the fighting spirit of others who refuse to give up and keep swinging at the curve balls life has thrown at them. Visit http://fletchingbooks.wordpress.com/4/running-through-roadblocks/ for more information.
Added parts 17-19 of Strength in Numbers by Jeanine Hoffman
July 4th, 2008
One of the great things about being recognized is that you receive this feedback from people. It is easy to see how sincere people are. It's nothing fake or jive. They're giving sincere appreciation. And it's not that easy to express. ~
John Astin
Added part 4 (conclusion) of the revised and re-edited version of Echoes of the Past J. M. Dragon & Erin O'Reilly
July 3rd, 2008
Sometimes you're not even sure which of your stories were failures. There are things I've written that I thought were complete catastrophes when I finished with them that have gone on to generate some of my most positive feedback.~
Len Wein
Added part 16 of Strength in Numbers by Jeanine Hoffman
July 2nd, 2008
If you don't get feedback from your performers and your audience, you're going to be working in a vacuum. ~
Peter M. Davies
Wild Things by Moondancer Drake [alt/original/complete]
Vicious bounty hunters and a jealous husband threaten to destroy the only real love two women have ever known. It is 1842…Cian McGregor travels from Scotland to the new world, desperate to escape the fate that awaits her if she’s caught by Marshall Kieve and his fellow bounty hunters. Cian’s journey carries her all the way into the wilds of Louisiana where she stumbles upon the last thing she expected, love. After years in an arranged and loveless marriage, Gwen is now pregnant and more unhappy than ever. She dreams of finding a secret lover among the nature spirits her Coushatta Indian mother often told her about, and escaping her provincial life. Shamed by these fantasies, Gwen keeps them locked away, secret from everyone, even her beloved sister Kitt until one day the mournful cry of a wounded Scottish wildcat pulls at Gwen's sympathies. When Cian reveals herself to be a handsome shape shifter, Gwen’s fantasy becomes real and brings consequences which threaten to alter everything both women have ever known.
Do You Remember? by Cam Taylor [alt/über/complete]
Told from a first person point of view, a woman reflects back on her life with her soul mate.
Added part 14 of Two-Part Harmony by Colleen
Added part 14 and part 15 of Strength in Numbers by Jeanine Hoffman
July 1st, 2008
It's July and you know what that means...it's MUNCHKIN MAYHEM MONTH.
AAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<.ahem.>
July is a very busy month at the Academy. <.sheepish grin.>
Firstly, it's Feed The Bards Month.
Annually, we ask that you rabid readers go on a feeding frenzy and stuff those Bardie mailboxes until they burst. Let the folks who continue to write and share their talents with you know how much you appreciate it. I know, I know...you're busy. But honestly, it only takes a second to click and send feedback. How else are they going to know that folks are reading? It's not like they can see you. <.g.> They are sharing their talent with you for FREE. Please let them know you appreciate their efforts.
We ask that when you send your emails to the individual Bards, you CC us atfeedthebards@yahoogroups.com. You must CC us or it does not count toward the contest. This is the only way we have of keeping track. The person who feeds the most Bards, in July, will get a personalized prize designed by the world famous Academy Artists and be named FAN OF THE YEAR.
How cool is that?
Secondly, July is also Hall of Fame month. We ask that you vote for your top 5 Bards and your top 5 stories or series. Please review the previous winners (from 2005-2007) here:
http://www.academyofbards.org/halloffame/
The only criteria is that the Bards and Stories nominated must be hosted at the Academy. The Bard must have at least one story (any story) posted at the Academy. The nominated Stories must be housed at the Academy. The exception to this is Missy Good. (She houses the Academy---argo, I mean ergo...her stuff is in a different room but the same building). Also, the stories and Bards do not have to pair up. That is to say, you can nominate five Bards and then five stories written by five other different bards. In addition, if the Bard is already in the Hall of Fame, you may continue to nominate other stories written by that Bard, if you deem them HOF worthy.
Which Bards tickle your fancy, drive you to dramatic distraction, or consistently keep you up all night reading their latest offerings? Which stories are so well written you go back to reread them again and again even though they are engraved in your memory forever? New favorites? Old favorites? Now is the time to honor them. We will take all your votes and tally them up.
The top 5 Bards and top 10 Stories will be our inductions for 2008. The Academy Munchkins will also honor a Bard with a Lifetime Achievement Award as well. But you won't find out who that is until the end of the month. Neener, neener, neener.
These Bards and Stories will receive a special banner on their pages indicating they are the your Hall Of Fame choices, as well as listing on the Hall Of Fame main page. In addition, the Academy will be sending each Bard a special personalized item to commemorate their induction. The voting period will run until July 27th. Then we will count up your selections and announce the new Hall Of Fame members. Please list your choices (5 Bards/5 Stories) in a single email and send it here: academy_contest@yahoogroups.com.
Thirdly, this month we are also asking all Bards to take part in the International Day of Femslash (July 19th). If you would like to show your support for femslash...we ask that you submit a story (drabble/short/long/epic-/fanfic/uber/original) for posting on that day. Just mark your submission that you want it posted on July 19th. Check out the main site here for more info about the event:
http://www.femslashday.com/wiki/Main_Page
The Academy of Bards Staff would like to once again express their deep appreciation to all the Bards who continue to share their talents and provide entertainment and, in some cases, enlightenment to readers everywhere.
Now...go read, go feed, go vote, go write. :o)
OZ
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