January 30th, 2011
Message from Spyrel:
Whoa. Wow. I'm stunned. My thanks to the readers for voting "Snow" #1, to my fellow authors for setting the bar high, and especially to the Academy of Bards for throwing down a gauntlet (just 250 words?!) that even someone as busy as I could not pass up. I look forward to the next challenge.
--Spyrel
Betrayal by t.e. brehm [Original/Alt/Complete]
When Sylvia discovers her wife's infidelity it's only her best friend who can help her get over the betrayal.
January 29th, 2011
Added Part 8 (conclusion) of Desperate Measures by filfil [Original/Alt/Complete]
Mountain Memories Part 1 and Part 2 by Kennedy Northcutt [Original/Alt/Incomplete]
The story you've all been waiting for is finally here. Mountain Memories is the much-anticipated next installment in the Mac & Lacey series that began with Desert Dreams and continued with The Journal of Lacey Stephens.
The Holidays are in full swing for everyone. It is a time of joy and celebration. It is also a time to spend with loving family and friends. But for Mackenzie Papadopoulos, Christmas isn't turning out exactly as she hoped it would. After serving her country as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army and surviving a crash in Iraq, she has returned to her family home in Wyoming to start a new chapter in her life. She wants to share this new chapter with the woman she served her final tour with and who was one of the only survivors of the crash that claimed the lives of several members of Mac's crew. Unfortunately, things don't always turn out the way we hope they will.
The adventures of CWO4 Mackenzie Papadopoulos and Captain Lacey Stephens continue in this riveting tale of love and loss, trust and betrayal, as they chase their dreams for a brighter future and explore their Mountain Memories.
January 26th, 2011
Added Part 21 of January Thaw by CJ Wells [Uber/Alt/Incomplete]
(Part One can be found at our hosted website Cousin Liz)
Added Part 2 of My Lord Conqeror: Taking Changes by Kennedy Northcutt [Conqueror/Alt/Incomplete]
January 24th, 2011
Reflection by Norsebard [Classic/Alt/Complete]
(Sequel to Reunion and Revenge )
Wanting to conduct the ultimate test of Xena's and Gabrielle's abilities in the art of war and survival, Ares puts them through four harrowing trials. In order to make it through unscathed, the two warriors will have to dig very deep and tap into their many skills - will the unique bond that exists between Xena and Gabrielle be strong enough to overcome the God of War's plans?
Added Part 3,Part 4 and
Part 5 of A Guardian's Salvation by Stein Willard [Original/Alt/Unfinished]
Book Four of the Guardian Series
My Friend Part 1 by Bard [Classic/Alt/Incomplete]
The second episode of first season is out, covering their first days together. It picks up in the morning following where Sins of the Past ended.
Xena and Gabrielle stage a daring jail rescue. There is barding while impaired and another Xena enters stage left. Plus eating virgins (not what you think).
January 23rd, 2011
Added Part 7 of Desperate Measures by filfil [Original/Alt/Incomplete]
January 21st, 2011
A new bard joins us today. Welcome Bard!
Sins of the Past by Bard [Classic/Alt/Complete]
I am rewriting the series from the beginning. In tone and style, plus cannon it is close to the original but fixes important stuff. Fifteen episodes followed by a summer break and then the other half starting in Aug. 30 episodes every year until the tale is told.
All stories have a beginning. Xena has to face the past and decide on the future. Gabrielle runs away from home and makes a stand. For in the fire of challenge we are born.
Freshman 101 by Heidi Dum [Original/Alt/Complete]
This story is about the journey of three freshmen in college during their first year away from home as they explore and identify their sexual selves.
January 20th, 2011
Announcement From The Academy of Bards:
Well, another challenge has come and gone. AND what a challenge it was too. I asked the Bards after the last challenge what kind of contest they preferred. The majority said a return to classic X&G. So we did just that. What we got were 8 outstanding entries in our Traditions/BIG category. How do I know they were outstanding? EVERY entry received a ton of votes and voting was as close as you can get. How close? We had a tie for first and separating those two from the next highest was ONE vote. Yep. That's close.
But it wasn't just the BIG stories that impressed folks either. In our multi-fandom/original SMALL category we received 19 entries. Those 19 entries generated a great many votes. Guess what? That category also ended up in a tie.
<.shaking head.>
UNREAL.
Before I announce the winners, I would be remiss if I didn't credit everyone who makes these challenges work. BIG THANK YOU to all the BARDS. Without you we have no challenges. We have a solid core of regulars (that I truly depend on) and it's always great to see new ones take up the challenge. Past history (and this year too) has shown they have much success in their first endeavors. THANK YOU to all the readers. The Bards put their work out there for your reading enjoyment. Please reward their efforts by feeding each and every Bard whose stories you read during this challenge. You read, you feed and I'll pretty much guarantee you continue to get these wonderful stories. THANK YOU to our non-competing Bards:
to my friend D--YOU ROCK. I ask and you always deliver. If only my pizza delivery was so consistent. <.g.> To CaseyROCKS---umm, you already think you rock, so I'm not saying a word. LOL AND LASTLY...to the Academy Munchkins and the one and only EVIL J...y'all pull this all together and make it look easy. You guys are da bestest!
Now for the winners:
In the BIG/TRADITIONS category, as I said, we have a tie for Best Story between a BC newbie and a BC veteran:
# 2 I Saw Xena Kissing Senticles by Ann McMan
and
#7 All She Wants For Solstice by Del Robertson
In the SMALL/PROMPT category, we also had a tie (and it was awesome to see two different fandoms win):
#3 "Snow" by Spyrel
and
#15 "Sleigh" by Wildcat Winnie
Special Honorable Mention/Prolific Bard Award goes to The Bard of New Mexico. She wrote the max amount (11) of entries for this Challenge...AWESOME!
Before I forget, not that they will let me, I have to announce the winner of the PUNzle Contest. Much to my annoyance <.beg.>
Team FLY BIG D beat out the competition...AGAIN. Yes, April, Chris, Dawn and Lynn got every toy 100% correct and also deciphered the hidden message/request (Send Us A Pix Of A Xmas Treat). Folks...my friendly <.ahem.> competition (that began with the BardCon Contests) with Team FLY BIG D is what keeps EVIL J and I striving for more diabolical puzzles each Challenge. Yep...they are to blame.
Okay...I will be contacting the Winners and getting shipping info for their prizes in the next few days. But in the meantime, please give them the best prize of all...FEED THE BARDS!
See y'all this summer for BC#25. January 19th, 2011
Announcement From
Antonia Matheson
:
I must apologise profusely for
starting an epic novel at the academy that has gone on forever and
recently (the last year) has been so slow in progress. The reasoning
is legitimate however - I have been working on my first publication
with the Sapphic Planet writer's group, in conjunction with Torquere
Press. This is good for two reasons: One, I've learned a lot. Two
I've done a lot. Wait, there's four reasons. Three, I have built a
lovely website (www.fia.me.uk) and four, I now have time to continue
with Grappling the girl next door. Huzzah.
My first release 'Age of Aquarius' is available from today at
www.torquerepress.com. It is written under my real name, to avoid
confusion with my free online reads. It's not a secret ;) There's a
mailing list on my website, and places for comments and all sorts.
I'm not big on publicity, so I shan't be bugging people with constant
natterings about nothing anyone cares about, but I have the usual
facebook and twatter accounts.
I endeavour to continue the Kirstin and Meg journey this year. Promise.
Over and out.
Announcement From Bedazzled Ink:
Just a quick reminder to everyone attending this year's Xena Convention, January
28th-30th, in Los Angeles. ( http://creationent.com/cal/xebur.htm)
This year we'll be selling more books than ever at our booth . . . Bold Stroke
Books--including their brand new January and February releases, Bella
Books, and books by several other authors. As always, we'll have authors
around to sign books and to chat.
So raid the ATM or grab the checkbook and come visit the Bedazzled Book
Peddler in the Vendor's Room. Let's make this the best year ever! Claudia
~~~~~~~~~
Our latest books . . .
From Mindancer Press . . .
A Matter of Blood
Far Seek Chronicles, Book 2
Andi Marquette
Outlaw Torri Rendego can't shake her past, which most often involves Kai
Tinsdale, her former Academy bunkmate and now commander in the hated
Coalition forces. She's convinced the Coalition is up to no good on Kai's
family holdings and decides to investigate. Problem is, the Coalition is
definitely up to something, and Torri and the crew of the Far Seek have to
pursue an outrageous plan to gather information and pass it along to Kai
somehow. But even the best-laid plans can go dangerously awry, especially
where Kai's concerned. Risking herself, her crew, and a tenuous tie to a
shared history, Torri goes deep into Coalition territory to uncover a
secret with far-reaching consequences for a distant and ancient culture.
The stakes of this venture may prove way too high, even for a gambler like
Torri.
Bedazzled Book Peddler:
http://bedazzledink.com/bbp/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=44
Bella Books:
http://www.bellabooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=9781934452578
ebook :
http://www.bellabooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=9781934452578e
Amazon :
http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Blood-Andi-Marquette/dp/1934452564
Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Blood-Seek-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B004HW6FBK
Barnes & Noble :
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/A-Matter-of-Blood/Andi-Marguette/e/9781934452561
Nook :
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/A-Matter-of-Blood/Andi-Marquette/e/9781934452578
For more information and to read an excerpt visit:
http://bedazzledink.com/books/mindancer-press/a-matter-of-blood/
Don't forget to check out Friends in High Places, Book 1 of the Far Seek
Chronicles.
http://bedazzledink.com/books/mindancer-press/friends-in-high-places/
~~~~~~~~~
From Dragonfeather Books:
Athena's Curse
Stacey Darlington
For ages 8 and up
Is it a curse or a gift of the gods?
Thirteen-year-old Asudem has a hard enough time having snakes instead of
hair but now her eyes have a burning new power that turns living things
into stone. She sets out across the most dangerous part of Lower Olympus
to learn how she got this infuriating ability. Her best friends, Drella
the Goddess of Chaos and Vanity and Pretal the Lion Goddess, join her as
she battles past the most terrifying monsters of Greek mythology on her
journey to find the answers. Can she discover where she fits in this world
of gods and goddesses?
Bedazzled Book Peddler:
http://bedazzledink.com/bbp/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=43
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Athenas-Curse-Stacey-Darlington/dp/1934452548
Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Athenas-Curse-ebook/dp/B004G09560
Nook:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Athenas-Curse/Stacey-Darlington/e/9781934452554
For more information and to read an excerpt visit:
http://dragonfeatherbooks.com/books/athenas-curse
Back to the Light: Journey to The Heart by AC [Poem/Original/Alt/Complete]
Simply put its a journey some have taken, some are still taking and for some may never end. It is written with the hope that someone may get something from it. That it may mean to another what it does to me
January 17th, 2011
Message From OZ:
The BC#24 is now over. I am counting up all the votes. We had some really close races going on right up until the deadline. It is going to be interesting to see how it all turned out. The Munchkins will be deactivating the email voting links and we'll be adding back all the contact info on the entries, so please bear with us. We'll announce the results, as well as the Punzle winner, soon.
HUGE thank you to all the Bards who participated in the BIG category. It was awesome seeing a return to classic X&G fic entries. Y'all asked and y'all delivered. Thank you to all who participated in the LITTLE category as well. It's hard to tell a great story in 250 words or less but y'all did it. Seeing how many votes were cast by readers, I'm not the only one who thought so. As always, I thank the Academy Munchkins for pulling everything together and my EVIL cohort J, for doing all the pretty banners and the hard work making the Punzles playable. Stay tuned.
January 16th, 2011
Announcement from Kim Pritekel
Hello all! I have done the unthinkable and have written a third story to the Christian and Grey stories, Dance With Me and Play It Again, Grey. It's called Encore Performance, and here's what reader Wendy had to say:
"After many years of begging for the return of 2 of my all time favorite characters "Grey and Christian", Kim wrote a spectacular update on their lives and love. Read it, you will enjoy the highly emotional ride."
I'm in the process of writing the fourth story, New Song.
Come check it out!!!!!
www.kimpritekel.com/ebooks Kim
Underdogs: Dog With Two Bones by Geonn Cannon [Original/Alt/Complete]
Third in my 'Underdogs' series. Ari begins a new relationship while trying to catch a thief at a storage warehouse.
Lost Episode of Jericho Part II by Ann McMan [Original/Alt/Complete]
I had been working on Jericho for the better part of a year when the characters staged a mini-revolt and decided to take matters into their own...er... hands. This was the original version of a chapter in Part II that ended up on the cutting room floor. It takes place after Syd's ill-fated dinner with her husband, Jeff. I think the departure from the published narrative will be pretty clear. J Hope you enjoy it. -A.M.
January 15th, 2011
Welcome to a new bard at the Academy, maggielassie!
Another Way by maggielassie [PostFIN/Alt/Complete]
Many moons after Xena died in Jappa, Gabrielle still feels sad. She also tries to carry on with her own life and to find a way to live as the new warrior princess. One day, she needs a vacation from her Amazon Queen activities and decides to go spend it in the temple of her close friend, Aphrodite. Gabrielle spends some peaceful and wonderful time with the Goddess of Love, until one afternoon when the bard has to fight some attackers in the woods as she was on her way to get food. Ares suddenly appears and offers to make a deal with Gabrielle regarding the destiny of Xena's soul. Will Gabrielle help bring Xena back into the world of the living if that means Ares might steal her soulmate away from her?
A Guardian's Salvation (Part 1 and Part 2) by Stein Willard [Original/Alt/Unfinished]
Book Four of the Guardian Series: A Guardian's Salvation
January 14th, 2011
Added Part 6 of Desperate Measures by filfil [Original/Alt/Incomplete]
January 12th, 2011
Message From OZ:
Well, we are getting ready to wrap up the Solstice Challenge. Deadline for casting your votes for the best 'BIG' and best 'SMALL' stories will be Saturday 1/15. If you haven't voted yet, please do so. We some some very tight races going on. Thank you again to the wonderful Bards who participated, the incredible readers who have taken the time to read/vote and the awesome Academy Munchkins. Stay tuned folks.
January 11th, 2011
Announcements from Bedazzled Ink
Trick or Treat Issue of Khimairal Ink is up!
Sorry for the delay. Blame it on the e-book explosion. Check out the great stories by Elaine Burnes, Corie Ralston, Nicole Zanier and Meslissa Ann Chadburn. They can be found at: http://bedazzledink.com/khimairal-ink-magazine/current-issue/ We are currently seeking someone who has always wanted to a magazine editor and loves to met deadlines. More information can be found in this issue of khimairal Ink. Enjoy! Claudia
P.S. There is still time for authors attending the Xena Con convention this year to have their books for sale at the Bedazzled Book Peddler. Contact bookpeddler@bedazzledink.com
January 10th, 2011
Announcement from Bedazzled Ink
Bedazzled Book Peddler needs to find any author whose publisher is distributed by Bella Distribution that is going to be at the Xena Con. If you
are going to be there, we can have your books on hand to sell and for them to autographed. But we need to know ASAP so they can be shipped in time. Contact Carrie at bookpeddler@bedazzledink.com Thanks!
January 8th, 2011
Announcement from Bedazzled Ink
Salmoneus we're not, but we do guarantee great books for sale.
Every year we become the Bedazzled Book Peddler and sell books at the
annual Xena Convention ( http://creationent.com/cal/xebur.htm ). This
year the Convention is January 28-30 in Los Angeles. Convention attendees
have told us, we're the first booth they come to when they arrive and
that they save money just to buy books from us. It's no secret that
readers like to thumb through books before they buy, and are more likely
to buy a book when they see it in person.
We still have room for books this year. So if you're an author with
published books and would like us to sell your books at this unique
venue filled with serious book buyers, just send an email to Carrie,bookpeddler@bedazzledink.com for more information.
Claudia
Added Part 20 of January Thaw by CJ Wells [Uber/Alt/Incomplete]
(Part One can be found at our hosted website Cousin Liz)
January 7th, 2011
Added Part 10 - The Conclusion of Jericho by Ann McMan [Original/Alt/Complete]
Librarian Syd Murphy flees the carnage of a failed marriage by accepting an 18-month position in Jericho - a small town located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Intending to hide out and heal her wounds, she soon becomes drawn into the daily lives of a quirky cast of local characters - and she becomes fast friends with Maddie Stevenson, the enigmatic local physician who has returned to the backcountry community to take over her late father's medical practice.
January 6th, 2011
A new bard joins us today. Welcome Alison Brooks!
For the First Time by Alison Brooks [Original/Short Story/Complete]
Melissa and Kendra are sitting in the same railcar on their commute every morning since about seven months. Not one word was spoken between the two of them. But that's gonna change today.
Journey to Recovery by Yorksbard [Classic/Alt/Complete]
Over the years there have been many questions asked regarding Xena and Gabrielle, such as ‘did they ever?', ‘if so when?', ‘what in Hades was that thing with Ulysses about?', ‘after all those things they said to each other while Xena was One Against an Army, what happened next?' and don't forget when Tara kicked Gabrielle's ass – ‘what was THAT all about?'.
Here, in this tale, there will be answers to some of these questions which you may, or may not, agree with. Whichever that may be, I hope you enjoy following our heroines' journey.
Added Part 5 of Desperate Measures by filfil [Original/Alt/Incomplete]
January 5th, 2011
Announcement from Bedazzled Ink
Attention, readers. This is your captain speaking. We're about to embark
on another exciting adventure with notorious space outlaw Torri Rendego
and the crew of the Far Seek. A Matter of Blood, Book 2 of the Far Seek
Chronicles by Andi Marquette has soared out of the clutches of the dreaded
Coalition and into your favorite ebook bookstores. The print edition will
be out as soon as it escapes the brig.
Outlaw Torri Rendego can't shake her past, which most often involves Kai
Tinsdale, her former Academy bunkmate and now commander in the hated
Coalition forces. She's convinced the Coalition is up to no good on Kai's
family holdings and decides to investigate. Problem is, the Coalition is
definitely up to something, and Torri and the crew of the Far Seek have to
pursue an outrageous plan to gather information and somehow pass it along to Kai.
But even the best-laid plans can go dangerously awry, especially where
Kai's concerned. Risking herself, her crew, and a tenuous tie to a shared
history, Torri goes deep into Coalition territory to uncover a secret with
far-reaching consequences for a distant and ancient culture. The stakes of
this venture may prove way too high, even for a gambler like Torri.
Visit
http://bedazzledink.com/books/mindancer-press/a-matter-of-blood/
for more information and to read an Excerpt.
You can buy the ebook at the Bedazzled Book Peddler - pdf, mobi, and epub
formats:
http://bedazzledink.com/bbp/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=44
Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Blood-Seek-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B004HW6FBK
Nook:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/A-Matter-of-Blood/Andi-Marquette/e/9781934452578
Rainbow Ebooks:
http://www.rainbowebooks.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3609
Watch for it soon at Bella Books and Moon Horse Books.
Added Part 6 - The Conclusion of Fair Trade by Phair [Original/Alt/Complete]
A historically inaccurate tale of the woman who saved the Celts so that they could survive long enough to save civilization.
Added Part 11 of Bless You by Lois Kay [Original/Alt/Incomplete]
In a quiet, rural town in New Hampshire, Pastor Sigrid Meyers finds a dead body in her church. It is the beginning of a maelstrom of events in which she will find new friends, discover enemies she didn't know she had and realize it takes a lot to stop a tenacious murderer.
January 3rd, 2011
The Extraordinary Adventures of Brice Johnson, Bus Driver: The Fourth Adventure by silverwriter01 [Original/Alt/Complete]
As graduation for the International High seniors nears, Brice is faced with betrayal and a supervillain.
Added Part 15 of Infamia by Vivian Darkbloom [Classic/Alt/Incomplete]
An AU story, based loosely on 'When Fates Collide.'
The Secret Life of Sleepers by Fishermensrib [Original/Alt/Complete]
Paula Irving turns and spots Luc Hager amongst the restless mob of bodies straining against each other in the half-light and smiles when their eyes meet. 'A fallen angle,' Paula muses as she pauses to take a long, deep drag of hallucinogenic smoke into her weary lungs. 'One of my tribe, lost to paradise, but what of it. Paradise is all the poorer without us.'
January 2nd, 2011
The Beginning by Paully Adams [Classic/Alt/Complete]
After Xena is resurrected, the warrior and the bard travel through Eastern Europe. There they encounter strange creatures very similar to the Bacchai. This story tells the TRUE origins of vampires.
January 1st, 2010
The first new bard who joins us this year is Shanmacca. Welcome! :)
Maybe by Shanmacca [Original/Short Story/Complete]
How does one cope when they force themselves out of their comfort zone?
JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY: Part Two by Korkyra [Classic/Alt/Complete]
In the fourth and final instalment of the series (after “The Oil of Lanius”, “Long Shadows Cast” and “Journey of Discovery: Part One: Family Ties”), our favourite duo are adapting as life as a trio but scores will be settled and old enemies will return with devastating consequences.
Added Part 8 , Part 9 and Part 10 (The Conclusion) of A Guardian's Passion by Stein Willard [Original/Alt/Complete]
Third Book of the Guardian's Series
Added Part 4 of Desperate Measures by filfil [Original/Alt/Incomplete]
What happens when two totally different worlds (and lives) collide? Can one night of hot, steamy sex, lead to something more? Or will Gillian and Sylvana go their separate ways?
Added Part 9 of Jericho by Ann McMan [Original/Alt/Unfinished]
Librarian Syd Murphy flees the carnage of a failed marriage by accepting an 18-month position in Jericho - a small town located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Intending to hide out and heal her wounds, she soon becomes drawn into the daily lives of a quirky cast of local characters - and she becomes fast friends with Maddie Stevenson, the enigmatic local physician who has returned to the backcountry community to take over her late father's medical practice.
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