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What's New - June, 2002


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Friday June 28, 2002

Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

I have a treat for you folks! Hoping to make up for the lack of post I am here to announce a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a very popular story on audio tape!

Taylor Rickard and T. Novan have written a wonderful story called Words Heard in Silence they have had this epic story turned in to an audio set of 19 90 min tapes! I highly recommend this tale!

They have decided to share 50 numbered sets of these tapes with color covers for $100 and to make the deal even sweeter and a truly valuable collectable treat the authors Taylor and TN will also autograph the numbered certificate!

I personally jumped at the opportunity to get a set with our favorite bard Word Warrior doing the audio voices with period music. These are just wonderful!!! This is a keeper folks! These don't come around often and are not available for long.. so I strongly suggest you contact Taylor asap!

If you are interested please contact Taylor Rickard at the following email address for details! Taylor Rickard

Now for another treat TN and Taylor have graced us with a wonderful ramble .. so on with our talented and fun ramblers! :)

TR: Hi. I'm Taylor Rickard, who co-wrote Words Heard in Silence with the luminous T. Novan. Raven invited us to do this ramble to celebrate the fact that one of the Xenaverse's near legends, the infamous Wordee, has just finished putting WHIS onto audio tape - 19 of them, to be exact. So TN and I thought that a ramble done the same way we write together - as an IM exchange would be a good idea.

TN: Well, It's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick

TR: (taps fingers in mild exasperation) Well - this is better than our usual mode. Folks you gotta understand - she sits six feet away from me and makes wise cracks. Then tries REALLY hard to look cool and innocent at the same time. Doesn't work. So TN, tell them about your primarly theory of collaborative writing.

TN: Ah that would be the scre...oh I probably can't use that word. This is a PG rated rant. I like to back my writing partners in a corner and then see how they get out of it. Let's call it the...ummm...#&%@ You, method of writing.

TR: Its sort of interesting to be on the receiving end - she sits over there going tappity tappity, then hits send and says "There - see what you can do with THAT!" (Its usually augmented with an evil chuckle.) And although I'm the only one she writes with who gets to see her evil grin when she does it, I know she also does it to Advocate. I'm listening to them start up writing the sequel to Madam President.

TN: Heh

TR: By the way, she's doing it right now. That Heh was accompanied by her best little evil chuckle.

TN: That wasn't my best...I've been dubbing too many tapes tonight to give it too much effort.

TR: True - and we've been listening to the Master tapes. To use the language of WHIS, "My goodness, Miss TN, that Miss Wordee is an amazingly talented lady. She managed to catch Rebecca, Charlie, Elizabeth, Jocko, Richard and Em to a tee."

TN: Yeah, as always, she didn't disappoint but next time we see her, I owe her for the ham pun.

TR: Well, dear, we did say we were writing the dyke version of GWTW. So her "Frankly, my dear, I gave a ham." was just too appropriate. Personally I liked the one about GA Custer and Sitting Bull.

TN: For those of you who aren't familiar with our dear Wordee and her method of taping, she has a tendency to just let her mind go and it's always hard telling what kind of comments you'll get in the narrative.

TR: Fortunately, they have done nothing but add to the general quality of the tapes - although she's quite honest about preferring to read about the results of a gory battle than to read the really NC-17 scenes.

TN: This is true...somewhere I expected her just to say, "Aw hell you know what they did. I'm not reading this." [GBG]

TR: She did comment that the instructional aspects of some of the scenes in WHIS (for those of you who haven't read it yet, I won't give any more of that away) certainly added a, um, unique quality to that challenge.

TN: And the addition of Bobby Kennedy in the roll of Phil Sheridan was a lot of fun. As always...my personal favorite of Peter Lorre showed up as I expected. I only had to wait, but he showed up eventually.

TR: Callisto as Charlie's evil little voice of Charlotte was also a good call.

TN: LOL I thought it was Hera until Wordee said it was Callisto.

TR: Me too. But either way - bad girl works.

TN: This is true...and there is the obligatory...whispering of Gabrielle at the start of side B on tape nineteen.

TR: LOL. I'm listening to her voice for Richard - a masculine version of Frances McDormand in Fargo.

TN: That's who I thought Sheridan was, but then it became clear it was Bobby Kennedy. She's always great with her choice of voices, even if she doesn't think she is and tends to apologize for them.

TR: Of course, Dr. Walker, who was a composite of Elizabeth Blackwell and Mary Walker, continues the pattern, since Wordee used Jane Seymour's Dr. Quinn as her model.

TN: ROTFLOL....you are gonna catch hell for not telling her Dr. Walker was a southerner with a slight British accent, instead of English with a slight southern accent.

TR: Well, she moved to Charlottesville when she was 8 - and her parents were very brit - so much so that they went back to England before the war. I think the accent is just fine.

TN: Do you know how hard it is to write this and listen to her doing a seriously drunk Rebecca?

TR: Yup. Remember me? I'm the one six feet away from you, honey.

TN: Oh Lord...sigh...it's been an interesting 25+ hours of listening.

TR: Oh Lord, yes it has, oh Senior Bard.

TN: I'm going to be hearing a lot of it over the next few days.

TR: Well, dear, I think that depends on how many people want a set of these monsters!

TN: GROAN

TR: Its a great set of tapes - and its long enough to take on a cross country trip!

TN: Twice

TN: Or maybe cover a month of commuting.

TN: It's a beasty that's for certain. But it's still two tapes shy of being as long as Raising Melosa...I'm used to big sets of tapes.

TR: Ah, dear, you are always abundant in your story telling. That's why you're the Senior Bard, isn't it?

TN: No, I just don't know when to shut up. [Grin]

TR: (For those of you who don't know, I'm about 15 years older than our dear

TN - who celebrates her 35th birthday on the 2nd. So of course, she's the Senior Bard, and I'm the Junior Bard - the one who gets to deal with editing the beast for publication this fall with RAP.)

TN: And the one who get to process orders for anyone brave enough to want this on tape. You can reach Tay at...555-1212...call anytime of the night or day, she really doesn't mind, she on the phone all the time though so you may get a busy signal.[Grin]

TR: ("Brat," she hissed with a certain degree of amusement.) Its much easier to just email me. taylor.rickard@macsen.com. And no, TN and I did not meet because of the sign in the women's bathroom at the Phase I.

TN: That's her story and she's sticking to it.[grin]

TR: Nope. I remember exactly how I met you. A conference call with Fanatic - remember?

TN: There's just nothing I can say here that won't get me in trouble so I shall just simply say..."Good night."

TR: She just told me to say goodnight. All of a sudden, I feel like Gracie. Good night, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls and all the ships at sea.

Thank you gals for that fun treat.. now don't forget to order your set of tapes as soon as you can!
Now on with some more wonderful fiction!!! :) R

  • Family Connections Part 1
    by MJ and Cephalgia posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
    In the sequel to "Connecting Hearts", Randa and Denise cope with new problems in their lives as well as unexpected problems from out of the past
    This is another treat for you readers! I know for a fact that this story is completed and will be posted quickly .. This is another winner folks! Raven Highly Recommends!!!!

    • Code Blue Ch. 18 By KatLyn posted KatLyn's Fiction (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story.

    • Again Part 10 By Kim Pritekel posted Academy Of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Conclusion. Raven Highly Recommends

    • Fields Of Gray By Redcat posted The Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Complete story.

    • Nano #8 Illumination Parts 1-4 By Jules Mills posted The Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story. Terry highly recommends. Excellent writing and storyline.

    • Golden Gate Parts 8-12 By Erin Jennifer posted The Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Completed story. Link has been fixed.

    Tuesday June 25, 2002

    Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

    Worked Late and to tired to ramble so I guess I should just post and you all can read yourselves to sleep :)

    Enjoy! R

    • We Do What We Can By Girlbard posted Merwolf's Academy (Beyond Uber Alt)
      This is the sequel to the sequel of I Know This Bar. It would really help if you read that story, followed by Houdini's Box. This is the third (but not final) story in the series unfinished.

    • Justice Deferred By Alex P posted at LJ's site(Beyond Uber Alt)
      A tough con and gang member decides to help a young innocent inmate Complete.

    • Heatwave By Midgit posted Midgit's Small Corner of the Xenaverse(Beyond Uber Alt)
      Conclusion. Raven Recommends!

    • Crescent Wrench By Darkendkarma posted The Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Complete.

    • Golden Gate Completed By Erin Jennifer posted Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
      Continuing story. I have heard good things about this one and its on my to read list.. Raven!

      Announcement Cobb Island by Blayne Cooper (aka Advocate) is now available in paperback. The novel contains new scenes not found in the online version and a gorgeous new cover created by Calli. For those interested, here are the some bookseller links:
      • The Open Book this book is currently in stock (not just pre-order)

      Sunday June 23, 2002

      Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

      Hey There!

      Sorry about the posting delay but spent some time with family.. an important thing to do! But you know...the fiction just kept on coming so I am here to say you got a boat load of fiction to catch up on! ;)

      • Tie Break By Bonnie posted Merwolf's Academy (Beyond Uber Alt)
        Continuing story.

      • Cool Rider Part 3 By Wolfsword posted Wolfsword's Lair (Beyond Uber Alt)
        Continuing story.

      • Games Of Life By Ri posted ForevaXena (Beyond Uber Alt)
        Complete story.

      • Meka's Desire By Ri posted ForevaXena (Beyond Uber Alt)
        Complete story.

      • Summer Reign By HLKaia posted ForevaXena (Beyond Uber Alt)
        Complete story.

      • Mender Of Souls By Larisa posted The Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)
        Continuing story part 1.

      • Again By Kim Pritekel posted The Uber Abode (Beyond Uber Alt)
        Continuing story part 9. Raven Recommends

        Friday June 2, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        Thanks to those who contacted me about helping. I will be getting a schedule and info together this weekend. I hope to have a post for you all tomorrow evening but it may be quite late or you can look forward to a Saturday Morning post.. ;)
        Now on with some fiction!!!

        • Eternity In An Hour By Ri posted ForevaXena Site (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Latest in the "Time Flies Series".

        • Machine Dreams By Cath, Bard posted The Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Complete.

        • Cold - Parts 11-15 By Midgit posted The Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Conclusion. Raven Recommends!

        • Xena In Time Warp By Richard Kloosterboer posted The Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Complete.

        • Again Part 8 and 9 By Kim Pritekel posted Bard Academy (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story Raven Recommends!

        • Ancient Law By Larisa posted Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story.

        • Gear Heads By Larisa posted Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story.

        Thursday June 20, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        Good Evening to you all!

        If any of you out there are interested in helping out one - three days a week in pulling fiction for us please give me a hollar! I would like to thank those dedicated to assisting me with the site and are forever in your debt. Without your help postings would not be as often or as in depth! THANK YOU!!!

        Now on with the fiction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        • Rat's Bitch By Larisa posted The Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)

        • Champion - Parts 4 & 5 ( by Melissa Good posted Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Raven Highly Recommends A Xena/Gabrielle Tale

        • Machine Dreams by Cath, Bard posted Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Complete!

        • Cool Rider - Part Two by Wolfsword posted Wolf's Site (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Danni Jackson is back in mainstream school, after her period in Juvenile Prison. Follow her journey as the seventeen-year-old tries to fit back into society in an atmosphere filled with prejudice. Teenagers can be cruel but can Danni manage to put the past behind her and find her path to true love in the hostile environment?.

        Tuesday June 18, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        First thank all of you who sent me links to the stories we were looking for. On the Been there Done that type story I have had several recommendation but the one I was truly looking for is a treasure many of you may not know about and some may not enjoy but I enjoyed it so I am going to share it as well as the other tales suggested. Although these are Xena stories I am posting it this time as.. well you run your own site and guess what .. :) you make the rules ;)

        Soo here are those tales suggested:

        The Lucy/Renee - Xena/ Gabrielle story has been identified as:

        • Subtext By Ogami posted on Ogami's Xena & Gabrielle Stories (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Enjoy!!

        Several Been There Done That type stories:

        The Exact Story I was looking for is Waking Up and if any of you know the author Pendarn please ask them to email me as I know another site that wishes to post this story if they will allow such. :) THANKS!

        • Waking Up By Pendarn posted Web Archive (Beyond Uber Alt)

        • The Last Train Home By Blayne Cooper aka Advocate posted on Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Starting out in the slums of the Lower Eastside of Manhattan, The Last Train Home follows the adventures of Virginia Chisholm, a young factory worker, and Lindsay Killian a drifter who fills her days riding the rails, as they journey to reclaim Ginny's family. Thrown together by fate and tragedy, Lindsay and Ginny build a solid friendship strong enough to endure the trials of an impoverished existence in 1890's America and a quest from which neither one will back down. It's those same bonds that form the basis of a tender, and very unexpected, romance.
          Raven Recommends!! Another treat from a great bard!!!!!!!

        • Dear Booger By Zuke posted Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story.

        Monday June 17, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        Ok Ok.. I try to have a life sometimes :) But I did look for all the updates and have more excellent fiction for you to enjoy!

        Couple of notes: Cruise has a new website for her works and I encourage you to go and enjoy the fiction posted there!

        I also need some help finding a couple of stories:

        Can you help me find the name of a story that I want to read again. It's sort of uber/altxena and in the story Renee and Gabrielle switch places so that Renee is traveling in Greece with Xena and Gabrielle is getting used to the modern world with Lucy and her daughter at their house. Also Lucy hides Gabrielle's true identity from the show's producers and Renee's boyfriend.

        Also does anyone know of a Xena tale that is a more alt version of Been There Done That as Xena tries to win Gabrielles love?

        Any help in identifying these stories and letting me know where they can be found would be greatly appreciated!

        Thanks!

        Now on with more fiction!!

        • Again Part 8 By Kim Pritekel posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story Raven Recommends!!

        • Make a Wish By AH-Ladis posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          A terminally ill girl named Jenny is transported via her dreams to ancient Greece. It is here she finds a grieving Xena who blames herself for Gabrielle's death. Yet in Jenny's own timeline a grim nurse unwittingly becomes emotionally involved in the young woman's life. A three hanky story.
          Raven Recommends!

        • Inside Out Part 18 By L.A. Tucker posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story. Raven Highly Recommends!

        • Stolen Moments By Mavis Applewater posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          A follow up to Miss Larila's Lesson. Raven Recommends

        • A Women in Uniform By Mavis Applewater posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Raven Recommends

        • Meka's Desire By RI posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Meka was happy and successful but something was missing. Until she went on a mission were she had to step in between a Forman and Workman, looked into beautiful green eyes and felt things she didn't even know existed.

        • Crossed Bows pt 5 by Power Chakram on Wordscape (Beyond Uber Alt)
          An epic British historical action adventure called Crossed Bows - A Tale of Two Robins. Set in a time when men were bold and women were bolder, it's got all the swashbuckle, romance, adventure and green tights a body could ask for.

        • First Light pt 5 By Emily Duncan posted Wordscape (Beyond Uber Alt)
          First Light is set in the UK, and explores the characters of Nia and Jake, two women thrown together by their respective connections to the British Mafia. Follow their ups and downs, as they strive to build a relationship amidst the intrigue and danger that surrounds them

        Friday June 14, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        Hey Hey.. guess what?

        You get more fiction .. how much better can life get :) ... Enjoy!!

        • White Nights chap. 56 By Minerva posted UberAbode Site (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story. Raven Highly Recommends.. Let Minerva know how much you have enjoy this tale !!!!

        • A Stitch In Time By T. Novan posted The Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Complete.

        • Kenya By Anne Azel posted The Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Revised story. Raven Highly Recommends

        • Return To Nurrengaard By David J. Duncan posted Merwolf's Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          In this work, set some 8-10 years prior to the events in the Crystal Necklace, the wizard Lousain of the Dark Lands attacks Earth and kidnaps Angie, her best friend, and her boyfriend's niece. Now, Dave and Garth Singleton accompany the white wizard, Grimwilkin, back to the Dark Lands to stop the evil at work there. However, what's going on Dave and how will Angie be able to hold up under the stress? This story both answers questions to the current series and sets the scene for the next story, "The Harrowing Road Unwillingly Traveled", which wraps things up in the current story arc. . Complete.

        • Angel's Flight By Ellianora posted ForevaXena's Site (Beyond Uber Alt)
          First Chapter of a new continuing story.

        Thursday June 13, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        Gooood Evening!

        I have a treat for you this evening.. yep one of our favorite bards has graciously rambled for us! I highly recommend her writing and run do not walk to your local book store and purchase her newly published works...

        The Bluest Eyes in Texas by Linda Crist!.. So without further delay... here's Linda!

        I've never done this rambling thing, at least not officially, although I'm sure a few folks on my list would vouch for a lot of "unofficial" rambling. {grin} Here goes:

        When I first discovered Xena, the show, and its fan fiction, I had no intention of ever writing fan fic, and certainly no thoughts of writing an Uber or piece of original fiction. "The Ides of March" episode changed that -- that's what set things in motion, at any rate. I wrote about six or seven Xena/Gabrielle stories, but somewhere along the way, this story formed in my mind, and two new characters sort of edged their way into my head.

        Kennedy and Carson created themselves. I simply told their story, as they told it to me, and eventually, "The Bluest Eyes in Texas" was born. I think one misconception on the part of many people, especially the ones who know me personally, is that the story is autobiographical. It is not. Another misconception is that some folks think I'm Carson. That, I am definitely not. {grin}

        What I gave Carson, were certain pieces of my life and reality, because they say to write what you know. So, she's a paralegal, although her job is pretty different from mine. Her car and apartment are like mine, and some of her history is partly mine. Oh, and her cats are mine, but all the animals in the story are based on animals I have known in real life -- Spanky, Kennedy's cat, is also a cat that was mine. Her Border Collie too. I've certainly never had the kind of office conflict in my life that Carson had to deal with.

        One funny thing that happened a while back, is one of my out of state friends commented that she could really picture my nice plush downtown "office" now and was jealous. I laughed and told her I work in a cubicle in North Dallas, about ten miles away from where Carson works. Fictional office, fictional law firm, fictional characters.

        I gave Carson parts of my life, mostly because it was an easy way to fill out one of the characters. But the similarities stop in the past. She is a much nicer person than me. {grin} And she reacts to things very differently than I would. If I had discovered a hidden camera in my computer, or someone photographing me and threatening me, I would have immediately confronted TPTB in my office, and very well might have punched the photographer's lights out. Oh, wait. Kennedy did that, didn't she? {grin}

        The legal mystery part of the story is not based on anything that has ever happened to me. Many of the ideas came to me while sitting in a rather boring legal seminar. Some of the topics covered included insurance fraud and racketeering, and I thought "hmmmmm?" The seminar got a lot more interesting after that, and I started taking lots of notes. The story is a legal mystery, but it's a romance, first and foremost. I'm a huge hurt/comfort mushball, and my writing is driven by the characters' emotions.

        The readers have been great. I've really enjoyed meeting many of them in person, and chatting with some of them on my list. I'm constantly pinching myself over the good fortune I've had in the Xenaverse, and the really great people I've met as a result. The readers are responsible for any success I've had with writing, and I'm grateful both for their support and their loyalty. That's the main thing I walk away from Xena with -- the friends I've made. That's the best bit.

        Thanks for the opportunity to ramble. {grin}

        Linda Crist

        "The Bluest Eyes in Texas" can be purchased at The Open Book or Fortitude Press, Inc.
        Linda's Web Page or E-mail Linda
        Her lists are here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Texbard (Updates plus reader chat) or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TexbardUpdates (Updates only/no chat)

        • Under the Kenyan Sky: A Romance By Portia Richardson posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Two PBS personalities are thrown together to work on a project in Kenya. Kate, a no-nonsense animal activist and conservationist meets Serena, a warm and sensitive professional chef. Can these two women find common ground on the Park Reserve? NC-17 .

        • Summer Love By S. Lee posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Quinn O'Brien goes to the beach for a summer job before going off to college. She finds more than just work when she runs into the woman she has been in love with for four years, her former high school swimming coach. The two women spend the summer in love, but it comes to an end with the arrival of Fall. Ten years later, they meet up again at Quinn's high school reunion ten years later. Can the two women rediscover the love they once shared?

        • Kenya By Anne Azel posted Bard's Corner (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Raven Highly Recommends! Complete

        Tuesday June 11, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        Hey There! Just a bit of fiction to tide you over.. there are several more stories but I did not have enough energy to post those yet. Tommorrow should be a larger post .. so enjoy these for now ;)

        • Dakota By Ri posted Bard Academy (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Dakota was a very successful gambler who was having a reccuring dream every night. Would the innocent Jackie make it come true?

        Sunday June 9, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        Hey There!

        Sorry about the missed posts but I have been working and setting up garage sales :) It has been a busy week and I have been a bit over whelmed. Couple of things while I can still remember: I miss posted the author to the story Her and due credit should go to Lisa S. Let her know how much you have enjoyed her story!
        Thanks to Gail for pointing out a story that has been on my must read list but have not had a chance to enjoy! Her recommendation is listed below for Habaname!

        • Habaname Part 10 Conclusion By Ana Ortiz posted Bard Academy (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Gail Recommends!
          Habaname is an excellent "novel." You actually have to read it--unlike some of the other predictable, repetitive stories one finds posted that can be read in a precursory manner in an hour or so. Ms. Ortiz is clearly a gifted writer and a cut above most. (There are about ten others who write extremely well and tend to ignore the "formula' writing.)

        • Her By Lisa S. posted Athenaeum Scrolls (Beyond Uber Alt)
          This story was mistakenly posted under Anne S. Please make note and let Lisa know how much you have been enjoying her tale!

        • Inside Out Part 17 By LA Tucker posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Raven Recommends

        • Again Part 7 By Kim Pritekel posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Raven Recommends

        • Download By Jules Mathews Part 32 posted on Jules Page on Midgit's Small Corner of the Xenaverse (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story.

        • The Music Within Part One By S. Anne Gardner posted Gemini (Beyond Uber Alt)
          This looks like another winner folks.. check it out!

        Monday June 3, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        Hey there!

        I have found a few new stories for you to enjoy! If any of you out there know of more fun site to find fiction or if you can help out on find fiction for posting on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday please email me ;)

        Thanks to all those who now help bring all this fun fiction to you!

        Enjoy

        Saturday June 1, 2002

        Raven's Ravings (by Raven.. who else?)

        Helllooo... Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

        I have a Rambling Treat for you all as one of my favorite authors dropped me a line ;)
        Kiera Dellacroix !! This the talented author that brought us Engravings of Wrath and also Ice Hole. Which I personally Highly Recommend! I must tell you folks a couple of things prior to going on to the ramble that she has given me. Kiera just completed a new tale called Fractured Tapestry and again I Highly Recommend it! Again she given freely a gift of more wonderful fiction for us to enjoy!

        This new story as in Ice Hole has characters that some may find offensive and I find truly witty and LOL at the humor! This new story is very well written and also has some excellent observations about the behavior and imperfection we call "Humans". We all learn, we all have differences of opinion in life and in this fiction. To truly appreciate each other we must also accept and try to understand differences even when we don't agree.. this in the United States is treasured and is our freedom of speech. This right is especially treasured in times like these.
        I can relate to this type of heavy handed criticism as I have been on the recieving end as well. I will forever honor an individuals right to express themselves but I hope and truly encourage them to do so in a productive and unhateful manner.

        As my Mother who is always right .. (as I have found in life). ..... I am once again brought to what she has always said. "If you don't have something nice to say don't say it at all. What do you gain from hurting someone?" Remember there are fiction stories for us all and if you don't enjoy them just don't read them! With that on to her ramble!

        Hi Folks!

        I was just reading through some of the hate mail I've gotten over ‘Fractured Tapestry' and I suddenly felt like rambling. I thought I might address a few of the complaints that had been directed my way.

        ‘Tapestry' features a character with a sex drive. For those of you that have written to tell me that a woman never gets horny or is capable of being crude about it, I cannot help but wonder what color the sky is in your world.

        ‘Tapestry' features an opinionated character. Those that have written to inform me that a woman would never say anything derogatory or demeaning about another woman need a dose of reality. Drop me a line when the Love Boat returns from Fantasy Island and your Very Brady Vacation is over.

        ‘Tapestry' is not politically correct. As an Irish American, I dropped that class in protest when I was informed that serving green beer on St. Patrick's day wasn't considered culturally insensitive.

        ‘Tapestry' doesn't delve into the thoughts of the other characters. Good catch, although I feel obligated to point out that the story was written in first person. Therefore, the reader is not privy to the thoughts of the other characters since the lead is not clairvoyant.

        ‘Tapestry' isn't a fairy tale romance with flawless characters. After much deliberation, I decided my stories should take place on planet Earth.

        ‘Tapestry' and anything I, or anyone else has posted, did not come with a price tag. This means it was free to you at the author's expense and labor. Think about that.

        Hmmm, I think that covers everything negative that was brought to my attention so let me end with recommending some alternative reading material.

        Jane Fletcher's outstanding Lorimal's Chalice
        http://merwolf.com/academy/fanfic/j/janefletcher_lorimals.html

        K. Simpson's hilarious She said, She said
        http://www.the-devils-workshop.com/stories/shesaid.html

        Enjoy!

        Kiera kdellacroix@hotmail.com

        • The Brass Ring Part 23 By Mavis Applewater posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story. Raven Recommends!

        • Time's Fell Hand By LJ Maas posted Academy of Bards (Beyond Uber Alt)
          As always, the Conqueror is rather like having a Bengal tiger for a pet. She has come a long way since meeting Gabrielle, but Xena will never be considered tame, by any means. She has her ferocious moments just as she has the domesticated ones. Lying just beneath the surface of this complicated woman lies the Beast, Ares' curse upon the one-time Warrior Princess.
          Raven Highly Recommends!

        • The Inside Out part 16 By L. A. Tucker's posted Academy of Bards(Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story. Raven Recommends!!!

        • Designs of the Heart By Heartbrkn posted Heartbrkn's Scrolls (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Continuing story parts 4 & 5.

        • Lost By Larisa posted The Athenaeum (Beyond Uber Alt)
          Complete story. Raven Recommends.. My Fun Humor Loved it!

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