ForevaXena's Bard Of The Month . . .
I have enjoyed so many wonderful Bards of the Xenaverse over the last few years, that I wanted to be able to thank them for their incredible talents in some meaningful way. I will be selecting 1 bard a month to be the featured FanFic on the site. It is with great pleasure that I am able to bring these special stories to you. Some may be old favorites, others new, but always an incredible tale woven by some of the finest writers out there. Enjoy . . .
| July 2001 - "Finding Our Way Trilogy" by Julia Ford | This is the very first time I've bestowed this award on a series as opposed to a stand-alone story, but with this fabulous work, I'd be remiss if I didn't. Julia is one of the most gifted new writers in the Xenaverse; it wasn't that long ago that I posted her very first story. I'm proud to say that since that time we've become the best of friends and I've had the pleasure of watching her talent grow and grow. If you read nothing else this month, make it this trilogy! |
| June 2001 - "At First Sight" by Colleen | Colleen recently approached me to post her first story "At First Sight" on the site and I was more than happy to do so. After reading this incredible, realistic tale, I couldn't get Jamie and Erin out of my mind. This, to me, is what makes a great story. Unforgettable characters that you instantly connect with. Thank goodness Colleen has already begun the sequel, "Seeing You Again For The First Time"! |
| May 2001 - "What Do You Do?" by Imagine | Several months ago, a new bard approached me for beta reading a little story called, "What Do You Do?". She was concerned that it wasn't good enough for posting at the time and wanted another opinion. What I had the pleasure of reading was pure magic! No tweaking was needed and I knew instantly she had a hit on her hands. Needless to say, I've been proven right time and again as this story continues to rack up awards. Bravo, Imagine! |
| April 2001 - "The Play" by CN Winters | This month I thought it was time to re-visit a classic and give credit where credit was due. CN Winters has long been one of my favorite bards and this story was just so cute and sexy that I think of it often when I remember FanFics that I have enjoyed over the years. I'm also a MAJOR sucker for 1st-time stories (that should be fairly obvious <BG>), especially ones where the leads are "forced" into admitting their attraction for each other. A great read many times over, check this one out again and again! |
| March 2001 - "Paradise Found" by Cruise and Stoley | I can't remember ever being so overwhelmed after reading a FanFic as I was when I finally had the chance to sit down recently and read this story. I've considered Cruise and Stoley close friends for many months now, but had never before had a chance to read their work. May I just say that there is a VERY good reason why this story has won so many awards; it ROCKS!! OMG, I was blown away; ladies, I'm not worthy *bowing* <VBG> |
| February 2001 - "A Sacrifice For Friendship" by DS Bauden | Recently when this story was completed, I knew I had found my next "Bard of the Month"! Frankie and Annie are such a magical couple; once you begin this tale you'll be hard pressed to put it down. Di knows well how to spin an original, exciting tale and this story is certainly no exception. Get lost in the brilliance of this wonderful bard's writing today! |
| January 2001 - "Subtext" by Ogami | It's a New Year and truly the New Millennium and I could think of no better way to celebrate than to revisit and celebrate a classic piece of Xena FanFic! I have love this story since the first time I read it and every time since. In telling this tale, Ogami crafted one of the finest blends of fiction meeting reality that I've ever had the pleasure of reading. This story will make you feel like you are really there in the lives of Lucy, Renee, Xena, and Gabrielle; the dialogue is incredible! |
| December 2000 - "Settling With Brutus, An Awakening XI" by Hunter Ash | Never have I had a more difficult task than trying to pick just one story from the wonderful "Awakening Series" to highlight the great work of this talented bard! I'm thrilled to say that Hunter is a friend who's FanFic I have supported since I published her first story many months ago. It's been such a joy to watch her develop and grow, and I can think of no person more deserving to be spotlighted this month! |
| November 2000 - "My Cup Of Tea" by Deb Kern | This is a wonderfully romantic "first time" story that touched my heart immediately when I read it. I love stories that linger in my mind long after I've read the last line, and this one certainly fills the bill. Written by an exceptional new talent in the Xenaverse and someone I'm proud to call a friend, Deb Kern, this tale will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling you'll not soon forget! |
| October 2000 - "The Marriage Of Xena And Gabrielle" by Djwp | It is with great happiness that I announce this month's winner of "Bard Of The Month". When I first decided to offer this award, Djwp was my choice to be the first winner. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate her at the time so that did not happen. What a thrill to find her again recently and make the connection. There are stories in the Xenaverse that are timeless and unforgettable; this is no exception. "The Marriage Of Xena And Gabrielle" is the first FF I can remember reading; it was also the reason I kept on reading! Whether you've read it many times, as I have, or never read it before, save some time to read it again today and experience the magic of Djwp's Xenaverse! |
| September 2000 - "I Found My Heart In San Francisco Book 3: Coalescence" by SX Meagher | Like many fans of Uber FanFic, I fell in love with these wonderful characters in "Book 1: Awakenings" and have enjoyed every event in their lives since. When I read "Book 3: Coalescence" I knew it was time to honor this prolific bard for her fabulous work! Ryan and Jamie are unforgettable and you'll find yourself thinking about them often. If you haven't read the first two books, do yourself a favor and start there. You won't regret a single moment of it! |
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August 2000 - "Dark Elf" by Jordan Falconer
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An absolutely enchanting uber story written by someone I consider not only a very talented bard, but a friend. Jordan has created a magical and dark world full of interesting characters. You'll be hooked and won't put this one down until you finish! |
| July 2000 - "Enemy Mine" by Gina L. Dartt | This is truly a Xenaverse classic. I highly recommend all of Gina's work, but this one holds a special place in my heart. There's a wonderful story in here for Callisto fans too! Whether you've never read this, or it's been a while since you have, don't miss the chance to read it now. |
| June 2000 - "Splinters Of The Soul" by Diamonddog | I
am so proud of my friend Diamonddog for the incredible tale she's told in
this epic story! And I was also truly blessed to be selected as her
beta-reader on this project and watch this story grow and flourish.
The characters will quickly integrate themselves into your life and you
will be left screaming for a sequel.
RUN, don't walk and read "Splinters Of The Soul"! |
| May 2000 - "Somewhere In Time" by Friction | If
I could have only 1 story to read on a desert isle, this would most likely
be the one. Truly one of the most amazing pieces of FanFic I have
ever read, it will leave a remarkable and lasting impression on you.
You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll cheer. You will be simply amazed
at Friction's incredible storytelling talent. If you read nothing
else this month, READ THIS!
My most heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Friction for revising her classic story for "ForevaXena . . ." |
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