July 31st, 2004

Added chapter 11 of A Thousand Miles by PsiDraconis

July 30th, 2004

Outlaws and Allies By Ernie Whiting
For the last seven years, Valerie Ryan has lived a peaceful life in the woods of Allied Territory in northern California, enjoying the freedom and purity of Nature with her partner Jasmine Tanaka and their seven-year-old daughter Sierra. Unknown to them, there is a sinister plan afoot; the Foundation for Law and Morality, the fundamentalist religious organization that now controls the United States government, is seeking to re-open the Betatron Nuclear Power station––an unstable nuclear reactor that Valerie closed down years ago through the use of black magic. The Foundation has even gone so far as to ally themselves with a Satanist––one of their own worst enemies––in an effort to bring Betatron back on line. After failing to remove her curse through his own efforts, the Satanist quickly seizes upon a new plan--to kidnap her daughter and hold her hostage. His demand is simple: "Remove your curse from Betatron, or I’ll kill your little girl."

Strong Foundation by Luciddream
In this sequel to Hammer and Nails, Jump and Bernadette find themselves trying to make a life for themselves and Ryan.  Things get complicated though when they want to make their little family official.  Will their love survive the homophobic social worker and unforeseen circumstances that work to push them apart?

Added part 3 of The Heart of the Matter by Cephalgia

Added part 5 of Booyong Mountain by Lois Kay 

July 29th, 2004

Added part 5 of MJ's The Eye of Bastet

Added part 9 of In Too Deep by Ronica Black

Added part 2 of The Strongest Bond by Maderlin Bidmead

New eBooks
Desert Secrets - Pat Winterburn (under Amanda Ellis series) 
Living the Life - Mavis Applewater 
The Detour - Mavis Applewater 
Lucky Thirteen - Mavis Applewater 
Big Juju - Sage Amante 

July 28th, 2004

Hi Folks...me again. 

I just wanted to thank everyone who has purchased anything via the Academy Marketplace recently during our fundraiser for Ann Marie. We have just made another $100 donation to her family and the great cause behind it. That brings the Academy donation to $250. 

So far. :o) 

I am still standing by my pledge to double whatever is raised in the month of July. So there are still a few days left...you get great stuff and Ann Marie gets a double donation. 

I also want to thank everyone who has privately made (via Paypal to crgabby23@aol.com) donations as well. It is truly inspiring to see folks open their hearts and wallets to help out a friend of a Pup. And it not matter whether the Pup is a howling regular or a shy lurker. 

It just proves again what I have known all along... the 'Verse has the most generous folks in the world. 

I would like to ask y'all to do two more things please...go to the website that her friends/family put together: http://www.annmarievitale.com/

I want to put a face with the cause and you can read more about what she is facing and why every dollar raised can make a difference. 

And lastly, on the site you will see a section telling you about ABC's Extreme Home Makeover...if you could take a couple of minutes and write an email asking for them (ABC) to consider the Vitale's...just think what kind of support exposure on ABC could generate. It's a long shot but right now, anything is welcome. 

Thank you again folks. For supporting Academy chosen causes. Y'all ROCK! 

OZ 

July 27th, 2004

Unspoken Question A.K. Naten [Über/alt/complete] 
"...They say that sometimes, 'a girl likes to be asked'. But I don't always find that to be true. Sometimes you don't need to ask. Sometimes you just can't. Sometimes, it's just best if it remains... unspoken. ...Or, is it?" 

Added part 3 of S.B. Zarben's Whole Burnt

Added part 5 of Fourth and Goal by Strongsouljah

Added part 4 of MJ's The Eye of Bastet

July 26th, 2004

Lost Souls by ladyhawke [alt/&uumlber/complete] 
Ash had been plagued by visions and memories of her lover Laura, ones that are driving her insane.  She is offered the chance of finding out the truth and answers to all. But even she wasn't ready for what unfolded before her. This is a story of love, pain and loss. When souls become lost to each other, can they ever be rejoined? 

Into the Flame by tchase
This is a PWP story where an instant messaging session turns into something more. 

Added part 8 of In Too Deep by Ronica Black

Added part 4 of Rolling Thunder by Mickey 
 

July 25th, 2004

Scared by Annaria  (alt/complete) 
A first time story that takes place after the Abyss, in which the Warrior Princess faces her greatest fear. 

Body Heat by Annaria (alt/complete) 
A first time story in which the warrior gets her bard all heated up. 

Added part 7 of In Too Deep by Ronica Black

Added part 15 of Phair's The Ridded

Added part 2 of The Heart of the Matter by Cephalgia

July 24th, 2004

I'm going to be away for the next couple of weeks. Please make sure to send inquiries and submissions to the appropriate place for the Munchkins to take action and not me. I won't even have computer access until I get back. The places to send things are Academy_contact@yahoogroups.com and academy_submissions@yahoogroups.com (you'll have to sub to the group to submit stories). The Munchkins have promised to take good care of y'all! 

The Strongest Bond by Maderlin Bidmead [alt/über/unfinished] 
Months after the events of 'The Binding Tie', Francesca and Hunter are slowly settling into life together. Things seem idyllic in the Prince mansion, unfortunately the outside world will soon intrude. Power is seductive and the power of master over slave is not something the public are willing to abandon, not even for a super-star. 
And a little apology for not having updated in so long, I am now settled into work and home is stable so updates should be coming thick and fast. 

Added part 3 of MJ's The Eye of Bastet

July 23rd, 2004

Taste of Tears by Ladyhawke [über/alt/complete] 
Deb's trusted her lover of eight years with everything. When a chance remark begins to sow the seeds of question. She has to find out the answer no matter what the consequences. This is her story on a journey of betrayal, and her quest to find out the truth. 

Added part 4 of Booyong Mountain by Lois Kay

Added chapter 10 of A Thousand Miles by PsiDraconis

July 22nd, 2004

The Heart of the Matter by Cephalgia [über/alt/unfinished] 
Crystal O'Brien and her son become the subjects of nurse Lauren Cook's Master's thesis. The boy's serious heart defect is the subject, but it just might be Crystal's heart that is affected in the end. 

Added part 3 of Control by Kim Pritekel and Alexa Hoffman

July 21st, 2004

Congratulations from the Academy to another published author! 

Announcement from KM:
I am thrilled to announce that the first two books in the Jess and Robin series, "Undeniable" and "Considerable Appeal", have now been released and are available through Limitless D2D Publishing www.limitlessd2d.net for immediate shipping. If you would like to order an autographed copy of either of the books, please feel free to drop me a line at kmmoon@prodigy.net and I will be more than happy to send one off to you. 
Meanwhile, enjoy the next installment of "Intuition". Thanks to all for reading! 

Added part 5 of Intuition by KM

The Sound of Rain by Ladyhawke [über/alt/complete] 
One night on a lonely road Sam's life changed forever as she starred into green eyes so filled  with pain and loss that she had to follow. Drawn by some unseen force into a nightmare that would pull them together. This is a story about healing and forgiving, but most of all to find the courage and strength to face the whispers of their hearts. 

July 20th, 2004

Hammer and Nails by Lucid [über/alt/complete] 
This is a revised version of my story Hammer and Nails. It has some minor re-writes and an added chapter. I am currently working on the sequel, so be on the look out! 

Coin Toss by dabkey [original/alt/PWP] 
Three women, two conferences, one flip of a coin.a PWP of chance. 

Added part 2 of MJ's The Eye of Bastet

Added part 14 of Phair's The Ridded

July 19th, 2004

Second Wind by Kim Baldwin [über/alt/complete] 
The third installment in the story of Gable McCoy and Erin Richards that began with Blown Away and continued in Fire and Ice. One year after the tornado that brought them together, Gable and Erin plan to tie the knot. But nothing with these two ever goes smoothly. 

Added part 2 of S.B. Zarben's Whole Burnt

July 18th, 2004

Announcements
Congratulations to Ronica Black from the Academy on the news that Voyage Aboard the Queen is going to be published in Ultimate Lesbian Erotica 2005!!! 
 

From Phil
A few weeks ago a Pup wrote and asked the Pack for fundraising suggestions. A friend and neighbor (wife and mother of three small boys) of hers is in dire need of a bone marrow transplant due to leukemia. 

A matching donor was found, however the actual operation is going to take place clear across the country from her family's residence. It is Christie's hope that enough money can be raised to help the family and allow them to accompany/support Ann Marie during her ordeal. 

The Pack came up with some very good suggestions, many of which have been implemented already. 

Steph suggested, and I readily agreed, that Ann Marie's plight meets our criteria for the Academy Marketplace Charity Quarterly Donation. It was an easy agreement on my part. This is a charity near and dear to my heart. I lost a sister back when bone marrow transplants were not even in the realm of being dreamt about yet. She was only 13. 

So, the Academy is going to make an initial donation of $150. And Steph suggested that we challenge the generosity of the Pack to match that initial donation. Every dollar helps. 

In addition we have pledged that the next quarter's proceeds from the Marketplace will be split between Ann Marie and the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. 

We have some really cool new stuff up at the Marketplace, including some new designs specific to the current cause. (Thank you Michelle and J for the artwork) 

Academy Marketplace can be found: http://www.cafeshops.com/RAOB

It is crammed full of really "GOOD" stuff, Academy Logo items, Merpup logo merchandise and some items from several of your favorite bards. 

Get some cool stuff and support a great cause. 

In addition, Christie has set up a Paypal account to allow for direct donations: send via Paypal to CRGABBY23@aol.com

If you would like to donate directly to the L/L Society: go to http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

As always, thank you for your continued support. The 'Verse has got to be the most generous gathering of folks in the world. Y'all Rock! 

OZ 

New Story

In Too Deep - Prologue by Ronica Black

July 17th, 2004

Addison Black and the Eye of Bastet by MJ
Top British Agent Addison Black is back and this time M.I.5's latest recruit Dr Skyler Tidwell accompanies her on an assignment that takes them from the undiscovered tombs of Egypt to the deepest jungle of Sierra Leone. On an undercover mission to assist investigating into the murder of a team of archaeologists, Addison and Skyler discover not only the resting place of Egypt's most legendary architect, but also priceless artefacts, precious gems, deadly retribution and a plot to bring down and hold the world at ransom. 

July 16th, 2004

My apologies for no update yesterday. Between a yahoo problem and my phone line accidently being cut by construction workers, there was no way to get it out yesterday so it's all combined today. If you've sent something in or asked a question and we've not dealt with it, please re-send. I very easily could have missed something. -steph 

A Little Ditty by Ladyhawke
summary pending

Peter's Choice by Meghan O'Brien [über/alt/complete] 
A woman spends the weekend at the beach house of her brother's best friend. Lying in bed one evening, she ponders some interesting goodnight words. 

A Lesson in War by Mary G [X&G/alt/unfinished] 
Xena and Gabrielle have been called to the Amazons to help defeat a warlord bent on the destruction of the Amazon Nation. Their futuristic companion is about to learn first hand that not all of their adventures made their way to the small screen. Takes place immediately after Arrival of the Future. 

Entwined Lives by R. Nolan [original/alt/complete] 
This is a sequel to In A Heartbeat. It's the continuing story of Sam and Riley and Kim and Jess. Find out how their lives become entwined as Jess and Kim enjoy their new family and Sam and Riley go about starting theirs.... 

The Blue in Your Eyes by Aleria [X&G/alt/complete] 
Resurfacing memories better forgotten during a typical fireside conversation, Xena and Gabrielle discover that coming to terms with the past can help them come to terms with the future... Post Gabrielle's return from the tragic events in "Sacrifice." 

Added part 3 of Booyoung Mountain by Lois Kay

Added part 6 of In Too Deep by Ronica Black

Added part 3 of Rolling Thunder by Mickey

eBooks

New Ebooks 
Waking Up - Texas Hottie 
Desiring Deborah - Texas Hottie 
Home for Christmas - Insane Englishwoman 
Discovery in Thisbe - Ronica Black 
Gabrielle and the Scholar - Fedelma 
Fire and Ice - Kim Baldwin 
The Legend of Ambrosia - DJ Belt 
Once in a Lifetime - Pat Winterburn 
Voyage Aboard the Queen - Ronica Black 
Shattered - Ladyhawk 
New Lover Lust - KG MacGregor 
Last Stop to the Thames - J Gormley 
Easing the Tension - Mavis Applewater 
Moment of Peace - Fedelma 
What She Needs - Daemon Rider 

July 14th, 2004

Added part 2 of Control by Kim Pritekel and Alexa Hoffman 

We asked for a synopsis of Ladyhawke's story Shattered and we got a good one! It makes me want to run and read it! 

Timeline..... present day. 
Two woman meet and fall into lust, which quickly becomes more to both of them. 
But life is never easy for bonded souls and hearts. Life has boots that will kick you in the teeth any chance they get. 
Chris is the player who for the first time doesn't want a woman to be just another notch on her bedpost, so she takes a chance and gives everything. 
Carais has a choice, what she wants, or what she thinks is the right thing to do. 
This is their story. 
Of choices and consquences. 
Of love, lust, betrayal and loss. 
A story about the now and the then. 
The end and the beginnings in all of us. 

July 13th, 2004

Welcome to the Academy of Bards, Ladyhawke!

Shattered by Ladyhawke 
Synopsis pending... 

Desert Secrets by Patricia Winterburn [alt/complete/über] 
Part 13 (conclusion) of the 'Detective Amanda Ellis' series 
Wizard Productions <g, Amanda and Sandy, Mitchell and Deb, Kevin and .........."woof" yes, you to Whiskey, wish to thank everyone for your e-mails over this past year. These characters have been like family, and I hope the ending has made them happy. 

Lost and Hope to Find
-from Judith, Bard Nutcase 

I have been in contact with the bard planet-solin. It seems the 6th part of her Conqueror series was almost complete when it was lost in a hard drive crash. 
She recalls sending it to a reader privately for a bit of feedback. She has since lost touch with that reader. 
If anyone reading this has a file of the 6th part of planet-solin's Conqueror series and if they do could they contact her. Please? 

July 12th, 2004

Stories

Welcome to the Academy of Bards, Fialka!

The Marriage of Heaven and Helicon by Fialka 
What happened after the cameras stopped rolling for the episode To Helicon and Back 

Added part 13 of Phair's The Ridded

Announcement

From the crazy BardCon lady...no not Denise, the other one- 

<.looking around for BardCon Staff Members.> 
Whew...nobody here. 
Psssstttt... 
c'mere... 
I got to tell you something... 
I know y'all won't tell, right? 
If y'all would like to get in on a "top secret-I can't tell you or they will kill me" special project that BardCon and, the one and only, Lucia are cooking up for the Lucia Of The Month Club... 
You need only answer one important question... 
the question poised on every person's lips... 
the essential question at that special moment in life... 

Hey Darlin', what's your sign? 
Just send me your zodiac sign...I don't need your exact birthdate or the year, just your sign. And your online name (how you ID yourself online), please. 
If you don't know...here is a list: 
Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 19 
Aquarius Jan 20 to Feb 18 
Pisces Feb 19 to Mar 20 
Aries Mar 21 to Apr 19 
Taurus Apr 20 to May 20 
Gemini May 21 to Jun 20 
Cancer Jun 21 to Jul 22 
Leo Jul 23 to Aug 22 
Virgo Aug 23 to Sep 22 
Libra Sep 23 to Oct 22 
Scorpio Oct 23 to Nov 21 
Sagittarius Nov 22 to Dec 21 
Oh and one more thing... 
<.looking around again.> 
 

Don't buy any 2005 Calendars yet ;o) 
Send your info to me at <mailto:PHIL728@aol.com>PHIL728@aol.com and make sure you put Zodiac Sign as the subject line. I will acknowledge the information I receive with a return email. Cool? Very. 
Deadline, for inclusion, is August 22nd, please---but send me the email ASAP anyway...I know people forget things and have short atten...ummmmm...what were we talking about again? <.g.> 
PHIL, 
BardCon2004+1 Staff 
Oh yeah...the BardCon Postcard Project is currently in creative production. Our original idea took an unexpected turn and took on a new life of it's own. ;o) I think y'all will be pleasantly surprised at the results. 
Also, for those of you coming to nex...ummm...the BardCon gathering after the last one (whenever that may be <.g>.)...you will be able to see all the original postcards we collected, as well.Please feel free to pass on the info to anyone you think may be interested in participating.  It's painless...honest. Really. Well there is always the possibility of getting a papercut later but the chances are very tiny. 
Take the risk...you know you want to. 
In keeping with BardCon PHILosophy, I want EVERYONE to play...bards/writers, fans/readers, webmistresses (isn't that a great word?) and artists. The more the merrier...besides you don't want me to keep flooding your mailboxes with these silly emails, now do you? 
I didn't think so. 
Good, now that we understand each other...send me the info. 
Thank you for your continued support of BardCon charities and endeavors. As always, y'all rock! 

July 11th, 2004

Here are four more from Mavis Applewater's Wednesday Afternoon Series— 

In Lucky Thirteen, college roomates discover that becoming addicted to computer games can lead to romance. 

In Easing the Tension, a masseur tries to keep a professional distance from an attractive client. 

In Detour, a truck stop waitress decides to take a chance on a mysterious stranger. 

Living the Life: Do PWP's really happen in the real world? Shelia doesn't believe that they can until her friend challenges her to live out a PWP. 

July 10th, 2004

Path of Thorns by Annemaart [über/alt/unfinished] 
This story picks up a month after where Edge ended. Everything seems to be working out, between Xena and Gabrielle, between Xena and Iona...But things are never as easy as they seem. And when you're dealing with a confusing relationship that is constantly being attacked, a hormone-ridden teenager with newly discovered godly powers, meddling gods and a new threat coming from overseas....Well...Then you've got yourself a new story (parts 1 & 2). 

Added part 2 of Mickey's Rolling Thunder

Added part 5 of Harley's When You Dance With the Devil

Added part 2 of Booyong Mountain by Lois Kay

July 9th, 2004

Added part 5 of Ronica Black's In Too Deep

July 8th, 2004

Whole Burnt by S.B. Zarben (alt/uber-ish/incomplete) 
Three people come together under less than normal circumstances. Follow them as they work to uncover a mystery which has the potential to destroy their very world. (I'd say more, but I risk giving away the story line. Just give it a try.) 

Control by Kim Pritekel and Alexa Hoffman [über/alt/unfinished] 
summary pending 
 
 

July 7th, 2004

Welcome to the Academy, J. Gormley! 

Last Stop to the Thames by J. Gormley [über/alt/complete] 
In the depths of the London below the city many know and love, mischief and mayhem abound when an ambitious journalist meets a few interesting characters. 

Once in a Lifetime by Patricia Winterburn (aka tap)[original/alt/complete] 
A short story, about a loving relationship that has ended. It is from the writers p.o.v. 

Added part 4 of Fourth and Goal by Strongsouljah

July 6th, 2004

Rolling Thunder [Über/alt/unfinished] 
This story continues with the lives of Jesse and Jennifer Branson, begun in the stories of Sweetwater, Bannack and Bozeman. As Jesse and Jennifer return to life in the town of Sweetwater, Montana Territory, they face new adventures when both their adopted daughter, KC, and the town begin to grow. And, has Jennifer's father returned to the east for good? 

What She Needs by Daemon Rider [PWP/Please read the disclaimers!] 
A old acquaintance in town calls for someone who knows exactly what she needs. 

Home for Christmas by Insane Englishwoman [Über/alt/complete] 
I wrote the original version for the academy contest last christmas, it was my first ever submitted work, but I rushed the ending a bit and it didn't really go where I wanted it to go. So I rewrote it. 

July 5th, 2004

A Moment of Peace, A Moment of War by Fedelma
Queen Gabrielle and her general Xena reach a new level in their relationship as they help the Amazon Nation prepare for war with Rome, and their conflicting roles and duties test the strength of their commitment to each other. 

July 3rd, 2004

Booyong Mountain by Lois Kay[Über/alt/unfinished] 
This story is a sequel to The Reef and Murrook Farm. 
Stevens Inc. has invested in an old, run-down rainforest resort and Sam Stevens has hired conservation biologist Robin Adams to manage the property. But, as Fiona McDonnell soon discovers, Robin Adams is not who she says she is. Is she? And who is the mysterious black clad stranger Fiona saw sneaking around in the forest? And what are Sam and Trishia hiding from the rest of the family? 

July 2nd, 2004

Waking Up From My Nap by Texas Hottie[pwp/alt/complete] 
Sometimes waking up can be the best part of nap time. 

Desiring Deborah by Texas Hottie [pwp/über/alt/complete] 
Lee is a woman going through the motions of life. Until the day she met a young woman who would literally shake up her life. 

Added part 43 - 46 (conclusion) of Time's Fell Hand by LJ Maas

July 1st, 2004

The Legend of Ambrosia by D.J. Belt [Mel&Janice/alt/complete] 
In this seventh in a series, Mel and Jan reunite with their old friend Alais, go after the legend of ambrosia, and find themselves tangled in a web of ancient dangers as Jan discovers the final answer to a heartbreaking question that's plagued her for years. 

Added part 12 of the Detective Amanda Ellis series, Memories and Other Nightmares by Patricia Winterburn

Announcement

My fellow fanfic readers...it is the year of 2000 and 4...an election year. However, we are not here to discuss politics...for I care not whether you be an Classican or a Ubercrat or one of those Originarians. 
Nay, we are here to discuss...BARDS. 
Yes, friends...BARDS, WRITERS, AUTHORS. 
It matters not where they reside...from sea to shining sea, from north to south, or in foreign lands. No...what matters is that we pay tribute to those BARDS for the continued contribution to cybersociety. 
Yes, it is the time of year where we gather to pay our respects, give our thanks and flood their mailboxes with notes until they cry UNCLE! 
July is the Academy's designated "FEED THE BARD" month. This will be our third annual FTB Contest. 
We ask that you take a few moments of your time and write email notes to your favorite Bards/Writers/Authors and let them know how their writing has affected you and/or how thankful you are that they shared their talents with the cyberworld at large. 
Why? Because those folks are responsible for keeping you entertained, off the streets and out of trouble...or out of more trouble than you would normally be in. 
We ask that you feed a particular bard only once for this contest...either for a specific work or for their entire body of work. 
Why? Because we want you to feed as many different bards as possible. 
We ask that when you send out your emails that you also CC the ACADEMY at: feedthebards@yahoogroups.com
Why? Dang, you ask a lot of questions. ;o) 
Because this will allow us to tally up the feedings. 
I know, I know...why? 
Because the one who feeds the most bards will win an Academy prize pack which will include a personalized tile box (or as I call them-desktop chocolate holders) and an Academy T-shirt of their choice. And maybe an additional surprise. 
Don't even ask. 
Anywho...the FTB contest starts 7/1/04 and ends at midnight 7/31/04. We, at the Academy, hope that you will continue to feed the bards all the rest of the year as well. 
It's a great habit to acquire and all it costs is a little bit of your time. 
Just FYI...the 2003 FTB winner fed 140 bards. 
So to sum up... 
IF YOU READ'EM, THEN GO FEED'EM 
Thank you for your time. 
Oh, and while you are in the feeding mood...why don't you drop a note to your favorite webmasters, webmistresses and graphic artists and let them know how much you appreciate all the hard work they do as well. :o) 
OZ, proud member of the RAOB...The Munchkins ROCK!