NOTE: I do not update these reports after they are posted so some of the links may not work after a while. If you find a broken link check the title in the alphabetical lists of alternative or general reviews at the end of this report.

FRIDAY FAN FICTION REPORT - 6/13/97
[Previous report was for 6/11/97]

Hi guys,

Tonight we have a new entry in the feature at Tom's Web site called FROM THE BARD'S QUILL. For those of you who are not familiar with FTBQ - this is a place where Xenite bards have been invited to share their thoughts with all of us who enjoy their fiction. MaryD (Tom's editor) will be adding contributions from different bards on a regular basis. The latest one is by a personal favorite of mine and many a Xenite out there - B L Miller, author of some of the best alt. stories written this year including THE CABIN, THE SILENT BARD and A QUEEN'S SACRIFICE. To read what B.L. has to say about writing, which fellow bards have inspired her, and which of her own stories she's particularly proud of go to:

http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/bardsquill.html

Also, remember to vote for your favorite alternative fan fiction story at DAX's OBSESSION Web site. The winner each month will receive THE SILVER LATH AWARD. You can read all about the monthly award at:

http://members.aol.com/BardicFic/fanfic/lath.htm

You can vote by e-mailing "the name of the story, the author's name and email addy, where it can be located, and anything you might like to say about the story" to

*******IMPORTANT NOTE*********

Finally, I'd like to REMIND all of you fellow fan fiction fanatics out there, how IMPORTANT it is to SUPPORT our bards, give them feedback and generally just show them how much we appreciate them sharing their talent with us. It takes INCREDIBLE courage to share a personal, creative effort with thousands of people on the Internet. Our bards take this risk without asking for ANYTHING in return. Particularly during reruns, when we all tend to suffer a bit from XWS (Xena Withdrawal Syndrome), the fan fiction is something new we can look forward to on an almost daily basis. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO LET THE BARDS KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE READ AND ENJOYED ONE OF THEIR STORIES!! If possible don't just tell them you loved the story - tell them WHY you loved it. Did you like the way Xena was depicted? Did you like the action? Did you think the firt-person approach was effective?, etc. LETS SHOW SOME APPRECIATION GUYS!!!

Now, for tonight, in addition to a new one by a favorite NetForum bard, we also have stories by a couple of new bards.

GENERAL FICTION:

LOOSE ENDS by Hobbes
Like many of Hobbes' other stories, this tale reads like a series of vignettes pulled together in a style that very much creates the sense of life on the road. The tale is set after the events in the episode A NECESSARY EVIL and has Xena and Gabrielle returning to the Amazon village before they set off again, this time on a different type of mission - to finally take a vacation. While on this elusive quest, Xena will finally come to terms with the bard's unwavering devotion to her and also find the strenhttp://www.swlink.net/~lynka/fanfict.htm

ALTERNATIVE FICTION:

BRIDGES by S. Derkins
This EXCELLENT new tale by a very promising new writer is a journey of discovery for the Warrior Princess and her bard. Unable to hide her growing feelings for Gabrielle, Xena is forced to acknowledge them, only to discover that the little bard has been experiencing similar feelings herself and is very interested in pursuing these. As the two travel into dangerous territory, both on land and in matters of the heart, they agree to take things slow - growing more certain every day of the love they feel buthttp://www.swlink.net/~lynka/altfict.htm

TANGLED WEB: LOVE'S CONFUSION by Nicole Manders
A wonderfully different new series which in addition to Xena and Gabrielle, will be focusing on the Amazons as well. In this first part, the warrior and bard return to the Amazon village where Gabrielle hopes to get her companion to finally open up a bit. To their surprise, the village is abuzz over the return of another Amazon royal - the daughter of Queen Melosa who left her people long ago to follow her heart but now claims to be back permanently much to the delight of Ephiny, whose own heart broke the day the princess left...Featuring some great characterizations of all the Amazons we love from the series, this series is well-written, and promises to be a lot of fun!
http://members.aol.com/xenasbard/index.html

For those of you reading this post who are not familiar with the term alternative (alt.), it refers to ADULT stories that add a romantic element to the relationship between Xena and Gabby, depicting them as more than just friends.

Happy reading!

Lunacy 8-)