Sunday, May 13, 2012

HASA Reviewed Stories May 2012 – and more!

In this week’s news an overview of the most recent reviewed stories, as well as an update of the Story Pledge Challenge!

Story Pledge Challenge
The Story Pledge Challenge will run until the end of May, and is a challenge for both authors and readers. You can read all about how the Challenge works here.

So far, three stories have been entered in the Challenge, and two authors are working on theirs. Pledges are coming along as well: four people have put up pledges for donations! Come join in the fun, either as an author or a donor, or just to cheer on authors!

Reviews
Since the previous Bulletin, three stories passed through review while there are currently 9 stories waiting for reviewers. Make an author's day and review a story!

As I type this, there are 9 stories waiting for your review (remember to log in before you follow the link).
Member participation is crucial for reviews. The more people are involved in reviewing, the more different opinions are represented. Having more people involved also means that stories pass through review more quickly - which is good for everyone. If you are an active reviewer, why not go and check out a story?

Or, if you are a writer, take the plunge and submit a story for review; and when you do, please remember: Put one in, take one out.

By submitting a story for review, you are asking nine other members to read and evaluate it. So why not do for the other authors who have a story in review what you'd like other reviewers to do for you: check out one of the stories already in review and give it a read.

Becoming a reviewer
If you're not an active reviewer, but think you can spare a bit of time... - even if you just review one or two stories in a month, every review is welcome. If you are logged in, you can sign up here if you've been a member of HASA for thirty days or more.

Daunted by the idea of reviewing? Don't be, reviewing at its simplest comes down to asking yourself: "Would I recommend this story to someone?" Then, whether the answer is 'yes' or 'no', you can make a choice from the capsule reasons to clarify your decision. If you want to, you can add a few more words to convey what you (dis)liked about the story, but just the capsule reason is perfectly fine as well.

And remember: even if you think you're too critical or not critical enough: your review is only one of nine, and all points of view are welcome. Not every reviewer has to review every story and in the end it does all level out to a balanced judgement.

Reviewed story spotlight
These stories have passed through review since the previous bulletin. Congratulations to all authors; well done!
The People of the Stars by Shirebound
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 4th Age
Summary: It's not only the Sea that calls to Legolas, and he asks Gimli to accompany him on a very special journey... to a very special place. Book-verse, complete in one chapter.

Pure Morning by curiouswombat
Rating: Adult
Genre: General
Era: 3rd Age - The Stewards
Summary: When Denethor suggests a marriage between Boromir and Éowyn, despite an 'understanding' of why he, like her cousin the heir to The Mark, is still single, she has reasons to agree. MEFA Winner 2010. Somewhere between drama and romance, this contains scenes of male/male and male/female sex.

From the Inside by Adonnen Estenniel
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 1st Age
Summary: Lost on the ice, Aredhel begins to doubt herself. An unwelcome conversation with her least-favorite cousin brings fear into perspective.


Make an author's day, review a story or post a comment.

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