Absolute Chaos Discussion Boards
Fic Talk => I Challenge You.... => Topic started by: mare on June 01, 2012, 01:48:19 PM
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The second annual readers challenge is upon us! Can I get a woot!
Some of you have already started to read your stories which I think is awesome! Remember you have the entire summer to read them. When you are done with your challenge story and want to read another one from the same author or a story on the list of other authors feel free. The whole purpose of this challenge is to get yourself to read something you might not normally read.
Here is the list of people participating and what they have decided to read:
1) Lore: Remember Me This Way by Rose
2) Steph: Price of Fame
3) DelphinaCarter: Just One Kiss
4) Julilly: The Other Side of Nick Carter
5) Mare: Curtain Call
6) Rose: Chronos Project
7) carterkid: Snowed In
8) Ritz: Hawk and a Handsaw
9) Julie: Whatever the Night May Bring
10) kevmylove: Figured You out
11) simple sue: Uncle Daddy
12) tigger128: Rewind
I'm not going to be as specific as I was last year because you get the gist of what you need to do. Just a few reminders though
~ Make sure you leave feedback for the author not only on the story itself but also in this thread so this way we can decided if it's something we'd like to read or not.
~ Don't wait until the end and just give one long feedback. Do it by chapter or every other chapter and more than a "That was good" Give real concrit when it's needed. If there's something specific you found confusing or interesting, make sure you mention that.
~ Please do not flake! You signed up for this challenge, this is the one time I ask you to really complete it. You have someone else counting on you.
Enjoy and happy reading!!
Once a week I'll bump this thread up but I really shouldn't have to because I expect you guys to come in on a semi regular basis and talk about what you're reading.
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I already started to read Remember me This Way and have been leaving feedback at the end of chapters.
I read all the feeback from other people in the featured story thread (no I did not read all the reviews) and Rose has discussed the story before so I knew what the plot of the story is going in but I can say that Rose has great little details that give you hints at the beginning of what you are reading. There are things you would go back and look at later and say "yes that was a sign". I'm enjoying how she is portraying the characters and the relationships so far and yes, I have even had a few "tissue" moments because just thinking about what is coming has me teary-eyed.
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Snowed In is my story and I'm already on chapter 11.I have left feedback too.
It's got drama so watch out.Love the story so far but it needs a lot of proof-reading in some parts.Just here and there and its not the spelling but missing words in some places.In the part right now,Sky has big news that could change that way the story goes.It's really interesting and I love when Brian walks half way in the door and over hers what is going on.Funny
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I've already made a start on Price of Fame which is a NKOTB story featuring Donnie. The story is well presented but contains sex scenes which prevent me from reading in work, LOL.
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I haven't started on Whatever the Night May Bring yet, and to be honest, I may not get much reading done until my real summer starts after June 15th, but then I'll have all the time and energy in the world, so bring it on! I'm looking forward to reading this story because I started reading it when Mare first started posting it, but quickly fell behind. It felt like the kind of story that would leave me with a lot of questions at first, and so I just decided to wait and give it another shot when it was done and I could read the whole thing at once if I wanted to, so I wouldn't have to wait in suspense for updates and answers. Then I just never got around to actually reading it from the beginning again - I haven't read (or written) much of anything in awhile, actually - and so it worked out well that I got paired with Mare with this story as an option for the challenge!
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That's okay, Julie. Take your time. I am doing one chapter a day, since it's about 90 chapters that'll spread out quite nicely lol
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LOL true, that seems reasonable!
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I'll be going on vacation starting Monday and be gone for a week.It's a good thing we have all summer to read. ;) LOL
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I am gonna try starting this sometime this week. I always read too fast so it will probably be done in one or two days lol
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WOW,I'm done with my story! Will there be something to fill out like last time mare?
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Yes, but not until August lol
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I've read the first 5 chapters of Curtain Call by Julie and so far I'm enjoying it. Julie has done another fine job at creating a strong female character in the form of Cary an AI loser which I also thought was clever. The first few chapters were all about getting to know her. I'm looking forward to what comes next after this big reveal!
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I just started reading The Other Side of Nick Carter by Ritz and I'm really enjoying it thus far! I'm only a couple of chapters in and it's funny how we got each other's stories. I said in one of my reviews how funny it is that she and I both have stories that parallel each other and got partnered up.
I like that the first chapter jumps right into the action then it goes back to explain how everything got up to that point. I don't want to give anything away but I dig it :)
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Thanks, Jullilly. :)
Sorry, guys, I've been MIA for two weeks. I went home for a two weeks vacation and since we just moved in to a new home, we didnt have internet connection yet. I am planning to start reading tomorrow. I am excited for this one. :)
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I've been MIA a little bit, but I'm planning on getting some reading done this weekend. I did start it, and I really like how in the first chapter Lore tosses you into the world and you're expected to pick things up as you read. The curiosity of wanting to know just what is going on keeps you going :).
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I also started Mare's, although I haven't gotten into my summer reading groove yet. Expect more feedback after the 15th, when I have all the time in the world! But I'm really enjoying Whatever the Night May Bring so far! It's something different from Mare, the whole dark, post-apocalyptic world she's created, but at the same time, it still very much feels like a Mare story, the way she writes the Boys and their bond with each other. When I think of a good Mare story, I think of bromance and suspense, and this one has both!
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I started reading Figured You Out a few days ago just haven't been on AC lately. I like the concept of an over the top fan who is so obsessed with Nick, that she does some crazy ish. I'm wondering exactly how far she will go with this obsession. Will read more this weekend.
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I feel so bad I haven't started reading anything yet. Good thing I have all summer. Been doing 60 to 70 hour work weeks and I haven't had time. Hope to start reading soon. Thanks Erika, I'm glad you're enjoying it so far :)
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It's okay Tracy! As long as you guys are checking in here and letting us know what's going on all is well! So far all of you with the exception of one has done that which is great!
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Sorry I haven't checked in. I haven't been feeling up tomuch of anything these days but this Arizona heat is killing me right now. Give me another week and I should be back in full function mode once I've come to terms with the fact that it's not going to dip below 100 for the next three to four months lol
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^ Well you checked in now and that's all that matters :)
I'm asking you guys to check in whether you have read or not just so your partner knows what's going on and I know no one has flaked on the challenge.
LOL Sorry about the heat, Considering how crazy the weather has been maybe it'll snow next week!
That being said, too all of you, if you haven't started yet, you might want to check that chapter count and make sure if it's a long one, you're giving yourself enough time to get it read by the end of August. Don't wait until the last week of August to start (not that I would let that happen anyway lol)
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I have already started Julilly's story. I am actually on chapter 3 but only left review on the first chapter. Since, I am reading during my lunch breaks i don't want to rush writing the review. I am thinking about it and will write it later.
I love the story! I can't believe on how close i might have written same story as the Hawk and a handsaw. But on my story, it was Brian who died and Nick finding out what caused Brian to commit suicide. :)
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Just finished up chapter 12 of Curtain Call. I really love that Julie decided to alternate points of view between Cary and Nick. I have just finished up Nick's first set of chapters and thought it was very clever the way his story back tracked so we could find out what was going on with Nick medically, culminating with his first meeting with Cary. This story has been great so far.
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Thanks, Mare!
I read two more chapters of Whatever the Night May Bring last night and laughed my ass off at one of them. I love how not only does the story alternate between pre- and post-apocalypse, but because of that, it also alternates between these dark, dramatic scenes and light-hearted, comic ones where you get to see the Boys being the Boys before the world went to hell. It creates a nice balance, and it's an interesting way to tell the story because it's not quite chronological, so I still only know bits and pieces of how they came to be in the situation they're in. It's a little like Lost in that way, maybe, from what I know about Lost without having actually watched the show. No magic turtle, though... yet. :-\
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Yet... ;) lol
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Okay, I finally started my story for the reading challenge- Just One Kiss by Kevmylove. It's a Romance/Dramedy AU. I don't normally like to read romance but I wad chuckling halfway through this chapter. The comedy elements are keeping me interested. I enjoyed the IM convo between Nick and his date, it really added something fun to the mix.
I also liked the banter between Nick and AJ as Nick waited for his date at the observatory, where the beginning of this story takes place.
The female character, Abby seems very strong. She and Nick do not hit it off at first, something I didn't expect from a romance. I also liked their fight leading up to the steamy kiss. It was a great moment of passion and tension. So as far as the first chapter, I can tell I will enjoy the story. Erika has me interested. :)
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^reading your answer made me remember how much I enjoyed reading JOK. You will love this story until the end, Tracy. :)
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Checking in again :) I'm on Chapter 11 of Just One Kiss now. Lots of hi jinx have taken place since I last left off. Nick and Abby are getting to feel awkward towards each other, especially after Nick invites her to a nude photo shoot. Abby is Tiffany's sister. Nick and Tiffany are engaged and Abby is supposed to be helping plan the wedding while the bride to be is in New York. I am curious to find out more about Tiffany and her boss as they seem to have a "close" relationship. Memorable scenes so far include a cake fight and Nick getting poison oak on his "twinkie". I'm really enjoying the comedy elements and will continue reading!
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I have to commend Mare for being such a consistent reader with my story; she's been reading and reviewing a chapter per day every day since she started Curtain Call, and it's been fun to have a new review waiting in my inbox when I wake up every morning.
I have not been such a consistent reader; I tend to read in spurts, a few chapters at a time when I feel like it, but now that my summer vacation has officially started, I should be able to read some every day. I got to a pivotal part of Whatever the Night May Bring today, the emergency landing the story has been teasing the whole time. It's getting really exciting - and creepy - now!
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Thanks, Julie! I love reading first thing in the morning. It's when I am the most focused. It's been fun reading a chapter a day. It's kind of like watching a soap knowing a new episode is going to be there every morning waiting for me. It's also helping me keep track of the date lmao
As for mine, take your time. It was fun seeing all the reviews in my inbox. I give you credit, I don't think I would have the attention span to read as much as you did. Lol
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I am now up to chapter 20 of Curtain Call and now we're almost at the time where the tour is going to start. I am enjoying the switching of points of view in this one. Cary is a very likeable female character and you all know how I feel about females. LOL I'm really enjoying it so far :)
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Now that we're halfway through June I thought i'd just check in to see how everyone is doing. Honestly, I thought i'd have to start nagging everyone but after doing a check of seeing how the reading is going, I was delighted to see almost everyone has started reading their stories! YAY you!!
I'm going to give a slight nudge to Rose and Ritz and a gentle shove to Sue lol Everyone else seems to be doing a great job and is at least three or four chapters into their stories.
Also, authors please remember to respond to your feedback. I really should have put that as one of the rules of this challenge just because I think it's SO wrong to not do it lol It only takes a second to respond and depening on what is said, to defend or thank someone for their input.
Also, don't forget to drop in here on occasion to let us know how the reading is going.
Thanks! And i'll be back next Wednesday with more nudging lol :)
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I am now up to chapter 20 of Curtain Call and now we're almost at the time where the tour is going to start. I am enjoying the switching of points of view in this one. Cary is a very likeable female character and you all know how I feel about females. LOL I'm really enjoying it so far :)
That is the absolute highest praise I could hope to receive from you with a story like this, so thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! :)
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I've stalled a little on my reading but I intentionally left the Safari browser open on my phone so every time I open it that is the first thing that pops up. I'll get there!
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I've just read chapter 7 of The Price of Fame. It's the kind of story which I can't read in work, due to all the sexual scenes. It would be just my luck to get caught by the boss reading about Donnie with his pants down, lol! So if you are going to read this story, don't read it in work :)
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My kids are on vacation now so I'll be able to read more now.
Thank you Tracy for the reviews I'm so glad you're enjoying JOK so far. I thought if I made it more comedic then it wouldn't seem so corny. lol.
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I haven't forgotten about this. Next week, I promise I'll read one chapter every lunch break. :)
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I haven't forgotten. Things have just been a busy. No worries! :)
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Okay, I'm a couple chapters in Chronos Project and I really like the plot idea. Now I have to admit, I'm really picky with female leads, especially if there's barely any sign of the Boys lol. Kevin has appeared for about half a scene, but not much else. I don't know why, but Julie just doesn't seem that engaging as a character. At the same time, it's very early into the fic so it could just be my own pickiness lol.
I like how she explains bits and pieces through dialogue instead of through blocks of text. Too many people try to tell and instead she shows through the conversation with comes off a lot better. It tells some but not everything which makes you want to keep reading.
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Spoke too soon about Kevin lol. He came back again in the next chapter, oops! :P
While Julie's not catching my attention, the way Lore writes Kevin is. I definitely like how he's portrayed.
On another note, I do wanna ask why there's author's notes saying what's coming in the chapter. As a reader I HATE that cause I don't wanna know till I read it LOL. It's just a pet peeve on my end cause it feels like a spoiler I can't control. So I don't get the point of it.
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Up to chapter 19. Lots of things have happened. I really like how Erika has written Nick as an awkward person....alth ough I've seen it before, she's added the humor to tone down drama and put a different spin on it...making the romance part not so dominate which is nice. I am enjoying the inner struggle of Nick's feelings for Abby. However during Abby's meeting with Rochelle it made me wonder how Rochelle could jump to conclusions so soon. Great story so far, I have about 12 chapters left or so to go :)
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During the course of the summer I am going to make a few reader surveys for you to fill out. The first one is called the first impression survey which is for people to fill out only a little ways through. The next one is the halfway there survey which should be filled out when you are about at the halfway mark and the final one is to be completed when you finish the story.
I will post the first survey tomorrow. :)
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Surveys! Good idea, Mare. :)
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Here is the first impression survey!
*To be filled out once you have completed at least five chapters of the story you are reading.
Story you are reading:
How many chapters are in the story?
What chapter are you currently on?
Are the main characters easily defined and strong?
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story?
So far what has been your favorite scene?
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably?
Do you have any questions for the author?
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through?
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly?
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Story you are reading: The Price of Fame
How many chapters are in the story? 20
What chapter are you currently on? Chapter 8
Are the main characters easily defined and strong? Yes
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story? Yes I think so, it's a romance between Donnie who is famous and Kayla who works in a restaurant.
So far what has been your favorite scene? When Donnie told her that he's the one she was warned about.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably? Yes, it's well presented.
Do you have any questions for the author? Can't think of any right now.
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through? Yes, will be nice to see whether they get their happy ending.
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly? Yes she is.
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Story you are reading: Whatever The Night May Bring by Mare
How many chapters are in the story? 47
What chapter are you currently on? 19
Are the main characters easily defined and strong?
Yes! The main characters are the five Boys, although there are a few original characters in smaller roles. What's most interesting to me about the Boys is seeing how different they are in the post-apocalyptic scenes compared to the Millennium era ones. Because the story goes back and forth, the change is obvious - they are definitely dynamic characters! Even though they change individually, though, that brotherly relationship Mare writes so well stays consistent, which is great!
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story?
Yes and no. The parts I'm meant to understand make sense so far, but because of the way it jumps back and forth between two time periods, I'm still missing pieces of the puzzle, which is what keeps me guessing. I can connect some of the dots, but I have no idea where it's all going once the "past" parts catch up to the "future" ones.
So far what has been your favorite scene?
I think Chapter 6 has been my favorite chapter so far, just because it cracked me up - typical old-school BSB hijinks! But a more recent scene I read that stands out in my mind is one from Chapter 12 when they're walking and come across the sea of dead birds in the middle of the road. The imagery was fantastic and so creepy that it literally gave me goosebumps!
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably?
Yes. One thing that's been bugging me (and I don't think Mare could help this) is the formatting issue that leaves giant gaps of white space between paragraphs, but reading ahead to her author's note in Chapter 20, it looks like that was resolved for the rest of the story. I just didn't like having to scroll so much!
Do you have any questions for the author?
Other than the obvious "How did you come up with this?" not offhand. I usually ask questions in my reviews if I have them, but most of my questions with this one are just plot things that I know will be answered if I just keep reading!
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through?
Yes!
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly?
Of course, it's Mare!
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Thanks, Julie! Yeah the formatting thing drove me crazy for this one, unfortunately because I never really go back and read my stuff after it's posted it took awhile for me to realize the gap thing was happening so I had to go re-edit every chapter and I think at the end it happened again but I was too lazy to fix it. If I feel ambitious maybe i'll fix the last few for you before you get there lmao
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That's so annoying! Don't worry, I'll survive if you don't get around to fixing it LOL.
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It was so weird because it's never happened to me before and when I posted it originally it came out looking normal. lol
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Story you are reading: Curtain Call by Julie
How many chapters are in the story? 90
What chapter are you currently on? 23
Are the main characters easily defined and strong?
The main characters are Nick and a girl named Cary and both are very strong and independent characters. I think i'm the only person who hasn't read this story yet so I won't go into details lol
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story?
Yup, I enjoyed the way the plot unfolded through both characters points of view.
So far what has been your favorite scene?
I would have to say this past chapter I read has been my favorite so far just because it was the first one to have the boys in it and Julie does a great job of writing them and their relationship together.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably?
Uh... two words - grammar Nazi! lol
Do you have any questions for the author?
Not really because I kind of ask as I review. I'm liking our conversations within the reviews!
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through?
Yes, very much so. I read a chapter a day first thing in the morning and I always look forward to opening it up and reading the next chapter, as long as AC decides to co-operate!
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly?
Yes she rocks at that!
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Uh... two words - grammar Nazi! lol
Thanks, Mare! ;D Although I will tell you, even Miss Grammar Nazi highlighted 27 typos/errors when reading this on her Kindle that she needs to go back and correct! Scheiße!
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^ just missed words here or there. I have to admit I do smile when I see them and say "She missed one!!" lmao
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^ just missed words here or there. I have to admit I do smile when I see them and say "She missed one!!" lmao
Yep, that's mostly what they were. I do a lot of editing as I write (which is why it takes me so long) and proofread before I post, but my eyes must just skip over those missing words multiple times as my brain fills them in for me! LOL
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Same for me! No matter how many times I re-read, I always end up missing something! LOL
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Story you are reading:
- Just One Kiss by Kevmylove
How many chapters are in the story?
- I think 33
What chapter are you currently on?
- as of this morning I'm on Chapter 12 or 13
Are the main characters easily defined and strong?
- Nick's character definitely is but Abby isn't as much, although I do like her. She has a strong personality.
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story?
- Absolutely.
So far what has been your favorite scene?
- I have two, one where Nick gets Poison Oak on his private parts and the other when Nick and Abby are trying cake and his dog gets loose in the cake shop.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably?
- Yes it has, its easy to read.
Do you have any questions for the author?
- I wonder where she drew her inspiration from for this story but other than that I ask things in my reviews.
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through?
- Yes I am :)
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly?
- Erika hasn't been responding to reviews via the site but has been leaving me thank you comments on my twitter to make up for it. She's trying and I appreciate it.
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Story you are reading:Snowed In
How many chapters are in the story? 15
What chapter are you currently on? N/A
Are the main characters easily defined and strong? yes
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story? yes
So far what has been your favorite scene? The part where Brian comes in and stands in the doorway.The other guys can't get in. LOL
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably? yes,you can read it but there were small places with missing words.
Do you have any questions for the author? not right now don't know if that will change.
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through? I have my story done.It was a great read.
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly? yes
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I was about to copy/paste the questions of the survey when I saw the first line saying I must read at least 5 chapters before filling out the survey. lol I have to read two more chapters to qualify. :)
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That's okay, Ritz! I picked five chapters because at this point in June that should be the least you have read to this point unless you are reading a very short story. You're almost there though! I just did my check lol
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Spoke too soon about Kevin lol. He came back again in the next chapter, oops! :P
While Julie's not catching my attention, the way Lore writes Kevin is. I definitely like how he's portrayed.
On another note, I do wanna ask why there's author's notes saying what's coming in the chapter. As a reader I HATE that cause I don't wanna know till I read it LOL. It's just a pet peeve on my end cause it feels like a spoiler I can't control. So I don't get the point of it.
if you can figure out what it is about Julie that is not catching your attention I would love to know so I can grow with my non-bsb leads.
I did quite enjoy writing Kevin in this story. :)
I did the author notes for this story because back on ff.net days I remember doing the chapter teasers and thought I would use it for this one. I don't typically use them but I did for this. The only thing I found it useful for was me going back to find scenes while I was writing later chapters so I could try to keep plot points straight. I did it for the sequel too but not sure I'd continue it for the last one. I don't like them now either but not sure if I should go through and delete them or leave them be since that is how did it originally.
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Story you are reading: Remember Me This Way
How many chapters are in the story? 39 + Introduction and Epilogue
What chapter are you currently on? 10
Are the main characters easily defined and strong? I have a clear understanding of Nick’s character and how he is reacting to his predicament
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story? I knew it going in…
So far what has been your favorite scene? I like the description of the therapist and her strange baubles, lol because I knew who that was based off of. I do love the scene between Nick and Kevin when he finally breaks down and tells Kevin what is going on with him.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably? Yes, it’s Rose so of course it is.
Do you have any questions for the author? I usually ask them in my reviews and Rose is good about answering them so far
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through? Honestly, no. It has NOTHING to do with the story, the plot is good, the story flows well and the story is being told incredibly well. I am not looking forward to the tears being fought back as I read….
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly? Yes and I appreciate it.
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I like the description of the therapist and her strange baubles, lol because I knew who that was based off of.
I loved that therapist too! She was so quirky, but kind of :crazy:. :P
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Hey all!
It's Wednesday which means check in day. After skimming through it seems like almost everyone is on track with reading which is a great thing. Remember I can only go by reading reviews. If you are reviewing off the site I have no way of knowing. That being said, some of you haven't read anything in quite some time. I know we're all busy but it takes about five to ten minutes to get through one chapter of a story and that's if you are a slow reader.
The first survey is officially due by This Monday, July 2nd. (Yes, I have a due date lol I warned you all how anal I was going to be about this challenge before you signed up!)
By then everyone should have at least read 5 chapters of their story.
Looking forward to reading everyone's comments in here! :)
Happy Reading!
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I'm about halfway through the story I'm reading.
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I am now finished through chapter 15 of Remember Me This Way. So far three of the guys have been told what is going on with Nick, why he's been acting weird. I like how Rose still puts in information about their past even though as fans we know it. Helps me remember who the story is about instead of letting my mind drift to putting another face in the predicament. I know she's not the only author that I've seen do this but I quite enjoy when it's added. Don't assume your reader knows the history ;)
I haven't gotten to the Howie "reveal" yet or AJ's reaction but I am liking how she is giving everyone a different way of finding out and not one lump "here's my issue" (though those aren't bad either). I like how she has each of the guys, believable. :)
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I've been leaving reviews for every chapter but not getting any responses to them. But I'm on chapter 20 or so I think. Halfway done.
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Story you are reading: The Other Side of Nick Carter by Ritz
How many chapters are in the story?: 27, so far
What chapter are you currently on?: 16
Are the main characters easily defined and strong?: Very much so. Their personalities are definitely different and have their own qualities. There are a lot of characters that rotate through the story so while they may only have a couple of chapters of "screen time" they are still given plenty of back story and strong characterizati on.
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story?: The plot is pretty much laid out within the first couple of chapters. I haven't quite figured out where it's going to end up (especially since it's not finished) but I've got the lay of the land thus far.
So far what has been your favorite scene?: I think when Nick goes to see the mother in Colorado to tell her that her daughter is dead. It's an emotional scene and I think Ritz wrote it very tastefully.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably?: Although Ritz seems to doubt her abilities when it comes to English I think that the story is very well written. Her English is better than most native speakers at most points! There are some areas where you can sort of tell that it's not her first language but I think you'd have to know that going in.
Do you have any questions for the author?: I'm just wondering where the inspiration for the story came from?
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through?: Yeah, I'm curious to find out what's going to happen.
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly?: No, but I'm not offended because I haven't replied to hers yet lol
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I've been leaving reviews for every chapter but not getting any responses to them. But I'm on chapter 20 or so I think. Halfway done.
I think Erika has trouble replying to reviews on her iPod, I often see chapter notes mentioning this :)
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Weird, I always respond to my reviews and give reviews using my IPod. It's not that easy but it's more than possible and I suck at this stuff! lol I am usually posting from my Ipod except on Wednesdays and the weekends. That includes posting in here and everywhere else.
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I'm not mad at all. She told me herself that she couldn't reply so it is all good. I just like to see the author's responses when I leave a review.
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No one said you were mad lol
Hope you're enjoying your concert! :)
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I am :) I realized after I posted that...I do sound irritated. It wasn't intended that way. But I saw Erika leave me a few reviews. I will answer when I get home. :)
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I used to have a problem with reviews on my phone too, then all of a sudden it was fine.
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I am done reading Julilly's story! :bananapower:
I was just planning to read a chapter or two since I have domestic duties to attend to. But when I started chapter 7, I can't bring myself to stop. It was very interesting and I was anxious to know what will happen next that I kept on clicking "next". and the next thing I knew I was done reading Chapter 25. :)
I'll be back for the survey 'cause I want to think about it. I want it to be a good one because Julilly definitely deserves it. :)
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YAY!! I finally got some free time and I'm on chapter 15 of Figured You Out! I must say that I feel a bit sorry for Nick, but at the same time I feel that he should have listened to his friends and his gut. Valerie who I suspect is Lucy is totally insane and I believe that he does have some fans like that lol. I really like the way Tracy keeps ending the chapters in a suspenseful way and it leaves wanting to find out what's next. She's also informative even if the chapters are short! I'm enjoying the story!
Also, as I tweeted you for some reason my iPod only let's me respond when it wants. Sometimes I can't even review/post either! It's a real pain in the butt and that's why I always posted a thank you and apology in my notes...lol. I was able to borrow a comp last night and respond to a few reviews. Sowwy :-[
Story you are reading: Figured You Out by DelphinaCarter
How many chapters are in the story? 30
What chapter are you currently on? 15
Are the main characters easily defined and strong? Yes they are.
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story? Hmmm I think so, but I'm sure there are some twists.
So far what has been your favorite scene? The part where AJ asks Nick for a condom because he needs some private time with his monkee.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably? Yes it has.
Do you have any questions for the author? Did you outline this story? What inspired the idea?
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through? Oh yeah! I need to know how far cray cray goes.
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly? Yes she is. Thank you!
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Awww. You're awesome Erika! I was a bit busy this week but I have some free time tomorrow to read. I was at a Beach Boys concert last night so I couldn't respond to the reviews, I'm about to do that now. Today I was spending time with my dad. Thank you so much.
The story idea came to me while I was in high school still....about ten years ago. But when I began writing it for AC the idea came from the crazies I would hear about online, stalkerish girls. The ones who would go to every event to meet them in hopes of getting close.
No I didn't outline, I never do. I just winged it and wrote as I went. No planning at all.
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One question to mare or whoever wants to answer lol ...Should I stop writting on Uncle Daddy until the end of the challenge? Just asking cause I have the rest planned.
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Why would you wait? You should definitely keep writing on it, it's always better to read a completed story then waiting for an update. :)
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Story you are reading: Uncle Daddy by Carterkid
How many chapters are in the story? 12 so far
What chapter are you currently on? Just finished chapter 6
Are the main characters easily defined and strong? Defined yes but not so strong at this point.
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story? It's still early enough but I think I've got the basic jist of the story.
So far what has been your favorite scene? Unfortunately, nothing has stood out for me yet.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably? up through chapter five, no
Do you have any questions for the author? at this time, no.
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through? I'm not far enough in to be sure.
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly? I just started reviewing.
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Time for the Halfway there survey
Fill this one out once you hit the halfway point of the story you are reading.
Name of the story:
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming?
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly?
3) Is it easy to understand?
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking?
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish?
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should?
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through?
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Name of the story:Snowed In
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming? Yes, It's just as I thought it would be.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly? the pace is great and it moves just right
3) Is it easy to understand?Yes it is
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking? like it just fine
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish? its done now
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far
she knows how to write love stories LOL
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should? yes, very much so
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through? no questions
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Story you are reading: Hawk and a Handsaw
How many chapters are in the story? 24+epilogue
What chapter are you currently on? I'm finished reading it.
Are the main characters easily defined and strong? yes. Even Kevin, AJ and Howie who have minor roles, I felt them in the story.
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story? nope. only what the summary said. the story has a lot of turning point/surprises that I couldn't predict what would happen
So far what has been your favorite scene? Nick meeting Valerie. :) and the cute frick and frack moments.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably? yes. Julilly writes so well.
Do you have any questions for the author? maybe does she believe in all the supernatural stuff that she wrote or was it all project of her imagination.
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through? YES!
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly? She just did and I love the fact that she does not only appreciates that I left a review but she appreciated all the things I said.
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Name of the story: Hawk and a Handsaw
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming? yes, a lot! the story has a lot of surprises that I didn't see coming. the very reason why I read chapter 7 until the end in one sitting because there were lot of surprises that kept me interested/intrigued.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly?I thought at first it was moving too fast, but after finishing the story it made me realized that the pacing of the story couldn't be better. The timing is right.
3) Is it easy to understand? yes.
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking? I love the characters, even Sgt. Baker who only appeared once. lol
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish? I was excited enough that I finished it last thursday.
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far the library and Valerie's character.
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should? yes, Julilly is awesome. :)
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through? none. just want to tell her she did a great job writing this story, and thank you for sharing this story to us.
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Name of the story: Just One Kiss by Kevmylove
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming?
- I kind of expected some of it but I am surprised at some of the things that have happened in the story between Tiffany and her boss.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly?
-It is moving at a comfortable pace.
3) Is it easy to understand? Yes
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking?
- At first I was unsure about Abby's character but as the story progressed I am enjoying her.
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish? Absolutely :)
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far
- Erika definitely has a knack for mixing comedy in with the drama and romance aspect of the story. She's done a great job with dialogue as well. I'm enjoying the banter between the characters.
7) Do you feel like you're reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should?
- I feel she is doing the best she can do so far. We've both been reviewing each chapter and responding as well.
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through?
- Where did you get the idea for this story from and what did you use as inspiration for some of the scenes? Did you do any research for it?
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Name of the story: Whatever the Night May Bring
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming?
I just got to the point where the story comes full circle, with the past parts catching up to the present. Because of the way the first half of the story was written, I felt like I could always see the destination ahead; I just didn't know what it was going to take to get there. So while there wasn't a lot that really surprised me, it was fun to go back and fill in all the details that I didn't know about what happened between Point A and Point B. I think from this point on, there will be more surprises because I don't have any future scenes to show me what's coming.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly?
The pacing of the story is perfect. There really haven't been any filler chapters; every chapter tells a different part of their overall story, and it wouldn't make as much sense without each of those scenes to tie it all together.
3) Is it easy to understand?
I could see it possibly be confusing for some readers because of how it jumps around in time, but I've been able to understand it fine, and I think it will be even easier now because it looks like it will proceed in chronological order from this point on.
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking?
Yeah... that's why I think the chapters of each of the Boys back in the Millennium promo days before shit went down were important, because we see how much they've changed as a result of what has happened to them. Even the supporting characters have enough traits that I can get a sense of what kind of people they are or were before all this happened, without them dominating the story.
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish?
Yes! I'm actually really looking forward to reading the alternate endings, old-school CYOA style! I remember when Mare was writing this last year and opted for different ending tracks, and I thought that was a really cool idea at the time, so I'm excited to see how it turned out!
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far
The sci-fi aspect is different for Mare, and since I'm someone who doesn't feel very creative at coming up with that kind of stuff, I have to commend her for that! But I think what stands out most to me is the way the first half of this story was pieced together, out of order but in a way that still made sense. Mare has said she's not an outliner, but that had to have taken some careful planning to get it to work!
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should?
Absolutely! Mare is very consistent; I always wake up to a new review or am still up at 5:30 a.m. when it comes LOL.
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through?
Going back to what I said in #6, how did you go about planning this story? Did you have some sort of outline or timeline written down, or was it in all in your head? When you wrote the first scene of Nick and Howie in Randy and Clara's shack, did you know how they came to be there, or did you make up the backstory as you went along? And did you write the chapters in the same order you posted them, or did you write the events more chronologicall y?
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Thanks for all that, Julie! As far as your question... I had originally planned this entire story to be a CYOA so I had a general idea how I wanted it to go but didn't have it really outlined or plotted out. Once I figured out I couldn't do the entire story that way (too much work and really hard to lay out on AC) I went with choosing MY own adventure instead lol I knew some things were definitely going to happen but the overall writing of this was more a well what would I do now? Sometimes I was surprised in the direction it took but I just overall went with it. So yes, believe it or not, there was no outline or writing out of order. Just going with the flow & with the exception of a few 'oopsies' here & there. It's nice to know it came off well planned lol :)
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Name of the story: The Price of Fame
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming? It's going the way I thought it would, no surprises yet.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly? It's quite a fast paced story, sometimes a little too fast in places. I wanted to read more about the cruise and hoped for some crazy fan encounters :)
3) Is it easy to understand? Yes, it's very easy to understand. Dottie has written the story clearly and presented it in a way which wouldn't confuse a reader.
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking? I feel like I don't really know enough about Kayla to get a picture in my head of her.
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish? Yes, I want to see if they get their happy ending.
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far. The sex scenes have stood out so far, lol
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should? Yes, Dottie has been reviewing my story and I've responded to them.
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through? What inspired you to write this story, did you go on the NKOTB cruise?
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Thanks for all that, Julie! As far as your question... I had originally planned this entire story to be a CYOA so I had a general idea how I wanted it to go but didn't have it really outlined or plotted out. Once I figured out I couldn't do the entire story that way (too much work and really hard to lay out on AC) I went with choosing MY own adventure instead lol I knew some things were definitely going to happen but the overall writing of this was more a well what would I do now? Sometimes I was surprised in the direction it took but I just overall went with it. So yes, believe it or not, there was no outline or writing out of order. Just going with the flow & with the exception of a few 'oopsies' here & there. It's nice to know it came off well planned lol :)
I so envy your ability to do that! LOL
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I so envy your ability to do that! LOL
Thanks! lol
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Name of the story: Figured You Out
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming? Yes it has. Although, I was surprised that Lauren came back to Nick and he ended up losing her anyway.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly? The pacing is a bit fast, but you get a pretty good idea of how obsessed Valerie is and how freaked out Nick is and it keeps you guessing.
3) Is it easy to understand? Yes it is.
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking? I'm not liking Valerie, but obviously because she's nuts and dangerous! Nick works my nerves for giving into her. lol.
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish? Yes. I want to know what the heck happens to crazy girl!
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far? I can feel the fear Nick feels as he finds those letters!
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should? Yes she has.
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through? No questions at the time she answered it in a review response.
Tracy's question- Where did you get the idea for this story from and what did you use as inspiration for some of the scenes? Did you do any research for it?
I was watching some wedding movie and I imagined Nick having to help out to organize it and how he would proly suck at it. lol. Then I thought hmmm what if he had to do it with the sibling of the bride and fell for her. Quite the dilemma.
Girl, I definitely had to do research cause although I'm married I didn't do the traditional all white...glamou r wedding. I literally had to look up the process of wedding planning, what is done and how. Then let's add goofy Nick to the process and you got some awkwardly fun times.
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Yay! I just finished reading Figured You Out. Tracy did an awesome job keeping me guessing and sitting on the edge of my seat. What I liked the most was that she also included the rest of the boys! She did great with this story she had me mad...worried and laughing through it. Great job Tracy! I really enjoyed it and I'm glad those two crazies got what they deserved and it wasn't jail time! ;)
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Just now finished erika's story "just one kiss". Highly recommend reading it, it was enjoyable and the dialogue was fun. I loved the descriptions and situations Nick and Abby were in, everything fell into place. Great job!!!
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You guys are rocking this challenge this year! Woot!!!
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Story you are reading: Remember Me This Way
How many chapters are in the story? 39 + Introduction and Epilogue
What chapter are you currently on? 10
Are the main characters easily defined and strong? I have a clear understanding of Nick’s character and how he is reacting to his predicament
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story? I knew it going in…
So far what has been your favorite scene? I like the description of the therapist and her strange baubles, lol because I knew who that was based off of. I do love the scene between Nick and Kevin when he finally breaks down and tells Kevin what is going on with him.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably? Yes, it’s Rose so of course it is.
Do you have any questions for the author? I usually ask them in my reviews and Rose is good about answering them so far
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through? Honestly, no. It has NOTHING to do with the story, the plot is good, the story flows well and the story is being told incredibly well. I am not looking forward to the tears being fought back as I read….
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly? Yes and I appreciate it.
LOL I'm sorry, everyone tells me I owe them tissues. :P
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Story you are reading:
Chronos Project by Lore
How many chapters are in the story?
Thirty Eight
What chapter are you currently on?
Six, but I paused so I could fill this out since things have been a little hectic for me.
Are the main characters easily defined and strong?
Kevin is, Nick just got introduced so it's too early for me to say. Julie, unfortunately comes off a little bland. I think her interactions a little awkward, stiff, and that she doesn't have enough depth. But it's still early. I just find myself caring more about Kevin than her, which is rare since unless it's a bromance, I don't usually read Kevin fics lol.
Have you figured out the overall plot of the story?
Not 100% yet, but you're not supposed to yet. She gives you bits of info at a time.
So far what has been your favorite scene?
I really loved the first scene of the story actually. Lore just throws you into Julie's world without explaining remotely what's going on. You just experience it with her. It's a great draw into the rest of the story.
Has the story been edited enough to read comfortably?
Of course, I've seen a slight formatting issue in Ch. 5 where she should've had space for dialogue I think it was, but it was minor, easy to do when posting.
Do you have any questions for the author?
Not yet, I'm enjoying watching the way it unfolds.
Is this something you are looking forward to reading the entire way through?
Yep :)
Is the author responding to your feedback regularly?
Yes, Lore's been great about that.
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Just wanted to say keep up the good work everyone!
You guys have until the end of the month to fill out the half way there survey and that's when i'll post the final one for you!
Happy reading!!
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Are the main characters easily defined and strong?
Kevin is, Nick just got introduced so it's too early for me to say. Julie, unfortunately comes off a little bland. I think her interactions a little awkward, stiff, and that she doesn't have enough depth. But it's still early. I just find myself caring more about Kevin than her, which is rare since unless it's a bromance, I don't usually read Kevin fics lol.
I think I want her to come off a little awkward with the traveling outside of her time.
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Okay, it just makes her very hard to relate to as a character and her interactions.
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^ no I don't want her to be completely awkward just somewhat awkward so I thank you for saying that she comes off awkward and bland. :)
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1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming? - It has been going the path I thought it would, hard not to with the storyline that this is.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly? -So far I feel that the story is progressing at a normal rate, not too fast, not too slow. I don’t feel there are many filler chapters as Rose’s chapters each tend to advance the story along.
3) Is it easy to understand? -Well there was one line that Brian spoke I had to re-read a couple of times to understand but that was intentional so yes, easy to understand.
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking? -I’d love more Kevin, of course lol, but Rose has each of the boys in a very believable manner.
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish? -I want to finish it to find out how things are going to be handled by excited, no; I am never excited to read something that could make me cry. ;)
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far - Rose has a great way of writing the bond between Brian and Nick and Kevin and Nick. I enjoy reading their interactions.
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should? - Rose has given me some good feedback so far and though I know she’s been busy I also know she will not let me down.
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through? I can’t think of any but usually if I have a question I ask her when I review.
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Once again just reminding everyone to keep reading! come Sunday we will be at the halfway mark of the summer already! (Oh noes!!) so you might want to keep that in mind as far as your reading goes. If you hit Sunday and aren't halfway through your story, you may want to step it up!
Also don't forget to fill out those surveys once you get there!
I will start bugging some of you by next Wednesday but hopefully by then I won't have to!
:)
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YAY! Finally made it to the halfway point! :)
Name of the story: Curtain Call
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming?
Yup, it's pretty much still going down that road although it's not really a secret what it's about lol
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly?
Every chapter has served a purpose to move the story forward. The pacing is good, a little slow as far as moving the plot along but now that Julie explained why, i'm hoping it'll pick up the pace a little. Too bad Lauren didn't get sick the first or second show lmao
3) Is it easy to understand?
Considering all the medical jargon, you would think not, but Julie does such a great job making everything so easy to follow you would almost think it was being written bv a doctor. I said it before and I am saying it again, queen of medical drama! lol
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking?
The characters are incredibly well developed. They could each very easily stand on their own. I admit I loved Cary at first and now I don't like her that much at all but i'm sure that will change in the second half of the story and that's a testament to her personality. Not because she's dull and one dimensional, because she's not! but because she is so much her own person and her personality is so established, it's easy for me to get caught up in her flaws and yearning to want to be liked.
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish?
Of course! Now that the secret is almost out, i'm really looking forward to see how it all plays out and if it really will impact things as much as Nick thought it would.
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far
Without a doubt, Julie's gift of description. Even the littlest details she manages to throw in just the right amount of explaining with what she's writing about. It's really a gift that she has. Sutble things like what the characters are doing as they sing songs or even just laying in bed watching TV could be boring but not when she writes them.
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should?
Yes, she is already done and has been great with reviews, questions and everything else!
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through?
Not really. She has answered pretty much everything I have asked and put up with my nagging her the whole time! lol
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Thanks Mare! Believe it or not, I was originally planning this to carry on through BOTH legs of the North American tour, which would have meant another month more of the same, but by the time I made it up to about where you are, I was so done, I knew that would not be happening LOL. That doesn't explain why there's another 45 chapters left for you to read, but you know me... I don't do short stories. :P I hope the rest doesn't drag! Thanks for the compliments on my description and character development! :)
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Just so you know Lore, I haven't forgotten you :). It seems like anytime I wanted to read the site got glitchy and wouldn't load LOL. That said I'll probably be reading more during the week :).
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I didn't think you forgot. :) It has been acting strange this past week/end. That reminds me I need to read some more of RMTW. heh
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Name of the story: Chronos Project
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming?
So far it's had some nice twists and turns but nothing predictable. I did not see Julie accepting Jeff's proposal, him flipping out over a hug, and then her screwing Nick that night when just yesterday she was thinking of how much she liked Kevin LOL. I was so WTF over that.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly?
I think the pacing is fine, it's not rushed but it's not dragging either.
3) Is it easy to understand? Yes
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking?
I feel like Lore's biggest weakness is original characters. Her writing is good on description and flows well. Her writing of the Boys suits their personalities as well within an AU world where they're not our "Boys". But when it comes to Julie, and even her now ex Jeff, their actions don't really mesh with how she sets them up. Their motivations go one way, while their actions are a 180 in the other direction. It could be why I don't connect to Julie very well. I can't understand her. She doesn't trust Kevin when all the signs point for her to trust him. I find her to be a little too dense too LOL. That's an issue cause you gotta be able to believe she's smart enough to successfully be a double agent.
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish?
Yes, I want to see how it ends. :)
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far
The way she was able to create this technology for the story. I feel like it was very creative and not something every author could pull off.
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should?
Yep! Lore's been great about reviews.
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through?
Nothing I think she'll answer LOL.
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That section of the whole Jeff/Julie and the Nick sex was the one area of the story where I really, really had a hard time wrapping my head around myself. In retrospect I would have taken the Jeff/Julie thing a completely different way but I think I was so caught up in the story and my own outline that I didn't take the time to deter with that part to make it work better. This was the area of the story where Nick took over, bastard! I tried to steer him different ways but he was like "I'm not the main character! Ha! watch me morph my own role"
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Yeah, you definitely rushed that, so it seems very very out of character and confusing. I think maybe if you had taken more time with it, I'd have been able to see where everyone was coming from. As it reads, yeah I was a bit "whoa, wait, what?!" on it LOL.
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And I'm done with Remember Me This Way, phew. Now I don't have to worry about the tears that will come cause I'm done they are done...
It's hard for me to think of anything to really comment on now. I've told her how I liked how she portrayed the guys in the story and how towards the end of the story it switched from us seeing Nick's mind to seeing what it was doing to everyone else.
Do we have the completed survey yet? LOL
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and to clarify, it's not my typical type because I don't like reading stories I know will make me tear up... seriously that's the only reason. LOL
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LOL just wait till you finish Curtain Call.
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I know I still need to finish it but I'm avoiding it because of that very reason
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And I'm done with Remember Me This Way, phew. Now I don't have to worry about the tears that will come cause I'm done they are done...
It's hard for me to think of anything to really comment on now. I've told her how I liked how she portrayed the guys in the story and how towards the end of the story it switched from us seeing Nick's mind to seeing what it was doing to everyone else.
Do we have the completed survey yet? LOL
Not yet but I'm posting it tomorrow since so many people seem to be done or almost done :)
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Hey guys! I can't believe July is almost over! That means so is this challenge, which also means it's time for Mare to start some nagging when needed. Those of you who did this last year must admit I've been far better this year than last with this lol but now it's coming down to the wire so I will be pushing some of you to get this thing done before the deadline.
I'm compiling a list of your progress so far and remember I can only base it on what I see in the reviews.
People who have finished reading their stories:
Lore
Tracy
carterkid
Ritz
Erika
Julie
Congrats, you all get a gold star!!
People are at least at the halfway point reading:
Steph
Julilly
Rose
Dottie
Mare
Sue
People in yellow still need to complete their halfway through surveys!
Okay so now we all know where we stand. I will be nudging you every week or so to get you going. I know with vacations, work, real life etc...we all get busy but really do your best to get this done!
Thanks guys!!!
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The final survey (to be completed once you are done with your story)
*Please remember that when you signed up for this challenge, you were aware that the feedback you would be getting would be in the form of some constructive criticism so these last questions were designed to bring that out. I hope no one will be offended by anyone's responses, but then again if this challenge was done correctly, no one should be overly surprised by most of the things said. Of course if all you got was "Great job!" on every chapter and then tell us you hated the story, the author has ever reason to question you about it and I have every reason to poke you in the eye with a spork!
Name of story:
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point?
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story?
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it?
4) What was your favorite part of the story?
5) Who was your favorite character and why?
6) What about your least favorite character and why?
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it?
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would?
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was?
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one.
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours?
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better?
13) Any final comments for the author?
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The Writer's Survey (To be completed once the person who is reading your story is completely finished reviewing it!)
* This is the chance to let your reader know how you felt about the experience. Same deal as the one above. Be honest, be fair and be ready to explain if you are asked a question.
1) Do you feel like the person reading your story, gave it a fair shot?
2) Did you take away anything valuable from the feed back given to you from the person reading your story?
3) Did anything the reader say to you, make you reconsider things you have written and change or correct things?
4) Are there any questions you'd like to ask the person who read your story?
5) Any final thoughts or comments concerning the reading challenge and the person who read your stuff?
6) Would you consider doing this again next year?
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Which page is the halfway survey on? I can't find it. :/
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Hrmm I think maybe 6?
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Disregard! Crisis averted. I checked every page except the one it was on.
Name of the story:
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming?
I feel like at this point the story has established a formula and is sticking with it. There hasn't been too many surprises once the major plot points were revealed.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly?
I'd say it's moving along at a steady pace. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of filler but I don't feel like it's jumping too far forward either.
3) Is it easy to understand?
Very much so! Ritz's English is much better than she gives herself credit for, I think. She does a good job of painting a mental image.
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking?
I feel like this story, like most fanfic, uses an assumption that you know details about the characters just because you know who they "are". I'm guilty of it too, but there isn't a whole lot by way of character development done by the author because there's an expectation that you already know the details of their personality.
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish?
Ritz might think I have checked out but honestly I'm just a slow reader. I can never sit down and read something straight through. I have about 5 chapters left to catch up to the last updated chapter and I'm looking forward to them!
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far
I don't know if any one thing in particular has jumped out at me so far but then again the story is really only at the middle. There's so much more than could develop as the plot continues to arc so I think there's a big opportunity for stand-out moments. At this point though I would say the uniqueness of the plot is the story's biggest strength.
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should?
She was awesome! She is a much better reader and me and finished H&H in one go. She left me some great reviews that I was super appreciative of.
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through?
Hmm. No, I don't think I do. Not YET anyway!
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^ and now I will de yellowize your name! :) lol
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^ and now I will de yellowize your name! :) lol
That's so funny, the editor at the magazine I've been working at this summer uses the term "yellowize" and I always laugh. Apparently it's more common than I thought!
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I thought I just made it up. Bummer! lol
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Name of story: Remember Me This Way by Rose
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point?
Because the length of Song For the Undead frightened me and I'd been meaning to read RMTW anyway. I hadn't read it because from the summary and that it was angst, drama I thought it was going to have to do with his drug usage, like he picked up the habit again. I know he went through it but I tend to not want to read about it. And obviously I am bad at discerning plots from summaries. Then when I found out it WASN'T drugs I put it on my list and just hadn't gotten around to it.
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story?
Not tearing up at work....
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it?
At first I viewed it like homework because it was an assigned story that I was going to leave comments on and fill out surveys. It's how my head works. I don't think I ever stopped viewing it as homework but I loved school and homework so I don't view that as a bad thing. It wasn't a chore to read though I enjoyed reading it.
4) What was your favorite part of the story?
Towards the end when the boys are fighting about how to handle Nick and what to do with him. I felt that was a very real part of the story and touched on so many feelings.
5) Who was your favorite character and why?
Kevin...duh... oh you didn't ask favorite boy. LOL. I liked Nick, his frustrations with what he was going through and his feelings and that he didn't want to be treated in a certain way because he felt that, to him, it would just mean the end of how things were and he didn't want that even if he knew it was coming. You grieved along with him as he went through the process.
6) What about your least favorite character and why?
Aaron. I can't even say Jane because of how she turned out in the end but Aaron never got to that point and left Nick with a void, the douche.
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it?
There is no way there could be a sequel to this story and I would have to slap Rose's wrists with a ruler if she tried.
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would?
There was not any other way the story could end. I liked how she switched from Nick's POV to Brian's when she did, it was easier to see the end of it through Brian's eyes.
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was?
Let's find a cure for Alzheimers.
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one.
I joked with Rose that I should have chosen Song for the Undead towards the end of reading RMTW but I'm glad I didn't. I'd still be reading SFTU if I chose it and I enjoyed reading RMTW. There was nothing CC I think I could have commented on, about the time that story starts to drag a little from Nick's POV the switch comes and you see the end from Brian's so it doesn't continue to lull. I saw a few word errors but it was nothing worth mentioning since I am no grammar queen. At one point my reviews just became reactions to the chapter instead of trying to find something to compliment Rose on for each chapter.
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours?
I liked it this year. It's easier to create a dialogue of discussion between the people who are reading. If I mentioned to Rose something I liked it would be easy for her to return the compliment on something I wrote and vice versa. Not saying you should feel obligated to give me a compliment when I compliment your work. If that made sense at all to anyone.
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better?
I liked how it worked this year.
13) Any final comments for the author?
I used about 5-7 tissues total and am expecting a reimbursement. :)
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Name of story: Just One Kiss by kevmylove
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point?
- I chose Just One Kiss for the reason that I don't read a lot of romance. I think that was one reason I hadn't read it before. I like comedy and I saw the story had a lot in it, plus I heard good things about it.
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story?
- Making time to read with the amount of hours I work. I finished fairly quickly though.
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it?
- I looked forward to reading Erika's story because I'd heard a lot of good comments about it. It sounded like a story I'd enjoy and I was so eager that I began reading before the reading challenge officially started :)
4) What was your favorite part of the story?
- I really liked the cake scene where they had the fight in the bakery....and when Nick gets poison oak on his crotch. Erika really knows how to write a very comical, awkward scene :)
5) Who was your favorite character and why?
- I guess Nick because he was the main character. He was really well written and developed. I enjoyed him a lot.
6) What about your least favorite character and why?
- Probably Tiffany for obvious reasons. She just really irked me.....not because of the writing style but what she did in the story.
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it?
- I think the story is perfect the way it is, but if she wrote one....yeah I'd be interested.
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would?
- It ended just the way I thought it would and was very sweet. I was happy with the ending.
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was?
- Don't judge a book by it's cover. That's what I got from how Nick fell in love with Abby, and it's what I realized about her character in the end.
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one.
- I had a great experience reading her story. Erika and I have gotten along well during this challenge and I enjoyed reading her responses to my feedback. I tried to be detailed with mine and hope it was a good experience with her as well. As for a different story, honestly I don't remember what the other choices were lol.
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours?
- I liked how we did things this year, but both years were very fair. I liked the choosing your own story option and submitting more than one.
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better?
- Nope, everything was perfect.
13) Any final comments for the author?
- I look forward to seeing Erika's survey and I am planning on checking out another story of hers next.
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LOL Lore I'd be broke if I bought everyone some who told me I owed them tissues :P.
I don't doubt there's a few word errors in there though. I swear I always miss something. This is why when I give concrit I don't focus on that LOL. (Unless there's so many it's ridiculous).
I like that you touched on if I hadn't switched it might've dragged. That's exactly why I didn't show Nick degenerating till the end. It would've dragged I felt, more than the angst it would've brought was worth.
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I need to carry on reading, but I haven't forgot about it :)
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The final survey
Name of story: Whatever the Night May Bring
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point?
I chose this one because I had been meaning to read it anyway; I started to when Mare first started posting it, but fell behind quickly and thought I'd be better off just waiting until it was finished to catch up because of the nature of the story - I knew all the cliffhangers and switching back and forth were going to drive me nuts if I had to wait for each chapter to be posted.
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story?
Really, the same thing that kept me from reading it as Mare was writing it - the back and forth, out of order way in which it was told. Even though I like long stories, I'm not always a patient reader; I hate the suspense of having to wait to find out the solution to the mystery or the secret a character is hiding or what horrible thing happened in their past that they have yet to reveal. At the same time, I love that suspense because that's what makes the experience of reading fun; you will never catch me peeking at the back of a book to find out what happens at the end. Instead, I tend to plow through books as fast as I can so I can find out LOL. I think if I'd had a copy of this story in print or on my Kindle, I would have finished it a lot faster than I did just to find out how everything turned out, but reading on the computer and stopping to review after each chapter slows me down.
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it?
I was looking forward to it because it was really just the kick in the pants I needed to get me to go read a story that had been on my list to read anyway. I review what I read anyway, and I love filling out surveys, so not even those parts made it feel like homework. The only thing that might have made it feel that way at times was the fact that Mare was so disciplined about reading a chapter of my story each day, and she never skipped a day, so I felt bad when I'd go several days without reading any of hers. But I am not a chapter a day kind of reader; I tend to read more sporadically, but in bigger spurts.
4) What was your favorite part of the story?
I don't want to give away too much for anyone who hasn't read this story, so I will just say it was from the climax to the end (both ends), the climax (in my mind) being the death of a major character. That part in itself was pretty damn epic, and I like how the choices the surviving characters had to make afterwards led to two different endings, both of which I enjoyed reading.
5) Who was your favorite character and why?
Mare does a great job at writing all five Backstreet Boys, and they were so balanced in this story that they equal out in my mind, so I'm gonna go with Doppleganger Nick. He was really interesting because there were two vastly different ways of looking at him. In the eyes of some, he was a villain, but in other ways, not so much. Even though there was only one part written from his perspective, I felt that Mare did a great job of showing his feelings throughout so that the controversial choices he made were justified.
6) What about your least favorite character and why?
To be honest, I didn't really care about most of the characters who were not the Backstreet Boys. They were important to the story in that they helped the Boys and were "there" in a world that would have otherwise been empty, but I don't feel that I really knew much about any of them besides maybe Charlie, Don, their dad, and Matt. I liked those guys, but didn't care much for Randy and Clara or Sydney, probably for the same reason that Mare hates female leads - it was a BSB fic, so I was most interested in reading about the Boys.
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it?
I would probably give it a try, but I don't think the story needs one and don't think Mare is planning to write one either LOL.
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would?
I was happy with "the real ending." :) The other ending made me scream at my computer, but I liked that one too as an alternate ending. I would not have been happy if that had been the only ending, though! There were some things about both endings that I saw coming, but they both surprised me, too, as far as who ended up dead or not dead in the end LOL.
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was?
Be grateful for the life you're living and never take it for granted, because it can disappear in an instant and you could end up living in a parallel universe that completely sucks ass! LOL
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one.
I really enjoyed this story. It kept me guessing, and it made me think. I am glad I went back and read it after it was finished because I think I would have been frustrated waiting for updates on it. I loved the two different ending strands; that was creative and fun. The feedback I gave along the way was mostly just my reactions while reading and compliments about Mare's awesome imagery, creative storytelling, and talent at writing each of the guys' perspectives. There really wasn't a lot to critique. I'm definitely glad I picked this one!
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours?
I liked the way we did it this year better, where we read each other's stories. It was nice to be able to have a back and forth discussion about each other's stories, and I think it made everyone more accountable for reading and giving feedback. If I remember correctly, we had more people bail on this last year and leave someone hanging, but this year, if that happened, you at least had the option to stop reading and reviewing your partner's story until they held up their end of the bargain LOL.
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better?
I hope we do it again this year, and if others agree, I think it'd be a good idea to pair people up again like you did this year.
13) Any final comments for the author?
You rock, Mare! Keep writing fanfic!! ;D
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The Writer's Survey (To be completed once the person who is reading your story is completely finished reviewing it!)
* This is the chance to let your reader know how you felt about the experience. Same deal as the one above. Be honest, be fair and be ready to explain if you are asked a question.
1) Do you feel like the person reading your story, gave it a fair shot?
Absolutely! Julie was great during this whole process.
2) Did you take away anything valuable from the feed back given to you from the person reading your story?
Most of Julie's feedback was in reaction to the things going on in the story but just knowing she was understanding what I was trying to accomplish and getting the things I was hoping people would get, made me feel great.
3) Did anything the reader say to you, make you reconsider things you have written and change or correct things?
No, but this story was finished before she started reading it lol
4) Are there any questions you'd like to ask the person who read your story?
Nope, we kept a pretty steady dialogue going throughout so anything that needed to be asked, was. At least on my end lol
5) Any final thoughts or comments concerning the reading challenge and the person who read your stuff?
Julie, you were really great! I always looked forward to reading your thoughts on chapters and loved when you picked up on the things I so wanted people to pick up on. Your feedback was thoughtful and always insightful, even for the filler chapters when there wasn't all that much to say, you still managed to pick something out and I really appreciate that, so thanks!
6) Would you consider doing this again next year?
Of course lol
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3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it?
I was looking forward to it because it was really just the kick in the pants I needed to get me to go read a story that had been on my list to read anyway. I review what I read anyway, and I love filling out surveys, so not even those parts made it feel like homework. The only thing that might have made it feel that way at times was the fact that Mare was so disciplined about reading a chapter of my story each day, and she never skipped a day, so I felt bad when I'd go several days without reading any of hers. But I am not a chapter a day kind of reader; I tend to read more sporadically, but in bigger spurts.
Aww, I was worried my over anal-ness when it came to my own reading was going to make you feel pressured to review me! Sorry about that. I was hoping you'd slow yourself down and even told you to a couple of times. I just knew your story had 90 chapters so that's why I went with the chapter a day thing. I told you guys, I have a problem with that! LOL
And thank you for all your comments! I really enjoyed having you as my reading buddy this summer! :)
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The Writer's Survey (To be completed once the person who is reading your story is completely finished reviewing it!)
* This is the chance to let your reader know how you felt about the experience. Same deal as the one above. Be honest, be fair and be ready to explain if you are asked a question.
1) Do you feel like the person reading your story, gave it a fair shot?
I do, especially since Lore knew going in that it was going to be a tearjerker.
2) Did you take away anything valuable from the feed back given to you from the person reading your story?
Most of her feedback was good and reactionary, it showed me she got where I was going with things I'd do in the chapters. Just because I know what the character is doing or thinking doesn't mean the readers do. Since I knew she was reading it for this, her feedback was good in letting me know I went about it the right way.
3) Did anything the reader say to you, make you reconsider things you have written and change or correct things?
Not really, but that's because it was already finished lol. That and she really was giving positive feedback in how I did things. So I see no need to change it.
4) Are there any questions you'd like to ask the person who read your story?
What would you have thought if I kept going and showed Nick's complete degeneration to the end? I explained why I ended it the way I did, but some people have asked before about it. I wouldn't mind getting your thoughts on that Lore.
5) Any final thoughts or comments concerning the reading challenge and the person who read your stuff?
Lore, your feedback has been great! I wasn't sure what to expect cause in some ways that story was my baby because it was my first "different" (compared to past stories) story I've done in awhile. I'm glad you were paired with me because I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts.
6) Would you consider doing this again next year?
Yep!
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Aww, I was worried my over anal-ness when it came to my own reading was going to make you feel pressured to review me! Sorry about that. I was hoping you'd slow yourself down and even told you to a couple of times. I just knew your story had 90 chapters so that's why I went with the chapter a day thing. I told you guys, I have a problem with that! LOL
And thank you for all your comments! I really enjoyed having you as my reading buddy this summer! :)
It's okay! I reminded myself of that, that you were stuck reading a story twice as long as the one you wrote, so it made sense for you to pace yourself that way. I definitely didn't rush through it; I read at the pace I would have if I was just reading it for fun outside of the challenge. But I wanted to make sure I got started early and reviewed something at least every few days so I wouldn't get nagged! :)
You're welcome, and back at ya! I've been enjoying your reviews along the way and am looking forward to your overall comments when you're done reading. :)
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I wouldn't have started nagging you until today lol today is when the nagging commences :)
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The Writer's Survey (To be completed once the person who is reading your story is completely finished reviewing it!)
What would you have thought if I kept going and showed Nick's complete degeneration to the end? I explained why I ended it the way I did, but some people have asked before about it. I wouldn't mind getting your thoughts on that Lore.
I think if you had gone on to show Nick's degeneration to the end the chapters would have been harder to really understand. To make it true to the disease you would have not been able to put any of this thoughts as we know him in the chapters and the chapters may not have come across as you wanted. In my opinion at least. I think you could have done, maybe, a final chapter with him in the end to show just how far he was gone but I think the way you handled it was great. We got to see Nick's frustrations and slips throughout the first 2/3 of the story, it was important, I think, to show how the others were reacting to it instead of us getting lost in Nick's mind with him. I think the way it was written gave the story more of the effect you wanted, the tears came more when I read about Brian's POV and how hard it was on him.
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Thanks, that's helpful and I appreciate the answer :).
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Halfway there survey
1) Since you started the story, has it lead you down the path you thought it would or have there been any surprises you didn't see coming?
Not particularly.
2) How is the pacing of the story? Do you feel like there are too many filler chapters or is it moving too quickly?
It's running a little slow for my liking
3) Is it easy to understand?
I've had no problems understanding the premise.
4) Have the characters fully developed to your liking? If not, what are they lacking?
The characters could definitely use some more development. I can't feel what they're feeling
5) Is this something you are still excited to finish?
If the story were more developed, I would say yes but it hasn't even developed into what the summary has promised.
6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far
Nothing has particulary stood out for me at this point in the story.
7) Do you feel like your reading partner has been reading and reviewing your work fairly and has been participating as they should?
Yes
8) Any questions for the author now that you're halfway through?
None that I can think of at this time
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Name of story:Snowed In
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point? I didn't read it before hand because I didn't see it at AC.As for why I picked it,it just sounded funny.
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story? It had yucky sex scence lol
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment?AT first,more of a homework assignment. Did that change once you got into it? yes
4) What was your favorite part of the story? My favorite part was when the other guys showed up at the cabin.
5) Who was your favorite character and why? Nick and Kevin were both my favorite.
6) What about your least favorite character and why? didn't really have a least favorite.
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it? yes
8) Were you happy with the ending? yes Did it end the way you predicted it would? I didn't have an prediction in the first place.
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was? I don't think you can learn anything in this matter but if I had to guess I'll say don't bring your mate on any kind of 'group trips'
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one.
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours? both ways work for me
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better? nope
13) Any final comments for the author? nope
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Name of story: Figured You Out by DelphinaCarter
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point?
I'd heard good things about this story and I hadn't read it before because I kinda suck at reading! Sometimes I do tend to go on a reading spree!
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story?
When my iPod didn't want to review on each chapter. Other than that I tried my best to keep a good reading pace.
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it?
As soon as I started I was really curious to find out what happened in the next chapter. It didn't feel like homework at all.
4) What was your favorite part of the story?
AJ and Brian playing detectives. They didn't give up on their friend and just knew something wasn't right.
5) Who was your favorite character and why?
I'm going to have to say AJ I just love how he brings the humor to the story.
6) What about your least favorite character and why?
Obviously cray cray Valerie. I just don't know how someone can get so obsessed and harm the person they are interested in. Ugh I'm so glad she got what she deserved!! (ok that was mean...)
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it?
Unless Valerie comes back as a crazy stalker zombie there won't be a sequel. It's great the way it ended!
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would?
Yes I was happy with the ending! I predicted the whole AJ and Brian crackin the case just because they were so determined. But I never imagined Valerie ending up the way she did. I also thought Nick was a goner! phew
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was?
Trust your gut!! Also trust your close friends when they tell you somethings not right...
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one.
Most of my reviews were my reactions to the chapter and they were positive because I really enjoyed reading this story. Even though the chapters were short they gave enough information. Tracy does a great job with keeping you guessing and on the edge of your seat. I had heard good things about this story that's why I picked it!
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours?
I really enjoyed this year and reading each other's story was much better and easier. I also liked having a few stories to choose from.
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better?
None. It's just fine.
13) Any final comments for the author?
Great job!!
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^ Crazy stalker zombie!
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6) Tell us something you feel has stood out about the story. The biggest strength thus far
I don't know if any one thing in particular has jumped out at me so far but then again the story is really only at the middle. There's so much more than could develop as the plot continues to arc so I think there's a big opportunity for stand-out moments. At this point though I would say the uniqueness of the plot is the story's biggest strength.
Thank you for your great answers, Julilly! This is what I was worried about when I joined the reading challenge, that the story is not yet finished and I don't think I am halfway through the story. The twist/surprises will be on the later chapters once I established the new characters like Kate. Hopefully, you'd still read the updates when the reading challenge is over. :)
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Name of story:
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point? I picked this one because I've not read any NKOTB stories before so thought I'd challenge myself.
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story? I think the biggest challenge was that it was a NKOTB story as I really don't care for them enough to want to read about them. But that was the whole idea wasn't it, to read something we wouldn't usually read.
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it? Honestly, in the beginning it did feel like a homework assignment, but as I got into it more, I was curious to see how it would all work out in the end.
4) What was your favorite part of the story? When Kayla's restaurant burned down. I liked the suspense of not knowing if she and the baby would be OK, it definitely made me want to hit that 'next' button.
5) Who was your favorite character and why? I liked Jon because he seemed like a really nice guy and a good friend to both Donnie and Kayla.
6) What about your least favorite character and why? I found Donnie to be a bit of an arsehole at times.
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it? Not really a fan of sequels unless there is still plenty of story to tell. I think Dottie wrapped this one up nicely and there is no need for a sequel.
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would? I think it ended just right. I guessed from the start that they would have a happy ever after, and I must admit that I do like a happy ending to a romance story :)
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was? To be more open to reading different things.
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one. The kind of feedback I gave was my reactions as I was reading each chapter.
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours? I've enjoyed both ways of doing this challenge.
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better? Can't think of anything.
13) Any final comments for the author? Nothing comes to mind at the moment.
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Wow thank you so much Erika :) and LOL crazy stalker zombie. I wrote a one shot companion piece to FYO but I would never write a sequel. To me it's perfect as a single story. I appreciate all the comments.
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Name of story: Uncle Daddy by Carterkid
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point?
For one, Nick is not my favorite boy and why I didn't read it before this point was because it didn't interest me.
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story?
I had trouble reading it basically because of some of the grammar and spelling throughout it
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it?
It felt more like a homework assignment and it didn't change all that much as I got further in because it is incomplete at this time and still not where the summary promised the story would take us.
4) What was your favorite part of the story?
If I'm being honest the only part that made me giggle was the last sentence of the last chapter written saying something to the effect of if there was a way to accidentally kiss a girl, Nick Carter would find it.
5) Who was your favorite character and why?
6) What about your least favorite character and why?
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it?
At this point, no.
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would?
It isn't complete so I can't really answer.
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was?
As I said, the story isn't complete so there really isn't any lesson to take away from it at this point in time
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one.
My experience with the challenge was not what I expected and I don't expect to be participating next year. I'll have to see where I am then. As for picking another story, this was the only story that was full length enough for me to take on from my partner.
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours?
N/A
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better?
I like the latter suggestion in question 11 of reading someone oher than who was reading yours is a good idea.
13) Any final comments for the author?
No
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The Writer's Survey (To be completed once the person who is reading your story is completely finished reviewing it!)
* This is the chance to let your reader know how you felt about the experience. Same deal as the one above. Be honest, be fair and be ready to explain if you are asked a question.
1) Do you feel like the person reading your story, gave it a fair shot?
- Yes I believe she really did. I loved seeing what she thought of it :)
2) Did you take away anything valuable from the feed back given to you from the person reading your story?
- just about the chapter length mostly but it was all helpful good comments!
3) Did anything the reader say to you, make you reconsider things you have written and change or correct things?
- See above answer lol. That's all she really had for me. That the chapters were short sometimes but very informative.
4) Are there any questions you'd like to ask the person who read your story?
- not a question but I hope she checks out some of my other work because I will be for her!
5) Any final thoughts or comments concerning the reading challenge and the person who read your stuff?
- I had a fun time doing this reading challenge with her and she made it very enjoyable for me.
6) Would you consider doing this again next year?
- Absolutely
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The Writer's Survey (To be completed once the person who is reading your story is completely finished reviewing it!)
* This is the chance to let your reader know how you felt about the experience. Same deal as the one above. Be honest, be fair and be ready to explain if you are asked a question.
1) Do you feel like the person reading your story, gave it a fair shot? Yes, she did. Dottie left reviews along the way and even though this probably isn't her kind of story, I think she enjoyed it.
2) Did you take away anything valuable from the feed back given to you from the person reading your story? That Dottie seemed to enjoy the story
3) Did anything the reader say to you, make you reconsider things you have written and change or correct things? No
4) Are there any questions you'd like to ask the person who read your story? I can't think of anything
5) Any final thoughts or comments concerning the reading challenge and the person who read your stuff? I enjoyed taking part in this challenge and hope Dottie did too.
6) Would you consider doing this again next year? Definitely!
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It's check in time!
Here's the current update:
People who have finished reading their stories:
Lore
Tracy
carterkid
Ritz
Erika
Julie
Steph
Mare
Sue
Dottie
Dottie you still need to fill out your surveys :)
Congrats, you all get a gold star!!
People who need to get a moving:
Julilly
Rose
I'd love to get a dialogue going about the challenge. What you liked, disliked? It's clear Sue didn't enjoy it so I would hope we'd get some more specifics as to why and same with anyone else. This way it would hopefully flow even better next summer.
Keep reading and if you haven't filled out your final surveys reading and writing wise, don't forget to do it before the end of the month :)
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Name of story: Curtain Call
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point?
It's kind of funny because the only reason I stayed away from this story initially is because Julie told me it was something I most likely wouldn't want to read or enjoy. I assumed it was a romance and that's why I stayed away. Julie wasn't talking about romance though, she was talking about the cancer storyline. If I had known that, chances are I would have read along while she was updating it. I chose this story because I have heard nothing but great things about it and wanted to challenge myself to read a 'romance' even though it turned out to not really be a romance at all. LOL
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story?
I generally am not a fan of a girl lead in my BSB fanfics, especially when a story is told through their eyes. I knew that would be rough when I saw that.
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it?
I was definitely looking forward to it. I never viewed it as a homework assignment. I got myself into a routine of reading first thing in the morning. It made me look forward to getting up at 5 lol
4) What was your favorite part of the story?
By far my favorite scenes were the ones that all the boys were involved. I have a few favorites:
The one where Nick tells Kevin he has cancer on the boat. It's funny because that's the only chapter I read as Julie was actually writing it, and it still stands out in my mind as a great one after reading the entire story.
Another one I loved was when he told the guys he was dying. I thought that was an incredibly touching and sad chapter and was one of the few that made me choke up.
There was also a nice simple scene somewhere in the middle with just Nick and Cary that I thought flowed so well. I don't remember it really now, but I do remember mentioning it to Julie at the time so I'm sure she knows what I'm talking about. Anyway, it was a perfect example of how even the smallest of scenes can be entertaining when extremely well written.
My favorite scene was Nick's POV of his death at the end. It was poignant and beautiful and just written perfectly.
5) Who was your favorite character and why?
My favorite character in this one would have to be Nick. I really hope Julie reconsiders her ability to write as Nick because she does it so well. I loved his thoughts as he was going through this entire story. I wanted to slap him the first half when he kept on putting off telling the guys about the cancer but the second half, you couldn't help but feel for him and all the emotions he was going through. I was so grateful that half the story was told through his point of view because honestly, I don't think I would have loved it as much. I would have really loved it if the entire thing was told through his eyes.
6) What about your least favorite character and why?
Julie will not be surprised by this answer but I'm sure everyone else will be, although it's me, so probably not that surprised lol
Cary by far was my least favorite character. I really loved her at the beginning of the story. She was strong and nowhere near a Mary Sue and she never was throughout this entire journey. My main problem with her was her relevance for most of the story after Nick goes into remission. I guess I just had a hard time caring about what happened to her and why we were supposed to care about what happened to her since this was mainly about Nick and what he was going through. I felt like she was interrupting the flow for me more so than adding to the story telling although I completely understood her being a nurse and being able to explain what was happening. I do get that and it was clever to have her be from a medical background. I just think from that remission point on, whenever things were told in her POV I had a really hard time getting through the chapters. Having her there in the story but as just another person there, I probably wouldn't have minded her so much. But there in lied the challenge part for me. It also helped with the emotion because I didn't get nearly as choked up when she was telling the story as when Nick was.
To be fair, Julie did create a really well rounded character in Cary. I never pictured some generic movie star to match who she was which is what usually ends up happening for me when it comes to these female leads (Thanks to people who use banners with those people on them lol) Her wishy washy ness and need to be loved were perfectly displayed throughout the story and I didn't dislike knowing more about her or reading about her, just didn't understand why I needed to see things from her POV.
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it?
I don't really think there would be any reason to have a sequel to this story. It ended perfectly.
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would?
I think this was a perfect ending and yes it did end how I thought it would, although like I told Julie I was kind of hoping for a My Sister's Keeper ending where Nick stayed in remission and the second half was about Cary dying lol
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was?
Life is short! Never take anything for granted. Tell the people who you love that you do love them and freeze your sperm and eggs! lol
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one.
What do I say about this story besides how incredibly well written and thought out it was? The research and time Julie took to make this believable shows in every single chapter. Her characters were so well thought out and strong from the small roles like Cary's dad and best friend to the technical players like Dr. Submarine and Dr. Shnaz! They each had their own voice and were all vital to telling this incredibly sad story. She managed to mix her dialogue and descriptions perfectly to allow the story to flow really well from one chapter to the next. The imagery she used to describe things also really impressed me. She also put small doses of humor in there to help break up the tension. Never over the top but just enough. One other thing that I thought she did really well was her ability to make the sections where she described what was happening during the concerts or whenever a song was being performed not boring. The descriptions of action while they were going seemed just right.
It did seem a little long to me at times, not for lack of a great flow but just getting from point A (the remission) to point B (the final diagnosis.) It almost read like two different stories. A part one and part two. You know when you see a great movie and then you feel like it ends and you let out a sigh about what a great movie it was and then the screen fades to black and you're just about to walk out and then suddenly there is another scene and you're like "Oh, there's more?" lol The second half kind of read like that to me for about 15 or so chapters until Nick got his final diagnosis but again I think it's only because of my feelings about Cary. LOL
I can definitely understand why people raved about this story. It was great and I really hope Julie realizes how truly talented she is when it comes to writing. I was just in awe more so than anything else.
When I gave feedback it was kind of a mix between thoughts concerning the story and reactions to the story with an occasional question and slap of Nick or Cary lol
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours?
I really enjoyed doing it the way we did it this year. I felt like it was easier to communicate with each other and it seemed like almost everyone seemed to enjoy it.
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better?
I'm open for ideas
13) Any final comments for the author?
Just that she did a stupendous job! What a great writer she is. And she made me really hungry while I was reading it lol and made me want a teacup pig!
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No worries! I should have time to sit and read and focus on what I'm doing within the next day or so :).
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The Writer's Survey (To be completed once the person who is reading your story is completely finished reviewing it!)
* This is the chance to let your reader know how you felt about the experience. Same deal as the one above. Be honest, be fair and be ready to explain if you are asked a question.
1) Do you feel like the person reading your story, gave it a fair shot?
Yes I do. Her reviews were all positive and she seemed to enjoy it :)
2) Did you take away anything valuable from the feed back given to you from the person reading your story?
I can pull off comedy! lol
3) Did anything the reader say to you, make you reconsider things you have written and change or correct things?
Not really.
4) Are there any questions you'd like to ask the person who read your story?
I don't have any at the moment.
5) Any final thoughts or comments concerning the reading challenge and the person who read your stuff?
I'm glad that Tracy and I enjoyed each other's stories. We've known each other for so long it was nice to bond through the challenge.
6) Would you consider doing this again next year?
Oh yeah!
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Mare, thank you so much for all the compliments in your survey! (And LOL at your answer to #9!) Let me see what I can comment more specifically on in the course of mine.
The Writer's Survey
1) Do you feel like the person reading your story, gave it a fair shot?
Absolutely. We all know what Mare likes and doesn't like in a fanfic, and I knew going in that CC had a few strikes against it - long story, female lead, not enough BSB parts, etc. But that's why it was called a reading CHALLENGE. Like she said in her survey, I also worried that she wasn't going to like it because of the cancer storyline, having lost a close friend to cancer not long before CC was written. She did read Broken back in the day, but I didn't want to encourage her to read something that would hit too close to home. Come to find out, that wasn't as much of a problem as the female lead LOL. But she gave Cary a chance and gave some great feedback on her, as well as the rest of the story, so thanks, Mare! :)
2) Did you take away anything valuable from the feed back given to you from the person reading your story?
I really appreciated all of Mare's feedback, whether it was just her reactions to what she read or parts she particularly enjoyed or compliments on my characters and writing. It made me glad that I at least wrote half the story in Nick's POV because originally I was only going to tell it in Cary's, and then I changed my mind and decided to balance it between hers and Nick's because I thought his side of the story would be interesting, even if it was more of a challenge for me to write. I could tell from her reviews that Mare definitely enjoyed his chapters more, so having it all in Cary's would have taken away from her overall enjoyment of the story. It's a good reminder to keep BSB fics balanced and mainly about the BSB because, after all, those are the guys we're all reading these for!
3) Did anything the reader say to you, make you reconsider things you have written and change or correct things?
No, not really. I reread CC myself from start to finish at the beginning of summer so it would be fresh in my mind as Mare started to read and comment on it, and at the risk of sounding egotistical, it was the first time I've ever read one of my own stories all the way through like that and actually enjoyed the experience. I hardly cringed, and I didn't hate a thing about it, so I don't think I would change anything (besides correcting the typos I found!).
I do agree with Mare that the slowest part of the story is after the tour wraps and before he gets the final diagnosis; that was my least favorite part to write. Some of it was filler to get from one point to the other, but it was also the part that explored Nick and Cary's relationship, which I felt was important to her story. And that's where our interpretation is different, because I always saw CC as Cary's story, in which Nick was the catalyst and the focus. It was about him, but it was also about the impact he had on her life. I hope that helps to clarify Mare's question about why she was still there for the second half of the story, telling parts from her POV. LOL
4) Are there any questions you'd like to ask the person who read your story?
I don't think so... Mare gave detailed feedback throughout the story and really detailed answers to her survey just now, so I can't think of anything to ask her!
5) Any final thoughts or comments concerning the reading challenge and the person who read your stuff?
I really enjoyed the experience of partnering with Mare this year. I loved her story and loved getting feedback from her on mine. It was rewarding and fun!
6) Would you consider doing this again next year?
Definitely!
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^ Thanks, Julie! I tried to do the same thing you did and read Whatever the Night May Bring but I failed! I did make it three quarters of the way at least lmao
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The Writer's Survey (To be completed once the person who is reading your story is completely finished reviewing it!)
* This is the chance to let your reader know how you felt about the experience. Same deal as the one above. Be honest, be fair and be ready to explain if you are asked a question.
1) Do you feel like the person reading your story, gave it a fair shot?
Yes
2) Did you take away anything valuable from the feed back given to you from the person reading your story?
I received feedback but not anything I would consider constructive such as letting me know they liked or disliked a specific point.
3) Did anything the reader say to you, make you reconsider things you have written and change or correct things?
When I was told there were words missing, I wasn't told specifically where and I enjoy my style so I wouldn't reconsider changing things I've written.
4) Are there any questions you'd like to ask the person who read your story?
Just curious as to how long my partner has been writing fan fiction because I felt as though I was cheated the benefit of constructive criticism for my writing.
5) Any final thoughts or comments concerning the reading challenge and the person who read your stuff?
I don't care for the pairing system because I felt as though I really didn't connect with my partner. I realize it is a challenge but I think maybe taking a list w/ a short summary and link, let the reader decide what they want to read then let the person supervising the challenge know so they and can take it out of the running until there are no more to choose from so we really don't know whom is reading our story until the reviews start coming in. Just a thought.
6) Would you consider doing this again next year?
Not sure. I will have to see how I feel about it when it comes around again.
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I am shocked that you found typos as you reread it Julie. . ;)
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I am shocked that you found typos as you reread it Julie. . ;)
LOL Even Grammar Nazis make typos! 27 of them, to be exact! I highlighted them as I found them on my Kindle... now I just need to go back and actually fix them in the story and the versions that are online. Most of them are just missing words that my eyes skipped over when proofreading.
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^ that's the only thing I noticed and I smiled every time I saw one lmao
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5) Any final thoughts or comments concerning the reading challenge and the person who read your stuff?
I don't care for the pairing system because I felt as though I really didn't connect with my partner. I realize it is a challenge but I think maybe taking a list w/ a short summary and link, let the reader decide what they want to read then let the person supervising the challenge know so they and can take it out of the running until there are no more to choose from so we really don't know whom is reading our story until the reviews start coming in. Just a thought.
comes around again.
Do you mean just show you guys summaries without mentioning whose story it is and then once you decide then you find out who it belongs to? like a secret santa but with reading?
That's something else to consider. The only problem with that is if everyone just picks something they like, it kind of defeats the challenge aspect of it and then there is also the very good possiblity that there would be a few stories that no one would pick. But thanks for the suggestion! I appreciate it and will take it into consideration when working things out for next summer :)
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That's kind of how we did it last year, except we didn't get to choose; Mare chose for us based on what we said in our surveys at the beginning. The challenge part of it is that you read something you normally wouldn't read, so I think it's okay to be assigned or paired up with someone. It's the risk you take when you enter the challenge.
That said, I think the original idea for this challenge last year was for a reading duel, in which you could challenge someone to read one of your stories (someone who normally wouldn't), but you had to read one of theirs in return. Doing it that way would be more like the partner thing this year, but also give you some choice in who you challenged. And the person you challenged to a duel would always have the option to accept or decline the challenge.
You still might have the issue of some people not getting challenged or always being turned down. But I guess maybe those people should start looking at their own stories and the type of feedback they give and wonder why that might be. No one wants to read a story that they can hardly comprehend because it doesn't follow English conventions, and no one wants to put thought into giving feedback and constructive criticism, only to get two-word reviews in return. Feedback is a vital part of the challenge.
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That's kind of how we did it last year, except we didn't get to choose; Mare chose for us based on what we said in our surveys at the beginning. The challenge part of it is that you read something you normally wouldn't read, so I think it's okay to be assigned or paired up with someone. It's the risk you take when you enter the challenge.
That said, I think the original idea for this challenge last year was for a reading duel, in which you could challenge someone to read one of your stories (someone who normally wouldn't), but you had to read one of theirs in return. Doing it that way would be more like the partner thing this year, but also give you some choice in who you challenged. And the person you challenged to a duel would always have the option to accept or decline the challenge.
Now this idea right there I like. As for my suggestion, I meant more like once somebody made the choice of a story you could take it out of the running until all of them were gone. Now that I look, I wasn't that specific lol
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That's kind of how we did it last year, except we didn't get to choose; Mare chose for us based on what we said in our surveys at the beginning. The challenge part of it is that you read something you normally wouldn't read, so I think it's okay to be assigned or paired up with someone. It's the risk you take when you enter the challenge.
That said, I think the original idea for this challenge last year was for a reading duel, in which you could challenge someone to read one of your stories (someone who normally wouldn't), but you had to read one of theirs in return. Doing it that way would be more like the partner thing this year, but also give you some choice in who you challenged. And the person you challenged to a duel would always have the option to accept or decline the challenge.
You still might have the issue of some people not getting challenged or always being turned down. But I guess maybe those people should start looking at their own stories and the type of feedback they give and wonder why that might be. No one wants to read a story that they can hardly comprehend because it doesn't follow English conventions, and no one wants to put thought into giving feedback and constructive criticism, only to get two-word reviews in return. Feedback is a vital part of the challenge.
I forgot that it originally started out as a duel lol that idea was a great one but I think we ended up changing it because once I started working it through, I quickly realized it wasn't going to work. I remember by the time I finished compiling all the lists and matching people up I had spent about 8 hours working on it. I also think that's why I was SO much more anal about the entire thing than this year because I honestly put in one full work day getting the challenge ready so when people flaked, I went a little ballistic! LOL
That's the thing, it takes a lot of work organizing this stuff. A lot more than I think most people realize and no matter what you're not going to make everyone happy.
I SO agree with your last paragraph though and that is something I am going to really be picky about next year. It's not fair to the person reading your work if you haven't properly edited your own stories and it's not fair as a reader if the feedback you get isn't more than good job or yay! That's okay for normal feedback but not for a challenge like this one! So i'm not going to allow those people to participate next year unless I see some kind of dramatic change.
Again, thanks guys for the suggestions. It's clear we all enjoy the idea of this and since it's so new maybe by next year I'll get it all sorted out.
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Now this idea right there I like. As for my suggestion, I meant more like once somebody made the choice of a story you could take it out of the running until all of them were gone. Now that I look, I wasn't that specific lol
Ah, okay lol I get it now.
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I can only imagine how much time you must have put into organizing this and keeping tabs on everyone's progress throughout the challenge, Mare.
With the whole reading duel idea, it really wouldn't require any effort on your part, besides compiling a list of people who signed up and a record of who had agreed to "duel" with who. It would be up to the actual participants to challenge each other, rather than you pairing people up.
You could still keep tabs on people's progress if you wanted to, but you wouldn't have to. That's one other thing I liked about pairing up this year - if one partner didn't hold up their end of the bargain, the other partner had the option to bail on the challenge, too, without leaving anyone else hanging.
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First of all I owe all of you a HUGE apology. My heart was in the challenge, but I've had a challenging summer and I just didn't have time to do everything I had to do. Between school, work, my mother-in-law's death and $5,000 damage done to our car, I've been at the end of my rope. I haven't been on the message board since the challenge began which is why I didn't get to the half way survey. If not for Terri, I wouldn't have known this survey was here. I feel SO bad about not being more into this....I just was swamped. For that I beg your forgiveness.
Name of story: Rewind
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point? With the number of stories on AC, I barely read a fraction of what's out there. I've never been a fan of the whole time-travel genre which is why this story didn't catch my eye when I first saw it posted.
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story? The challenge for me, other than finding time, was I'm not into the whole time-travel thing. A period piece, I love, where the story is based in the past, but I can't really say I enjoy the whole time travel idea on the whole.
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it? No, actually, I loved reading the story. I didn't feel like it was an assignment by any means.
4) What was your favorite part of the story? Where Nick first went back in time and thought he was doing everything on stage in a great way and then the whole group came at him like he was crazy. It was the first time he realized this wasn't going to be a piece of cake.
5) Who was your favorite character and why? I don't know that I had a favorite. They all played an intricate part. I loved Kevin being such a father figure to Nick to get him well.
6) What about your least favorite character and why? I didn't have a least favorite. Wasn't a fan of Nick's attitude when he thought the world was his oyster. The ego thing bothered me, but I like that he was humbled at the end and saw how blessed he really was.
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it? I probably would read a sequel. I love seeing where things can go.
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would? I like the ending. I never thought he'd find out WHY he went back in time, but it was nice seeing him get a second chance and not blow it.
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was? Not to take for granted what you have because it can be gone in a heartbeat.
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one. I'm genuinely glad I gave a time travel story a chance. It was very well written and very believable. It made me laugh and made me think, which, to me, is a sign of a talented author.
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours?
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better?
13) Any final comments for the author? I'm definitely going to check out some of your other stories. I genuinely enjoyed reading this, and I apologize for half my reviews not showing up and not being more dedicated in reading. I really did enjoy and I'm glad I had an opportunity to broaden my horizons a bit.
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Aww, i'm sorry to hear you had such a rough summer, Dottie! And even still you did a great job keeping up with the challenge! Hope things get better for you!
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I can only imagine how much time you must have put into organizing this and keeping tabs on everyone's progress throughout the challenge, Mare.
With the whole reading duel idea, it really wouldn't require any effort on your part, besides compiling a list of people who signed up and a record of who had agreed to "duel" with who. It would be up to the actual participants to challenge each other, rather than you pairing people up.
You could still keep tabs on people's progress if you wanted to, but you wouldn't have to. That's one other thing I liked about pairing up this year - if one partner didn't hold up their end of the bargain, the other partner had the option to bail on the challenge, too, without leaving anyone else hanging.
Yeah, that was my biggest issue with the first year. I felt so bad for those people who were always left hanging. It wasn't like you could just stop reading theirs or mention it in your feedback to them because it wasn't a pairing thing.
You know how I feel about people not responding to their reviews so when I saw people blowing off the challenge it just really irked me. I mean, I know it's just a stupid fanfic challenge and for other challenges I really didn't care as much, but when you actually have to depend on someone else for the challenge to be a success, that's when I have issues! LOL
Even if it didn't particularly bother some of the people who got left in the dust, it didn't matter, it still bothered me. It still bothers me that one of them hasn't finished reading their story! That's just how I am. LOL
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I never got my final survey last year :( *shrugs*
I liked how this was done this year but however you organize it next year I am sure I will be a apart of it again. :)
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^ I know! And that bugs me as well!! lol
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yes it bothered me which is why I was glad to be paired with Rose, I knew she would give good CC and I'm a little afraid of the final survey but I'm sure it will all be good CC to take in mind with my future writing.
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I really enjoyed doing the reading challenge again. I also liked it better this year, not because of who I was paired up with, but it just was more fun. Last year Steph gave me some good CC that I needed. Although I was upset a bit at first, I am glad I participated.
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Sorry to hear you've had such a rough few months Dottie, hope things get better for you.
I've enjoyed the reading challenge and can't wait to do it all over again :)
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I enjoyed this year much more than last year. I didn't really get bad reviews last year, yet I got a really low score. So I didn't understand that. I think this way is much more easier and fair.
Its great that most of us enjoyed it. Sorry for Terr...I hope you participate next year!
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Name of story: Chronos Project by Lore
1) When you were asked to pick a story for the challenge, what made you choose this one and why didn't you read it before this point?
Because I love sci-fi and it is typically my type of story. One of the reasons I didn't read it is cause I knew it was Kevin centered (which normally isn't me so much as say Nick or Brian lol). The other reason, is because Lore was consistently advertising it as she was writing. I don't say it to be mean, but to me, it's a turn off when someone does that too much. It's been why I haven't read stories by other authors too.
2) What actually was the biggest challenge for you when it came to reading the story?
Honestly? Not wanting to reach through the screen and throttle Julie, the main lead. It's in 3rd person but it's not omnificent , it focuses on her thoughts and because she came off as a bit dumb and annoying to me, it drove me crazy LOL.
3) When reading, did you feel like it was something you really were looking forward to or more a homework assignment? Did that change once you got into it?
A bit of both. I really liked the plot, it was very creative. At the same time, because this was a challenge, and because I know she's looking to possibly self-published, I also looked at it as an assignment. I made sure to find out things she could fix and give her the best constructive criticism I could.
4) What was your favorite part of the story?
When Kevin first kisses Julie. I feel like that was the best developed relationship in the story.
5) Who was your favorite character and why?
I actually liked Nick as a villain. I feel like she should've shown more in his perspective, because there was a depth to him and his motivations.
6) What about your least favorite character and why?
Julie. I really didn't like her as a character. She didn't seem to learn from the past mistakes or grow much as a person. Because of that, it made reading the story a little rougher for me, as it centers around her.
7) If there was a sequel to this story, would be you interested in reading it?
Honestly? Maybe not until I knew Lore worked out the issues on Julie in the sequel. Part of me is curious about what could happen in the sequel, but since I know it centers around a character I disliked it puts me off it a bit.
8) Were you happy with the ending? Did it end the way you predicted it would?
I did, and yeah, once I got into it more I knew she wouldn't kill Kevin at all. So I wasn't surprised to see a happy end for him and Julie.
9) Overall, if you had to take away something from the story, what do you think the lesson learned was?
The past happened for a reason and without it, we wouldn't have the world we do today.
10) Give us one final review that you feel sums up your experience reading this, maybe why you gave the kind of feedback you did or if you would have perhaps picked a different story from this one.
I feel there's a lot of potential in the story creatively. The story does at times seem a bit rushed. Things that could've been shown, should have, for character development and for emotional impact were told. Because of that, it doesn't have the feeling it's supposed to. The original characters motivations don't match up to their actions the way they should. At the same time, a lot of research was done in the history and past times people jumped to and so you know Lore did her homework instead of pulling it out of her ass lol, which I appreciated. There are some great things Lore created for this story and so I feel like with a full rewrite and changes, she could have something.
11) For the readers who did this last year and this year, which did you prefer, reading each other's stories or reading someone other than who was reading yours?
Reading each other's, this way if someone bailed, you had the option of stopping LOL.
12) Any final comments or suggestions for next year to make this work even better?
I was happy with the way it went this year, so no.
13) Any final comments for the author?
I really hope I was helpful! :)
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thanks for all your comments Rose I have taken a lot in as I am working on rewriting. I've noticed inconsistenies with Julie as I started the rewrite, some pointed out by you some I just realized how out of character later actions of hers were.
The sequel is nothing special so I am not offended you aren't reading it.
I am glad you enjoyed the research I did into the history and the plot. I found a boo boo in the early chapters with my history and the timing but I have corrected that already. HEH.
I thought about going into Nick's perspective, and Kevin's perspective but I felt that might take some of the suspense out of it if we knew what they were thinking too, though I have been asked if I would rewrite CP in Nick's POV.
I'm kind of sad that I won't get you opinion on my changes to the characters and story during my rewrite, to see if I develop them better.
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You wouldn't be able to show it early on, but later on I feel like you could. Since at that point you know Nick is evil lol. There's a lot of emotion you could tap into with Nick. I'm glad you're taking a closer look at Julie. Because she's the center, it's so important she's not off putting. :)
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Just a little check in :)
People who have finished reading their stories:
Lore
Tracy
carterkid
Ritz
Erika
Julie
Steph
Mare
Sue
Dottie
Rose
Congrats, you all get a gold star!!
People who need to get a moving:
Julilly
* If you haven't filled out your surveys be sure to do so! Overall it looks like we might actually all finish the challenge this year! Woot!
*eyes Julilly* :) lol
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If I had 45 seconds to myself each day it would be easier lol I only have a couple chapters left luckily.
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I'm all caught up! Did nothing at work but damnit I'm no longer the only person not done lol survey to come!
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Yay!
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Just checking in again!
and lookie here!
People who have completed the reading portion of the challenge:
Lore
Tracy
carterkid
Ritz
Erika
Julie
Steph
Mare
Sue
Dottie
Rose
Julilly
People who still need to finish: Uh that would be nobody!
WE ARE AWESOME!!
Thank you all so much for taking this challenge seriously and seeing it through to the end. I truly do appreciate it and I know everyone else did too!
So, now that we're pretty much done, just waiting for a survey here or there, any final thoughts, comments or opinions?
Overall I think this year's was much more enjoyable. It seemed like everyone was more eager to participate and liked the pairing up.
Thanks again!! :)
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Yay, I'm glad everyone completed the challenge this year! I really liked the pairings.
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I'm so glad it was a success this year, I really enjoyed it :)
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I think this did much better than last year. The pairings worked out perfectly!
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I've already said it but I loved how it worked. The pairings worked nicely. :)
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This year was by far much better than last year. Everyone seems satisfied with who they got paired with and the feedback they received. Can't wait for next year!