(Photo courtesy of Polly Atkin*)
“The gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge.”
~Albert Einstein
fan⋅ta⋅sy: a genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, and/or setting.(Wiki)
fairy tale: a fictional story that may feature folkloric characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, giants, and talking animals, and usually enchantments, often involving a far-fetched sequence of events. (Wiki)
folk⋅lore: the traditional beliefs, legends, customs, etc., of a people; lore of a people; The traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people, transmitted orally. (Dictionary dot com)
my⋅thol⋅o⋅gy: a body of myths, as that of a particular people or that relating to a particular person; a set of stories, traditions, or beliefs associated with a particular group or the history of an event, arising naturally or deliberately fostered. (Dictionary dot com)
Fantasy, fairy tale, folklore and mythology. The definitions above are a jumping off point, but those of us who have unabashedly reveled in between the pages of these genres know that each is so much more.
Terri Windling and Charles de Lint coined the term “mythic fiction” to describe works that draw from mythology and folklore and fairy tales, and to a lesser extent fantasy. I can easily understand why they felt inspired to both define and to write this type of fiction. There is a hard-to-define magic that hovers about these stories, an enchantment that surrounds the reader and makes the experience of reading this kind of tale different than any other. There is life in these stories.
That life is undeniably a part of this time of year, at least in the area that I inhabit on this great globe of ours. Spring is literally and figuratively in the air. That first intake of fresh spring air is all it takes to ignite in me a passion for the works of people like Charles de Lint, Patricia McKillip, J.R.R. Tolkien and others. In fact, it was all I could do a few weeks back on a warm 70 degree day to leave the bookstore without purchasing one of de Lint’s books…a temptation I was not able to resist this past Tuesday when his newest novel, The Mystery of Grace, was released.
“We can keep from a child all knowledge of earlier myths, but we cannot take from him the need for mythology.”
~Carl Jung
The onset of spring marks the celebration of the birth of my lovely wife and my dear brother. It also marks the start of this, the third annual Once Upon a Time Challenge. Once Upon a Time is the celebration of the transformative power of literature, specifically those books which can be categorized under the headings of fantasy, fairy tale, folklore, and mythology. For the third year in a row it is my great pleasure to host this challenge, which begins Saturday, March 21st and ends Friday, June 2oth.
I will maintain the practice I began a few challenges ago, which is to ask that you do not put upon yourself some artificial pressure by posting a list of the books you plan to read. If, in your love of this type of fiction, you would like to post a “pool of potential reads”, that would be fantastic. If you would like to simply sign up for the challenge and leave it at that, this is acceptable too. For these reading events I host, I like to give two options: the first is to participate in whatever manner you are comfortable doing so, the second is to embrace the term “challenge” and sign up for one or more “quests”. Reading and the sharing of what we read should be fun, a pleasure…it should never be work. To that end, here are the various ways in which you can participate in Once Upon a Time III:
This is really as simple as the name implies. It means you are participating, but not committing yourself to any specific number of books. All reading is a journey, perhaps none more so than reading fantastical fiction. By signing up for The Journey you are agreeing to at least read one book within one of the four categories during March 21st to June 20th period. Just one book. If you choose to read more, fantastic! If not, then we have still had the pleasure of your company during this three month reading journey and hopefully you have read a great book, met some interesting people, and enjoyed the various activities that occur during the challenge. It has always been of utmost importance to me that the challenges that I host be all about experiencing enjoyable literature and sharing it with others. I want you to participate. Hence, The Journey.
Read at least 5 books that fit somewhere within the Once Upon a Time III criteria. They might all be fantasy, or folklore, or fairy tales, or mythology…or your five books might be a combination from the four genres.
Read at least one book from each of the four categories. In this quest you will be reading 4 books total: one fantasy, one folklore, one fairy tale, and one mythology. This proves to be one of the more difficult quests each year merely because of the need to classify each read and determine which books fit into which category. I am not a stickler, fear not, but I am endlessly fascinated watching how folks work to find books for each category.
Fulfill the requirements for Quest the First or Quest the Second AND top it off with a June reading of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream OR a viewing of one of the many theatrical versions of the play. Love the story, love the films, love the idea of that magical night of the year and so this is my chance to promote the reading of this farcical love story.
Read two non-fiction books, essay collections, etc. that treat any one or more of the four genres covered in this challenge.
and finally,
This quest involves the reading of one or more short stories that fit within at least one of the four genres during the course of the weekend. Ideally you would post about your short story readings on Sundays or Mondays, but this is not strictly necessary.
You may participate in one quest or multiple quests, it is completely up to you and your reading whims!
As always, I ask that you avail yourself of the Once Upon a Time III Book Review Site and post links to the reviews of the books that you read. You do not have to do book reviews to participate, but if you do please post a link. The rest of us want to know what you read and what you thought about it! Don’t be shy! The book review site is located here.
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I can promise you that the next three months will be a great deal of fun. You will have the opportunity to converse with a wide variety of people in this amazing blogging community. You will be exposed to art, artist interviews, author interviews, giveaways and more. Although I have yet to specifically ask, I hope to host at least one, if not two weekend mini-challenges in honor of Dewey.
And what do you have to do to avail yourself of all this fun? Simply sign up! If you post about the challenge on your site, please leave me a link to said post and I will keep an ongoing list of participants here. If you do not have a blog and want to participate, let me know in the comments section and I’ll add your name to the list.
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*Perhaps you noticed the marvelous image that opened this year’s Once Upon a Time Challenge? I was over visiting Nicky, the incomparable Stormfilled, creator of the most marvelous journals through her store, Blackthorn Workshops, the other day and noticed this startling image:
This serendipitous shot is taken by Nicky’s friend, poet Polly Atkin. I say ‘serendipitous’ because Polly managed to snap this shot just as Nicky’s flash went off for the image she was taking. Scrolling through Stormfilled’s post and seeing this image was like a shot going off. I immediately decided that this had to be the banner image for the Once Upon a Time III Challenge. There is something very symbolic about the image, the magical tunnel that leads to…??? I like the quality of the light. It evokes both the potential for darkness and for dawn. Literature in these genres can be inspiring and uplifting, dark and brooding, and everywhere in between. This image seemed to capture that in-between, either-or mood for me perfectly. It also has a Pan’s Labyrinth feel which endeared the image to me even more. Polly’s picture captures a world of possibility, situated at the end of a tunnel where we, the viewer, do not know what is on the other side. It is magical. It is wonderful. And I thank both Polly and Nicky for allowing me the use of this image for this year’s challenge. Here are a few smaller versions for use on your site should you need them. If you require a different customized size, please ask and I’ll get it taken care of for you.
(200 X 267)
(150 X 200)
(100 X 133)
Incidently, Nicky has donated a journal for giveaway for the Once Upon a Time III Challenge, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
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The Participants List:
1. Carl V.
2. Robin
3. Jeff
4. Becky
5. Chris
6. Shanra
7. Kerry D.
8. Ana
9. Maree
10. Debi
11. Susan F.
12. Stephanie
13. Memory
14. Cath
15. Annie
16. Sassymonkey
17. Lu
18. Chelle
19. Stephanie (written word)
20. Deslily
21. Bart
22. Kathrin
23. Vasilly
24. Raidergirl3
25. Moo
26. Katrina
27. Nymeth
28. Astaryth
29. Kailana
30. Daphne
31. Robin (My Two Blessings)
32. 3m
33. Melissa
34. Melanie
35. Ana T.
36. Chantele
37. Gautami
38. Amanda
39. Sally906
40. Bride of the Book God
41. Lynda
42. Marineko
43. Heather (Book Addiction)
44. Bellezza
45. Cafeshree
46. Teresa
47. Ta
48. Eva
49. Dark Orpheus
50. Rebecca Reid
51. Megan
52. Jodie
53. Qugrainne
55. Masha
56. Marg
57. Claire
58. Tanabata
59. Claire (Paperback Reader)
60. Traci
61. Samantha
62. Naida
63. Gavin
64. California Meaghan
65. Tonya
66. Darla
67. Laza
68. JLS Hall
69. Rhinoa
70. Vivienne
71. K
72. Shelley
73. Mee
74. Heather (High and Hidden Place)
75. Somer
76. Jackie
77. Iliana
78. Amanda A.
79. Rachael E.
80. DS
81. Anesthezea
82. Darlene
83. Whitney
84. Corinne
85. Ms. Ulat Buku
86. Science Geek
87. Deanna
88. Sherrie
89. Joanna
90. Trish
91. Terri B.
92. Ikkinlala
93. Harry~DD
94. Manda
95. Alex
96. Scribachinna
97. Valentina
98. Felicia J.
99. Penny
100. Shannon C.
101. Rich
102. Melanie (Indextrious Reader)
103. Amanda (Life and Times…)
104. Michelle (Indiapaintbrush)
106. Andrea (In Other Worlds)
107. Eden
108. Lily
109. Jenny
110. Erin
111. Jo
112.
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“Without this playing with fantasy no creative work has ever yet come to birth. The debt we owe to the play of the imagination is incalculable.”
~Carl Gustav Jung
This is a marvelous time of year. Enjoy the outdoors. Create something. Take the time to gaze at the stars. Close your eyes and see if you can pick up the scent of magic in the air. Read wonderful books. Share them with us.
I hope to see you participating in Once Upon a Time III. You are the reason this is successful and fun. Yes, you!
The path lies before us…
Let us begin.
For me, Once Upon a Time III will be starting with The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint. In fact I have about 60 pages left and I will be done. I’ll probably finish it tonight. Now that I’ve posted this feel free to “cheat” and start early if you want to! 😉
I’ve got that fairly newly released Tolkien collection, Tales From the Perilous Realm that I want to read. I have a pile of unread Patricia A. McKillip that makes me ashamed to continue to call myself a fan since I haven’t gotten to them yet. And my ‘to read’ pile is packed full of books that fit within this challenge. I won’t have to worry about what to read, just how to get all the reading I want done in during the challenge.
And I still have a handful of science fiction books that I am in the course of reading and I plan to continue with them as well.
Carl, I have been so looking forward to this year’s challenge! I’ll be starting with The Book of Lost Things because I’m about 1/3 of the way through it. I, too, have a stack of Patricia McKillip’s books that I want to read, and some Charles de Lint. I’ll put together my plan, and post about it soon, but for now, please count me IN!
Well, I can’t believe I’m the first one here! how serendipitous, since I’ve been checking almost daily since March began! You know I’m going for almost all of it – at least quest the 1st and the short story weekends, plus possibly the non-fiction since I’m still half-way through Le Guin’s collection of essays so I can finish it for this challenge! And oh, I have at least 30 fantasy books on my TBR shelf you admired!!! I’ll do a post tomorrow and send you the link. wow. It’s finally here! and – that image is simply stunning. I love it too.
Happy Spring, Carl!! It even felt like it earlier this week here, too 😀
Well, almost first Susan. Robin sneaked ahead of you by 4 minutes. But I’m super excited that you’ve been looking so forward to this and I’ll be on the lookout for your post.
Yours too Robin. Definitely count Book of Lost Things. Can’t believe I haven’t read that yet.
Hey, Carl! I didn’t realize it was that time of the year again. I’m definitely in for Quest the Third and Short Story Weekends.
Alas I need to read The Book of Lost Things as well. I have it on my TBR shelf already. In fact I picked it up after reading Chris’s review of it last year. Great review Chris!
I will take the path of Quest the First. I’m going to list my ” pool ” of books I will pick from to complete this quest off my TBR read pile. As always this list is subject to change without notice and/or no good reason.
The Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess, The Wizard by Gene Wolfe, The Sword Edged Blonde by Alex Bledsoe, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, The Onion Girl by Charles DeLint, Stonefather by Orson Scott Card, Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erickson, Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan, Kabuki: The Alchemy by David Mack, Conan Vol. 6 The Hand of Negral. Movie – In the Name of the Father with Jason Statham, TV Series – more episodes of Legend of the Seeker.
My post is up now. I’m signing up for the first quest.
Hi Carl,
Please sign me up for Quest One. I am looking forward to the journey and at some point will post something on my blog. My quest will be a mixture of re-reads of old favorites and new read such as De Lint.
I’m so excited Carl!!! Sign me up for Quest the First which I hope to complete numerous times over. And I hope one of the mini-challenges you’re talking about is for Robin and I’s challenge. We’d love to have you again. Thanks for doing this again buddy….you’ve brightened a very stressful day for me. It was great to come home to this announcement. Here’s my post about it:http://stuffasdreamsaremadeon.com/2009/03/20/its-time-its-time/
Oh, and I’m thrilled that Nicky has donated one of her journals! They’re just amazing. I have two now and really want a third. Maybe I’ll have some luck 😉 Have you seen her Rorshach journal? It’s amazing. I’m right with you on wanting to read some de Lint too. I definitely need to pick up his newest. If you’re looking for another one, check out The Blue Girl or Little Grrl Lost…both were fantastic. And for anyone looking for the perfect read for this challenge, Moonheart sort of fits all four of the categories for OUaT!
I’ve never dared your in your challenge before, but this is my year to join challenges, so I’ll particpate in this one too. I also have plenty of McKillip and de Lint on my TBR. Since that seems to be a common theme, maybe I’ll try to focus on those for this challenge. I’ll probably do Quest the Third but will confirm that when I make my blog post, probably tomorrow.
Oooh! What a terrific idea! (I’m gathering from the comments that books can count for multiple categories, is that so?)
My post is here: *copies wrong link* Uhm, oops, here: http://libritouches.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/once-upon-a-time-iii-challenge/
This’ll be my first officially entered challenge and it sounds like an absolutely perfect challenge to start with. (What with 99% or so of my books falling in this category.) I’m signing up for Quest the First, but I may expand into some of the other quests, depending on time/books. (Uhm, yes. I’m not 100% clear on what all my books are about.)
Better yet, it starts tomorrow. I’ll have to get the book I started reading polished off them, so I have a clean slate to start on/with! Looking forward to this!
Carl,
Just so you know, if a van giving away free icecream drove past my house right now (or dare I say, free books?), I wouldn’t be quite as excited as I am about this announcement 😀
Now to decide which quest to pick…I’ll come back later with a link to my post.
I did go ahead and take the plunge. My post is here:
Once Upon a Time III
I may only sign for the Journey, but you know I will also try for Quest the First… my mind and life are not my own yet so I will keep it small but hope I go above and beyond, I just don’t want to promise much.. but I have to join!! I will return with a link when I post…
Ha! I’m in. We were just talking about this on Twitter yesterday morning, wondering if you’d be posting it soon. I’ll hopefully get my post up this morning and it’ll get some BlogHer love tomorrow. Quest the Third!
I’m so excited to finally be participating in this challenge, I missed it last year.
I’m going to aim for Quest the First and I’ve already posted about it here. 🙂
Man. I’m weak.
My post is here:
http://justaddbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/noooooooooooooooooo.html
Maree: As Nymeth said on your site, resistance is futile!
Ana: I’m glad you made it in this year, thanks for signing up.
Sassymonkey: I have yet to dive into the Twitter pool. Not sure if I could handle one more online distraction! Ha! I’m so glad you are in and are excited about the challenge.
Deslily: I completely understand, yet do hope you participate as much as you can because this community wants to be here to support you in any way we can.
Kerry D.: So glad you dived in! 😉 Welcome!
Nymeth: Awww, shucks! I’m excited too. I love this time of year and really enjoy this challenge and the excitement it generates in others. I think my to be read list triples every year because of this challenge!
Shanra: Thank you so much for the honor of being the host of your first officially joined challenge. I appreciate the pleasure. Yes indeed, books can count for multiple categories and multiple challenges even. I’m so glad you joined in.
Chris: Nicky’s journals are fantastic, aren’t they? And yes, I saw her Rorshach journal and it is great!
Whatever mini-challenges I do will be for your and Robin’s reading challenge in honor of Dewey. I’ll email you later and we can make some plans.
Robin of Two Blessings: Thanks for joining in. I find myself torn between wanting to read new stuff and re-read favorites during this challenge more than any other time of year. I’ve read so many books in these categories that have made such an impact that I often want to revisit them.
Becky: You’ve got a great pool of books over there! Thanks for joining in.
Jeff: We definitely need to watch that Dungeon Siege movie together sometime, even though we know it is going to be pretty bad. I love the video games! Great list of potential reads!
Vasilly: Time really does fly by sometimes, doesn’t it? I’m glad you are in, wouldn’t be the same without you.
You’ve got people around the world a-dancin’ and a-singin’! The hardest part–what book to start with! My post is here.
THANK YOU, CARL!!!
My post is up (I’ve been waiting eagerly for this). I’m up for Quest the First! http://thewrittenword.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/once-upon-a-time-iii/
When I woke up this morning I should have known the sun was – finally – shining for a reason! Now I can begin to believe that Spring is well and truly on its way. I have no idea of what I’m going to read for the challenge, or start with for that matter, but I’m definitely in! Here’s my post. Thanks for hosting this one again this year, Carl!
Sassymonkey and I were just Twittering about this yesterday and wondered if you were going to do it. I am so glad you are!!! I will do my usual Quest the First and will also try to do the Short Story Weekends. You just made my day!! Thanks Carl! Will post my list soon! 🙂
I’m definitely in for the Journey! i’ll have to go peruse the stacks to see what i’ve got. I received the DeLint “Mystery of Grace” last night, so it’ll probably be book the first ^_^
Everyone is so excited about this one, I have to join in! It will be my first year, but I’m so excited 😀
Ok, my (tentative) list is up. http://www.sassymonkeyreads.ca/?p=2427
Woo-hoo, I’d been anxiously waiting for this announcement! Count me in and I’ll post about it soon 🙂
Oh, I had almost give up on the idea of you hosting this this year. I’m so sorry… I should have more faith in you, Carl! I’m in, of course. 🙂 I’ll get my list of potential (ones that I really *should* get to) up later today. I’m in for Quest the Second.
I’m so glad you’re hosting this challenge again! It’s my favorite challenge of them all! My post is here. Thank you Carl!!!
I couldn’t wait for this to start and am over the moon now that it has. My list is here:
http://read-warbler.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
I’m in! I’d already planned to read scads of fantasy over the next couple of months, and I’m really looking forward to doing so in the company of some like-minded folks. My challenge post is here
Hi, I’d love to join. I’ll probably be doing Quest the First. Haven’t thought of a list yet..
Oh yeah!! I’m SO excited!! I was just thinking about this earlier in the week!!
I even have a list of books!!
http://stephaniesbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/didnt-i-just-say-one-more-challenge.html
Here is my post and potential list! http://susanflynn.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-here-its-finally-finally-finally.html
I had so much fun writing down the titles….. 😀
Quest the First, but I’ll have to get the list later. I have one fantasy in my TBR stack, but will be looking for titles by browsing some of the lists!
ok here’s my pool of books
http://herethereandeverywhere2ndedition.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time.html
I can’t wait to get started on this. I will be browsing through my shelves later on today as I know I have several books that qualify-including a bunch of YA fantasy. I may even get to a few that I intended for last year’s challenge. It looks like I will be doing Quest the First and I have a collection of stories called Tales before Tolkien that looks great for Short Story Weekends. I’m really looking forward to finding out where all the reading will take me. Thank you for hosting this again.
very cool! I’ve got my intention posted now
Has it really been a year since the last one? I cannot believe it! Last year OUTII was my first challenge and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This year please sign me up for the journey – I really appreciate that you include that option as my life is a little too crazy at the moment to commit to more. Book thoughts: The Book of Lost Things just arrived today,Jonathan Strange and Mister Norrell have been staring at me from the shelf since it first came out, and I enjoyed Perdido Street Station so much last year that I would like to read something else by China Mieville. I will think about it some more and do a post soon. Thanks for hosting Carl, this will be fun!
Here’s my list: http://melissasbookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-love-spring.html
Thanks for hosting, Carl. This is a fun one!!
http://1morechapter.com/2009/03/20/once-upon-a-time-iii/
Hi Carl,
My post is up now
http://www.mytwoblessings.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
Thanks.
Well, I am in of course! I will post on my blog saying I am joining, but I never make a list. 🙂 And, I have so many fantasy books to read that a list would just be silly and very very long!
One change for me this year is I am determined to finally get around to rereading ‘A Midsummer’s Night Dream’. It has been in the back of my head every year, but I never actually challenged myself to do so. This year is the year.
I’m in! I’m very excited, this is right up my alley. Super fun reading ahead!
http://never-travelled.blogspot.com/2009/03/because-why-not-once-upon-time.html
I see in your comments on Deslily’s blog that you are thinking about possibly reading The Mysterious Benedict Society one day. I read and reviewed it in Feb (based on Sassymonkeys rave reviews) and really enjoyed it. You should definitely check it out one day.
Okay, post up:
http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-challenge-iii.html
So, yeah, I am tentatively planning on doing four of your quests. Two for sure… I am such a nerd. lol
O.K… I’ve never actually done one of these, but I’m in. I’m definitely in for the Journey and will try to do Quest the First. I just started Club Dead by Charlene Harris today by happy coincidence! I also have New Moon and InkHeart in my TBR pile. And I already planned to pick up Small Favors (Dresden Files) soon since I saw it in paperback when I was at the bookstore last week. That gives me 4 books that fit the Quest already, and I only need to find one more… since there are more in each of those series I haven’t read yet, I don’t think it will be a problem ;p
What a lovely challenge! I will join in with Quest the Third (Quest the first plus Midsummer). I’ll be posting about it soon. Thanks for hosting this Carl!
Okay, back with a ridiculously long reading pool 😛
I’m joining in for Quest the First and Short Story Weeekends. The only problem with this quest is I want to get started right now, but have English Language coursework to write this weekend grrr…….
My pool is here
http://katrinasreads.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-march-21st-june-20th.html
Looking forward to reading everyone’s posts and making my wish list even bigger
Here my post is here:
http://moosplace.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
Hi, I decided to take the Journey this year and have made a list of possible books. I’ll probably read more than one, but not 5 so I’ll stick with the journey.
thanks for hosting again. the buttons and banners are spectacular.
Here’s my post!
http://classicvasilly.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/once-upon-a-time-iii/
I simply couldn’t resist and I’ve posted my pool of potential books. After all, reading everyone else’s was so much fun.
http://rocalisa.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-pool-for-once-upon-time.html
I’d like to join! I’ve never been too good with fantasy, but I have some books that I would love to read, so I’ll give it a try with The Journey. My blog entry is here: http://cozymurders.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
How could I not sign up for this one? :o)
http://www.bartsbookshelf.co.uk/reading-challenges/2009-challenges/once-upon-a-time-iii-2009/
Hi, may I join too? Saw the announcement over at Ana’s blog and just couldn’t resist. Here’s my post http://anecasworld.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
Sounds like a lot of fun!
Here’s my post: http://bookmusings.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/once-upon-a-time-iii-challenge/
I am in! Got too many yet to be read books in my pile. Will get around those. Here is my post about the challenge sans the list:
http://readingandmorereading.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
I am in as well! I missed this last year!
Count me in for Quest the First – off now to consider my reading pool…
I’m in again this year
http://myreadingchallanges.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-challenge-march-21st.html
I am only going to commit to a journey – but am sure I will read more than one – just want to avoid the pressure 🙂
Okay, I have a question. Do books with werewolves and/or vampires count?
Here is my pool:
http://justaddbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/mongoose.html
Kathrin: I’m not a real stickler. I think it could be easily argued that certain vampire/werewolf books are Urban Fantasy and so they would count and in other cases they would be considered the folklore or mythology of certain countries. So read away!
I want in, though I have to say I have yet to post about and I am a bit I sad I don’t find myself on your blog roll. Can you add me up there for being in the community and well getting more known? Plz. Plz. Plz.
Great challenge
Sign me up please:
http://lyndasbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-challenge.html
And now back with my pool which can be found here http://brideofthebookgod.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/once-upon-a-time-iii/
Ready, set, go!!!
Thanks Carl – you made my day.
http://qugrainne.com/2009/03/21/once-upon-a-time-iii-challenge/
I’m starting today. I actually decided to junk my idea to read for the Victorian challenge today and instead am starting on Skarlet by Thomas Emson (which I think fits in with urban horror fantasy or some other mismash definition): http://bookgazing.blogspot.com/2009/03/orange-prize-new-voices-and-foolishly.html
Sign me up! I’m going to do Quest the First. The beginnings of my reading list is here:
http://leabhran.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-reading-challenge.html
I would like to join with “The Journey.” I love the idea of reading A Midsummer Night’s Dream and I will probably read that! I also may read some Hans Christian Andersen stories for the Short Story Weekend (I have a 900 page volume and while I’m certain I won’t read the whole thing in the next three months, it would be nice to get a good start on it!) I also have some nonfiction books on my TBR list that I may take a look at in the next few months. I look forward to this project. Thanks so much for hosting it.
I’ll be writing a challenge post at the end of the month and I’ll mention this challenge in it.
Hello. Signing up late.
http://darkorpheus.blogspot.com/2009/03/challenge-once-upon-time-iii.html
Carl, I’ve finally put up a post with my list of choices. Is it possible for you to change my link so it goes directly to that post? If not, that’s okay. Here’s the link to my list post:
http://fondnessforreading.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-my-quest.html
THANKS!
I’m going for the Second Quest. 🙂 You can see my pool of potentials here.
Another wonderful thing about spring! I haven’t compiled my pool yet, but please count me in. Thanks for hosting the challenge and giving us so many options.
Carl,
I would love to give this a whirl. I am signing up for THE JOURNEY but hope to go well beyond it. Thanks!
I had lots of fun with RIP, so I’m in for this one too. I’m just signing up for The Journey. My post with potential reading options is at http://shelflove.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/once-upon-a-time-and-classics-challenge/
I’m going for the Journey
I’m in but won’t get myself together until after this weekend. Will come back then – but excited to participate for the first time!
I loved this challenge last year and am so excited it’s happening again! I’m in and here’s a link to my post of possibilities http://cafeshree.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/fun-new-challenge-once-upon-a-time-iii/
Count me in Carl. Here’s my post:
http://dolcebellezza.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
Sounds llike fun, not sure what I will read until I see what the library has. Lindy
Hi, Carl – I’ve decided to try something new this spring and join the challenge! I’m going to do the Journey level because I’m just not sure how many I can read – but I love the idea and thanks for letting me be a part of a great community. I’m excited!
K I’m in for Quest the 1st. Sounds awesome.
I’m signing up for first Quest, and maybe mixing it up with the 2nd (or doing the short stories one) later!
http://marineko.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-challenge.html
I’m signing up for Quest the Third (with a requirement of Quest the First). My list is here:
http://kissacloud.blogspot.com/2009/03/sunday-salon-more-of-madness.html
My list is now up:
http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-time-for-once-upon-time-iii.html
Have posted my list and am really looking forward to it. Went a bit silly in the library!! Thanks!
Never done anything like this before, but what the hell…this looks like fun.
I’ve put my post up here.
http://mashadutoit.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/once-upon-a-time-challenge/
Will have to think a bit about a list…
Sorry forgot to add – I’m going to be a wimp and stick to the Quest the first
I’m game! Here is my blog post:
http://kbr44.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
I’m joining in with Quest one. Here is the link to my post on my blog:
http://samsbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-challenge.html
I came here via ‘Reading Adventures”. I think I have found a home! I tend to only read these type of genres so I think I will attempt Quest the third as I have never read midsummer. I can’t wait to be introduced to some new titles! Thanks for having me.
Hello Carl,
I would love to participate again this year. Below is my post. Thanks so much for doing this!
http://acceptabletime.blogspot.com/2009/03/giving-in.html
Oh I am DEFINITELY in! Sign me up for Quest the Second, Quest the Fourth and the Short Story Weekends!
Here is my post: http://paperbackreader2.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time.html
Oh, please add me to the list. I hope to complete many quests. I will send you my link as soon as I get my post up. Thanks so much for hosting this again! You’re the best. 🙂
Count me in too. I’m only going for The Journey this year, although I hope to read more than one. My post is up here:
http://tanabata.blogspot.com/2009/03/sunday-salon-once-upon-time-iii.html
Count me in! My post is up here: http://storytimewithtonya.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-challenge.html
i chose quest the first as well. looking forward to it!
Carl, I’ve seen this on several of my favorite blogs and even though I promised myself no more challenges this one looks like too much fun to pass up. Please sign me up!
http://page247.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/once-upon-a-time-iii/
Oops, I’m going to try for Quest the First plus Short Story Weekends. Does listening to podcasts count?
sounds like fun!
Gavin: Audio listening counts in my book! Listen away!!!
Here is the link to my Once Upon a Time III post:
http://booksandotherthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-timethere-was-really-fun.html
Hi!
I found you through Eva, and would like to give this a try. I love mythology & folklore, but don’t know how many (or which) books I’ll get through. May I sign up for The Journey & then see if I can read more than one book anyway? This sounds like so much fun! Thanks!
Definitely DS, welcome!!!
Sign me up! Here’s my post.
Thanks so much for doing this again! I loved last year’s OUT/II Challenge, so I definitely want to sign up for this one. I’m opting for the Journey level since I don’t know how many books I’ll be able to read. Here’s my post:
http://jlshall.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-challenge.html
Count me in! Count me in! My post:
http://www.meexia.com/bookie/2009/03/once-upon-a-time-iii/
I’m so excited to do this challenge for the first time! I know I didn’t have to make a definite list but I did anyways. Here’s my post: http://blog.chainreader.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
This sounds like a real fun challenge. Here’s my posting.
http://mindnumbinglysomething.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
i really love the picture btw
I have a question… I’ve seen people adding Patricia Briggs, Keri Arthur and others to their lists and was wondering if you’re considering paranormals as part of fantasy?
I would love to join this one too please. Here is my link to my tentative list of books for the challenge.
http://serendipityteacher.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-challenge.html
Consider me signed up! Here is my challenge post http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-am-so-excited-that-carl-is-hosting.html
So excited to get started 🙂
Ana: I think many people would consider those authors part of the urban fantasy subgenre and as such that works for me.
Thanks Carl! You’ve just added a ton of books to the list in my head! 😉
This is not a genre/category that I normally read in but I thought I’d give it a try. Obviously, as it is out of my usual little box, I’ll be going for The Journey version. Will post a possible list later today on my blog.
I’m glad you are deciding to give the genre a try, Kristen!
Of course I’m in!
http://somereads.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
Sorry I’m so slow Carl. Here is my list.
http://hiddenplace.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/once-upon-a-time-iiionce-upon-a-time-iii/
At least I already finished one! 🙂 Thanks as always for what you do for us!
I’m not sure how you are slow, Heather. The challenge only started 2 days ago! 😉
Only meant I meant to have my post up 2 days ago! 🙂
Well then you are slow! Please whip yourself with wet noodles as penance for your sloth.
Carl – I just got back from a week on a lake in a technological dead zone. Came home, found out that it is That Time of Year again. *doin’ a happy dance* It’s a nice way to ease back into the reality routine, something to look forward to. Can’t wait to play with this challenge. Thanks!
http://fuzzycricket.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/once-upon-a-time-iii/
Sign me up! Here is my post: http://tinyurl.com/c6ka5h
I want to get in on the fourth quest. I will be starting this with Inkheart.
I’m in! I posted my list yesterday so looking forward to another great challenge 🙂
Okay, I’ve posted a link, so I guess I’m “official” now.
I’m going to try Quest the third. Love Midsummer Night’s Dream
Hi Carl, this is my first time around with this challenge but I’m looking forward to it. Sounds like a lot of fun. My post is here:
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-challenge.html
I think I’ll sign up for The Journey! This sounds like fun and I’d love to read more if I can, but I’m currently enrolled in quite a few other challenges at the same time. Here’s a link to my blog’s challenge page: http://iheartpaperbacks.wordpress.com/2009-challenges/
What a fun idea! I’m in!
http://rawlings.mapledesign.ca/?p=524
Hi Carl. This is the first time I’m taking part in this challenge and I’ve decided to take part in The Journey. My post is at http://ulatbukuinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-challenge.html
Carl! I’m in! Only the journey this year, but at least I still get to play 🙂
http://corinnesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-challenge-iii.html
I’m in! Thanks for hosting Carl.
Whitney, Corinne: great to see you in!
Ms. Ulat Buku: Great name! I encourage you all to go over to her site to learn exactly what it means. I think you’ll realize you’ve found a kindred spirit.
I am signing up! I am taking Quest the First.
http://ibeeeg.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii-challenge.html
hot dang! is it that time of year already!?
it doesn’t even need to be said – but count me in!
Sign me up too please! My post is here:
http://lostinagoodstory.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
Yay–I’m in!
http://trishsbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/out3-and-classics-challenges-plus-some.html
I’ll be taking The Journey! Here is my post:
http://the-iceberg.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-iii.html
I still don’t have a blog, but I’m in for Quest the Third. I haven’t chosen books yet.
No problem Ikkinlala. Glad that you are joining in anyway. Feel free to leave comments here and/or in the comments section on the book review site when you complete your reads.
Hello Carl, I’m late but I’m in again, just for the Journey this time! So many good suggestions come from your challenge that I could not skip it!
My post is here: http://scribacchina.freehostia.com/Blog/archives/483
Thank you for hosting!
Scribacchina
Hello Carl, I left you a comment here yesterday but I can’t see it and I don’t know what happened. Anyway, I’m in for the Journey, this year. Thanks for hosting OUaT III! My post is up here: http://scribacchina.freehostia.com/Blog/archives/483
Hello Carl,
I’m so excited with this challenge! Could you please sign me up for Quest First, please? I blogged about the challenge and my reading list here: http://lecanape.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/once-upon-a-time-iii/
Thank you so much!:)
I’m going to do the Quest the Third. I’ll post about it on my blog in the next couple of days. Thanks for hosting this again. I really enjoyed it last year.
I am new to the group A Novel Challenge. Fantasy and Science Fiction are my 2 favorite genres, with Mystery a close 3rd. Have you ever read any books by Dennis L McKiernan? He is one of my favorites. He has gone back to his Mithgar books after writing some “Fairy Tales” as he called them. I am sure that if your library does not have them, try Interlibrary Loan where a library in your district will loan the book for you for no charge. At least that how it is with my library district. Dennis based his fairy tales books on what I call The Rainbow Series-The Pink Fairy Book, The Orange Fairy Book, The Blue Fairy Book, etc. See the list under my Fairy Tale Challenge that I am hosting. It is a perpetual challenge. I am giving you a warning-I have been rearranging my challenges from alphabetical order into catagories and we have been having internet connection problems for about a month now. I bet that AT&T cringes every time my mom calls. Judy
I forgot to add that I will be doing one at at a time. Judy
I just found aout about thischallenge. I’m a huge fan of fantasy books, so I definitely intend to participate.
I am definately ready for this challenge! Quest the third, here I come! And I haven’t read A Midsummer’s Night Dream yet, so I’m looking forward to it! My posts will be at
http://ilovemybooks.blogspot.com/search/label/OUAT%20Challenge
Whoops! I’m running a bit late, but I want to join. My introductory post for the challenge is here: http://scalingmounttbr.blogspot.com/2009/03/two-more-challenges.html
I’m going for Quest the First this year. I can’t wait to participate!
I’m in!!
http://valentinasroom.blogspot.com/2009/03/once-upon-time-challenge-iii-21st-march.html
I’m up for Quest the First. When I post updates, it will be to http://inotherworlds.be
I’ve been looking forward to this challenge for a while, Carl! Here’s my list: http://geraniumcatsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2009/04/myths-and-fairytales.html
Hi Carl, please sign me up for the journey; my site is at http://plainssong.blogspot.com/2009/04/once-upon-time.htm. I am just finishing reading ‘The Princess Bride,’ so I will soon post a review about that. Thanks for doing this again!
Oh can I be the 101st participant? I am setting up my blog post right now. Thanks!
Hi,
I’ve already signed up for the challenge (as Science Geek) but I’ve decided to use a different blog, could you update the link for me?
http://nosebook.mapledesign.ca/?page_id=72
I’d love to join in, although getting here a little late! My post is here:
http://indextrious.blogspot.com/2009/04/if-you-find-yourself-inside-fairy-tale.html
Hey Carl! Is it too late to sign up? If not, please put my name on the list! I’ll be doing the Quest the First. Thank you! = )
I’ve decided to Journey again. My post is here. Thanks, Carl!
I apologize. The above was me. An unfortunate inconvenience of sharing computers.
I’m a bit late joining but my post is here
Hello 🙂 please join me up for quest the second and potentially quest the third, sorry still figuring things out…hoping a post will come later if i can get it on a separate page. very excited and trying to think up books for each section already 🙂
Last year’s Once Upon A Time was my first book challenge ever! Thanks for another fun chance.
http://erinsbookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/04/once-upon-time-iii.html
http://improvemyreading.blogspot.com/2009/04/once-upon-time-iii.html heres my post, pool is written on the left hand side
btw its so awkward placing books in categories before you’ve read them 😛 i had particular difficulty with folklore and mythology – think a root through my local library may be required 🙂
Hi Carl,
I am joining your challenge and totally psyched about it. My post is here:
http://relatedreading.wordpress.com/challenges/once-upon-a-time-iii/
Thanks,
Lily
Reading Contest. << the whole shebang
that’s me. the next (most recent post) on the blog is the one with my reading list and challenge I selected.
scroll down and click the left arrow.
sorry….
*eden
I wanna join! sounds like fun, but I’ll start with The Journey.
Hello. I just found your blog yesterday. I know it is pretty late to join. I know I will sign up for the Journey and I will try for the first quest just because I am so late in joining. I am excited. Thank you for doing this.
I recently found your blog and want to join too! Since the quest is almost over, I start with the Journey! Thanks!
Hi!
I have finished my first book for this challenge. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. My review is at my place, Just Books.
Sherrie
Umm, would Sam Savage’s Firmin count in? Otherwise I will just read another book this week 🙂
I have completed my challenge. I did the quest the first challenge. I enjoyed it immensely. I don’t know if I would have read from these genres if it wasn’t due to this blog. Thank you.
You can read my book list at chrisflea.blogspot.com
Kathrin: I’m thinking that would count! 🙂
Christine: Congrats on finishing the challenge. I am so glad that you joined in and that you enjoyed the experience.
Great, Carl. Thanks 🙂 I can’t believe what I missed out on by not really reading that genre earlier…
I completed my quest (Quest the Third) – just in time.
Challenge completed, Carl, and concluding comments are up on my blog. Thanks for hosting, my friend!
I just put up my wrap up post here http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/2009/06/once-upon-time-iii-challenge-wrap-up.html
Thanks for hosting, bring on RIP and next year’s OUAT Challenge!
Carl, once again I had a lovely time with the excuse…er, challenge, to read some new fantasy stories. I was able to complete Quest the First, Quest the Second and Quest the Third. I really applied myself this year, LOL! I’m already looking forward to RIP!
Carl, I just posted my wrap-up post. Thank you so much for another wonderful challenge!
http://afondnessforreading.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/once-upon-a-time-3-wrap-up/
He4re is what I read:
Fantasy, Fisher, Leonard Eerett Jason and the Golden Fleece
Mythology, Lawrence, Ann Merlin the Wizard
Fairy Tales Brothers Grim, Grimm Fairy Tales
Folk Lore. Willard, Nancy East of the Sun and West of the Moon
Lindy/CT
Just posted my wrap-up post. It was great fun! Thank you Carl!
http://www.meexia.com/bookie/2009/06/sunday-salon-once-upon-a-time-iii-challenge-completed/
hey, i’m afraid i only completed quest the third and failed miserably on quest the second, but my review for a midsummer nights dream is here: http://improvemyreading.blogspot.com/2009/06/midsummer-nights-dream-shakespeare.html thankyou for the challenge, i really (and unexpectedly) enjoyed the shakespeare and i hope that maybe next year, if im better prepared, i might manage quest the second also. thanks 🙂
I finished Quest the Third! here’s my wrap-up post:
http://lostinagoodstory.blogspot.com/2009/06/once-upon-time-iii-challenge-completed.html
Thanks for this fun challenge Carl!!
Hi Carl! Just posted my wrap-up. Thanks so much for hosting this. I had tons of fun!
Hi Carl!
Just wanted to let you know that I changed my blog from Cosy Little World to Miss Picky’s Column and have just posted my Wrap Up. Haven’t had a chance to write the reviews but I’ll get to it in the next few days. Thanks for hosting this!
Hello Carl,
Here’s my wrap-up:
http://lecanape.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/once-upon-a-time-challenge/
I’m late with the reviews but I’ll try to publish them as quickly as possible. Thanks for organizing the challenge, it was fun! 🙂
So the 2010 version begins immediately on the heels of the SF Challenge. I’ll give it a go.
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