Once Upon a Time…
Four simple words which, when strung together, throw wide the doors of imagination. From our earliest recollection these words began journeys so meaningful and so profound that they were woven into the fabric of our existence, causing us to return to the gateway of fiction year after year, decade after decade, to travel new roads or to trod once more on familiar paths.
Once Upon a Time…
“I felt a curious thrill, as if something had stirred in me, half wakened from sleep. There was something very remote and strange and beautiful behind those words, if I could grasp it, far beyond ancient English.”
~J.R.R. Tolkien, on reading the Cynewulf lines about the star Earendel
For as long as I can remember, fantastical literature has given me that same “curious thrill” that Tolkien references. Fantasy, fairy tales, folklore and mythology are “remote and strange and beautiful”, in part because of the way in which these types or storytelling have their foundation laid firmly in a past so remote that it is hard to truly fathom just how long people have been sitting down across from family, friends, and even strangers telling their own versions of “once upon a time”.
Five years ago I set out to celebrate my own deep affection for this literature by inviting others to set aside the period of the year that in the Western Hemisphere is known as Spring (March 21st to June 20th) to journey together into the magical lands of fantasy, fairy tales, folklore and mythology. This event, known as the Once Upon a Time Challenge, has been a great success because of its most important ingredient: you! Over the past four springs bonds of friendship have been formed, new favorite authors have been discovered, and we have all become keenly aware of just how precious a treasure it is to be able to read good books and talk about them with each other. Allow me to thank each and every one of you who have participated, from one time to all four previous times, for making this so special. It is my honor to announce that the 5th annual Once Upon a Time Challenge has begun.
Now, for the particulars:
The Once Upon a Time Challenge has a few rules:
Rule #1: Have fun.
Rule #2: Have fun.
Rule #3: Don’t keep the fun to yourself, share it with us, please!
Rule #4: Do not be put off by the word “challenge”.
If you have participated in any of the reading events hosted here at Stainless Steel Droppings then you will know that my goal is not to try to reach some preset number of books read. It is simply to take pleasure in what is read. By the same token, I do like setting personal goals for myself and I see the value in “challenging” myself not only to read regularly but also to get out of my comfort zone on occasion. We all have books that we want to read. On top of that some of us have books we are obligated to read, be that for school or commitments we have made, etc. The Once Upon a Time Challenge is not meant to be a burden, nor is it meant to coerce you into participating in something when you feel overwhelmed. That is why you will find that the Once Upon a Time Challenge is designed to cater to everyone–those that want to set a specific goal to reach and those who know that all they really have time for is to read one qualifying book and want to take part in the fellowship that springs up during this challenge.
The 5th annual Once Upon a Time Challenge runs from March 21st through June 20th. There are many quests that can and will be embarked upon during this time. Come join us:
This is really as simple as the name implies. It means you are participating, but not committing yourself to any specific number of books. By signing up for The Journey you are agreeing to read at least 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 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 enjoyment 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.
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 any weekend, or weekends, during the challenge. Ideally you would post about your short story readings on Sundays or Mondays, but this is not strictly necessary.
And finally,
Stories are not just limited to the printed page. Many entertaining, moving, profound or simply fun stories are told in the realm of television and film. To participate in this quest simply let us know about the films and/or television shows that you feel fit into the definitions of fantasy, fairy tales, folklore or mythology that you are enjoying during the challenge.
How do you share the various quest items you encounter, be they book or film? I am so glad you asked. If you follow this link (or click on the banner on in my sidebar), you will be taken to the Once Upon a Time Challenge Review Site. Whenever you review a book, film, short story, television show, etc. on your blog, simply put a link to that post on the Review Site. That way we can come over and share in your experience.
Over the years various well meaning, and not so well meaning, people have tried to dismiss this kind of literature as childish, no longer relevant, escapist, etc.
Terri Windling, in her marvelous essay “On Tolkien and Fairy Stories” writes:
It was only in the nineteenth century that magical literature and art was pushed into the nursery — ironically, at a time when adult interest in them could not have been higher. Prior to this, ancient epics and myths held a central place in the literary arts, while their country cousins, folk and fairy tales, were told to young and old alike. When fairy tales moved from the oral to the literary tradition, they did so as adult stories.
I believe that all literature has the potential to speak to us, regardless of our age, and that fantastical literature can speak to us and inspire us in ways that other fiction cannot. I do not believe it is merely the stuff of our childhood. In fact I believe these stories, even ones we are familiar with from our childhood, can touch us in our adulthood in ways they never could when we were less mature, less seasoned, and perhaps less in need of the restorative power of stories that enchant.
I do so hope you’ll join in. You DO NOT need a blog in order to participate. If you don’t blog, feel free to leave comments here and/or in the comments section of the review site about what you think you might read, what you have read, your thoughts, etc.
I am honored more than I can adequately express to be able to use the artwork of Anne-Julie Aubry for this year’s challenge banners. I first discovered her work on Etsy several years ago and I have not ceased being moved by it. The colors, themes, and style of her art speaks to that deep part of me that remembers being enraptured by fairy stories and fantasy as a child and also engages my adult sensibilities with both the joy and melancholy that are present in her work. She is a dear, sweet creative soul, a kindred spirit, and her work perfectly embodies the spirit that inspired me to do this in the first place. I will be featuring Anne-Julie and her work during the challenge period and her work will no doubt be a part of the giveaways that occur during the next 3 months. In that spirit, let me say that those who sign up for the Once Upon a Time Challenge by Friday, March 25th at 11:59 p.m. will have their names entered into a drawing for an Anne-Julie Aubry Prize Pack.
As you can see by the beginning of this post, I could not choose between the two images, so I chose them both! For those of you who like banners, here are both images in a variety of sizes. Help yourself:
Now all that remains is for you to join in. If you do a blog post on your site, please link through Mr. Linky below. If you are participating and do not have a blog, or don’t plan on doing a blog post, then please sign up here as well.
(Mr. Linky is having off again, on again problems, so if you don’t see the sign up box, please return and sign up at a later time)
Come, let us read together.
Yay! It’s really, truly, officially spring now.
I’m so happy to see this up! Will be posting my list soon!!
Carl, so excited to see your hosting this again! You’ve created a beautiful button, as usual, and I especially appreciate how freeing the ‘requirements’ are. I’ll be doing the Journey, and I’ll link when I’ve planned it out a bit more.
Yay, yay, yay! That’s all I have to say about this 🙂
My post is up (and I added it to your Mr. Linky, but that seems to have disappeared – just wanted to make sure that you are aware of it)!
Yay! I am so excited. I am watching the Tin Man mini-series right now, so I think I might branch out and do the film one as well as reading this year. 🙂 Hopefully I will have time to put my post up soon.
This. Sounds. So. ME! 😀 Definitely excited about this 🙂
Thanks for hosting this again. You do the best challenges.
I will be posting my list soon. I plan on reviewing some of the Highlander television series, more of Roger Zelazny’s Amber books, and others.
Really looking forward to participating in this challenge again.
Thanks and the buttons and banners are lovely.
Ah, Carl! You just made my night 😀 So freaking excited about this. My best blogging memories and friendships are associated with this challenge. And I’m so excited to see the Anne-Julie Aubry images!!! You introduced me to her and she’s become a favorite artist of mine. Hooray for year 5!!
I’m in! I’m in! I going through my tbr pile now, trying to come up with a list. Carl, you have made my day!
Yaaay! I’ve been waiting for….9 months for this challenge to begin again! lol really, I do love this one and RIP the very most, because these are two of my favourite categories of books (mystery is the other). I start buying books in January to get ready for this challenge! lol I’ll do my post tomorrow, it’s too late tonight to do another. YAAY! spring is here, even if it’s just here – we are expecting 5 inches of snow tomorrow morning. In my mind though, it’s all birds and flowers, myths and magic! 😀 Thank you Carl, for hosting it once more.
Count me in for Quest the First!
Book choices ( as always subject to change on a whim ) 🙂
1. The Wise Man’s Fear – Patrick Rothfuss
2. A Game of Thrones – George RR Martin ( reread along with a blogger on the tor.com website )
3. Dark Jenny – Alex Bledsoe
4. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
5. Prince Valiant Vol. 2 – Hal Foster
Also, I plan to find something Neil Gaiman during the next 3 months as it’s seems unnatural to me not to read Gaiman during this time of year. 🙂
As for the silver scree…
Some how I hope to see the HBO series Game of Thrones and Starz Camelot series both debuting in April. Since I don’t subscribe to either HBO or Starz this may prove challenging.
I also hope to see Sucker Punch, Source Code and Pirates 4 during the challenge.
I have signed up! This looks like a great challenge! The buttons are gorgeous, too. 🙂
I am looking forward to this one this year. I failed in a big way last year,so I feel the need to redeem myself!
🙂
I’m on a fantasy kick at the moment so this is very timely:)
Here we go again!!! I’ll sign up as soon as I have a post ready!
I always hope this means my tbr pile will go down but as much of it as I can read isn’t enough and it grows and grows ! I can’t begin to thank you Carl (said sarcastically as the demon Bartimaeus would say!) :o)
Oh my, I am such a sap. Really, I’m sitting here trying to see through the tears in my eyes as I type. Once Upon a Time just means so very much to me–it is in one way or another associated with everything I find wonderful about blogging. And of course, that very much includes you. *hugs*
Thanks so much for hosting this again, Carl! I know you enjoy it, but I also know it must be a great deal of work. You can count on the whole Stevens family to be participating, though likely everyone else will be doing it “behind the scenes.” Though maybe this will be just the ticket to get Annie back into blogging again…I would love that! Thank you again, Carl!!!
Hee, hee, hee. I can’t believe my timing!! I may actually even post a challenge post today or tomorrow. I will tell you I may not complete the challenge, but I will try!!!!!!!
I’ve really missed the commraderie of challenges. Especially one of yours. So, I am MOST DEFINITELY IN!!
Count me in. Not sure what all I’ll manage to read and review, but this is my main genre, so I’m sure it won’t be too difficult. Can’t wait to read all the other reviews out there and find some more books to add to my already enlarged queue.
Huzzah for the Once Upon a Time Reading Challenge! I love this time of year 🙂
I am singing up for Quest the First, and I have NO idea what I’ll be reading just yet. I plan to check out what everyone else is planning to read and go from there. I am especially hoping to find fairy tale recs – fairy tale retellings may be my favorite genre, and I’m worried I’ve read everything out there already! 😉
I did it! My first time for this one.
I’m in and my list is up. 🙂
I love this challenge, & can’t wait to get started!
Barely a day in and I already cannot keep up with the comments! LOL! You all make me smile and I thank you so much for the kind words. My head may be too big to fit out the door today!
My planned reading list includes:
1. Name of the Wind (only 80 pages left to read)
2. A Wise Man’s Fear
3. Sleight of Hand (the new Peter S. Beagle short story collection)
4. The Very Best of Charles de Lint
5. Neverwhere (reread, although first time with author’s preferred edition)
6. Something by or about Tolkien
7. Dark Jenny by Alex Bledsoe (thanks Jeff for the reminder)
As for the Screen:
1.Like Jeff, I want to somehow see the Game of Thrones series but I don’t, and won’t, have HBO.
2. Return of the King, extended edition. Got through the first two over Christmas but haven’t gotten back to watch Return (for the zillionth time. 😉 )
3. Sucker Punch
4. Pirates 4
I’m sure I’ll deviate from and add to my plans, but those are the things I am excited about reading at the moment.
Hooray! Loved this last year, and shall be doing Quest The Third again. Gorgeous illustrations as ever! Thank you xx
I’m only committing to The Journey, although I hope to read more than just one qualifying book. I don’t have a list made yet, but my TBR shelves are overflowing with books and I’m sure several qualify for the adventure. Thanks for hosting this, Carl!
AWESOME, and if I do say so myself, these are the best banners/buttons yet. Beautiful! I’m teaching a science fiction and fantasy class right now, so I’ll be delving into some of these categories already. Can’t wait to participate! I’ll post at my blog soon. 🙂
I’m signed up but haven’t created a post as yet as my home computer is being fixed so I’m at the library.
I’m going for quest the third this time, as I’ve always wimped out and chosen quest the first previously. Going to attempt to read one book from each category, read some non-fiction and join in the shory story Sunday – I brought a collection whist I was in New York especially for this challenge.
Off to look for some inspiration with the categories now 😀
Lovely lovely pictures Carl. And I’ve kept a few books to one side just for this challenge. So yay!
Hey! What about Dark Jenny by Alex Bledsoe? 🙂
Psst… also both Rothfuss book titles start of with the word ” The “. It’s ” The Name of the Wind ” and ” The Wise Man’s Fear “. I wanted you to know the that in case you do a book review on the first book soon.
looks fun. and I adore Anne-Julie and the nebulous kingdom. Sean bought me a few of her prints for christmas two years ago and I’ve a growing list of pieces i want to collect.
hope this years challenge is a good one for you, carl. I’m going to see if the daughter will participate with me, and Sean, an excuse to re-read the Sandman series (which has a bit about Midsummer’s Dream in it..)
Yaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!! It’s OuaT time again!!!!!!! (This may actually give me the kick in the rear I need to zoom through my coursebooks.)
I’m so glad you’re hosting this challenge again, Carl! I’m looking forward to trying to participate a little more in the social side of the challenge this year. ^-^ I’m only committing to The Journey this time around and possibly the Quest of Screen because my reading this year so far has felt abysmal. Hopefully, the challenge will finally kick me off into feeling happy and comfortable with my reading, though! I always have fun with the challenge. ^-^
I hope this year will be fantastic for you and everyone who’s participating!
I’ve been checking your blog everyday for this announcement and am so happy for Once Upon A Time V. I’m taking The Journey and have at least two books I want to read.
Hi,
I just love the whole idea of this even though I can’t really do it. (hope to read some of the stuff). I am also excited that you start this the first day of Spring and JennSee’s birthday. She would have been 31. 🙁
Just happy to touch base with you again.
Cynthia
I’m so happy it’s that time of year again!
Yayyyy, I’m so glad it’s this time of year again! I’m going to participate but even without that it’s lovely to see Anne-Julie’s beautiful artwork all over my Google Reader again. Elizabeth Bunce’s A Curse As Dark As Gold is the only book I’m committing to right now, but I’m hoping I can read at least a few more over the course of the challenge!
This is my first time participating in this challenge but I have heard about it in previous years. I’m so excited to join in the fun!
Arlene: Wonderful to have you.
Jenny: Yes, I love see Anne-Julie’s work all over as well, it is so cool.
Cynthia: It is Mary’s birthday today and my brother’s as well! 🙂 I do need to catch up with you. I was thinking about you just the other day and wondering how things were with you.
Jeff: Cannot believe that I forgot Dark Jenny as I was actually thinking about it just before I typed that list. I’m going to go add it now.
That’s what I’m here for. 🙂
Jeff & Carl: If you figure out how to watch Game of Thrones without HBO, let me know. 🙂
Hi,
I just discovered this challenge today. I am kicking myself for missing the last four years!
What a wonderful challenge! I’ve wanted to join for several years now and I’m so happy to get the chance now. Thanks!
We will Kailana. I believe HBO is going to have up on their website ( hbo.com ) on April 3rd or 4th the first 15 minutes of episode one free to view.
Heyla Carl, thanks for hosting this again. I’m in for Quest the First & The Short Story Quest. I’ll post my list up on my LJ page sometime this week. Ahhh Spring! ^_^
I love this challenge! I’m playing it safe and signing up for the Journey, but hope to do better than one book. Thanks so much for hosting again.
Jeff: That’s just evil, though, unless it is terrible! Then you won’t mind missing the rest. 🙂
I’m sorry to report I won’t be a participant this go-’round. All the projects here are mounting up, time is at a premium, and just when I thought I’d settle in with the books in the library set up it is starting to warm up and there is a lot of basic garden work needed to get this place in shape – the previous owner was apparently blind to the garden except to have someone mow the weed-infested lawn once in a while. All excuses, I know, but I can’t be sure if I’ll read much of anything, if I do, what it might be, other than MacWorld, or even if I’ll watch anything on video. I’ve been trying to get to TO SERVE THEM ALL MY DAYS which is here on DVD, for two months!
I will, however, be watching to see what the rest of you read and your opinions of it, and if the book is one with which I am familiar, I might make a comment or two. OH, and Carl – I do wish you’d add Saberhagen’s EMPIRE OF THE EAST to your list.
I participated once, a few years ago. I am excited to do so again! 🙂 I’m going to try for Quest the Second this year. 😀
RkR: No need to apologize, there is always a lot to do, and after your recent move I know that you and your wife have a long way to go until you feel you are truly settled. I will add Saberhagen’s book to my (growing) TBR list, for sure. Not sure when I’ll get to it, but Saberhagen is one of those authors who I’ve wanted to read for a long time but have not gotten around to.
I need to get out into the yard myself this weekend and get started on cleaning out volunteer trees, etc. and getting the beds ready for replanting.
Sounds fun, and the artwork is lovely. I’ll definitely be participating at The Journey level, and Quest on Screen for sure.
This will be my first time participating. It sounds like a lot of fun 😀
Kelly: Welcome, it is wonderful to have you!
Sarah: Thank you, and thanks for joining in.
Yay!!!! Will be back later-ish (probably Saturday – lol) with my list 😀
I’m in, but at the Journey level. I would love to say how many I’ll do, but reviewing just hasn’t been happening for me lately.
Jackie: That is perfectly okay, I’m just happy that you are traveling with us.
I heard about this challenge from bookgirls’ nightstand, bookgirl.net. What a lovely challenge! I’m committed!
Yea! I’m ready to begin! Haven’t decided which Quest, but I’m definitely in!
Found you via Sprite- I’m so in! I haven’t been reading much fantasy lately, and I miss it. I’m in for Quest the Second… I think.
Mikaiya: Great, I’m glad you found us and are joining in!!!
Jenclair: I haven’t decided on a quest either, ha!
WhitneyLane: Wonderful! Thanks so much for joining in.
This is my first time participating and I’m super excited about doing Quest the First. I have my books all lined up on my nightstand. Thanks for creating this challenge!
Found the challenge via Jenclair at Garden Carried in the Pocket and it sounds like fun, so I’ll give it a try!
Thanks for hosting! I’m excited to participate again this year. I love reading novels for this challenge. 🙂
Chachic: Thank you for joining in! I know just what you mean, I’m very excited about the books I am planning to read for the challenge.
Anne: I am so glad you did. Jenclair is wonderful, isn’t she? Thanks for joining in.
Connie: Great, welcome! You should take a picture of all you books lined up on the nightstand, that would be great! (Says the guy who just loves seeing pictures of other people’s books) 🙂
I posted a reading pool today if anyone is interested in seeing it! If you click on my name it is the most recent post.
Quest the first! I need an excuse to read some novels.
What fun! Certainly need to expand literary horizons in this direction, so will read other comments for ideas of where to start, who the good authors are…
I’m in with Quest the First!
Wow! I just lucked up finding this website, and I just HAVE to join! I will probably need some suggestions — but, since I teach high school English, will Young Adult Lit fit for your challenge? I can’t wait to try this…Think I’m going for Quest the Third. Who doesn’t want to reread Midsummer, or watch/attend the play???
Thanks for this challenge!
Fun! I’ve done R.I.P. twice, but first time for this one. LOVE the artwork!
Stephanie M. – Young Adult certainly counts. You will find that Carl and many of us others who frequent his blog are big young adult fans.
I am still in a debate on which to do. I think I will do the journey officially.
I’m really excited about this challenge. I haven’t had a chance to create a post. Hopefully when things slow down in the next few days I’ll get one up. The images are gorgeous. I can’t wait to decide what books I’m going to read. Thanks for hosting.
This should be fun 🙂
I’m totally looking forward to start reading and reviewing books for this challenge as well as read other posts. Thanks so much for hosting it, Carl. The artwork is so beautiful.
just a side note, Carl as I know you like art, this blog had some great story/fairy tale inspired illustrations
http://www.artonfix.com/illustration/story-telling-illustrations
I came across it while looking for something to add to my post about Russian fairytales
So excited it’s back! Thanks for hosting again. And I love, love, love the artwork this year! (I know, I say that every year. But it’s true.)
Woot! Looking forward to reading some great books this year. 🙂
Hi,
I will be participating and I will be attempting all the quests. I don’t think I will have a separate page or post for the challenge but I will come post the links to the book reviews for each quest. So I will come and let you know that I did Quest 1 and here is link 1 to book review one and so on.
And yes I definitely think it will be easy to complete the entire challenge. 😀
Cheers, Marisa
I’m so excited for this! I don’t know what to sign up for,as I know i’ll read at least one book, but there’s also lots of short stories I want to read and films I want to see!
Hurrah! It’s here…. though spring is lagging. This afternoon I will pick up my reserved copy of Neverwhere, “the author’s preferred version, read by the author.” I will be dropping my daughter off in Chicago later in the day, so the ride home is going to be FUN!
Thanks for hosting, Carl. I am looking forward to your reviews, new ideas for reading, and the take on some of my favorites by other participants.
Happy Once Upon a Time to all of us!!
Sitting in the back row, here . . . trying to hide. But I’m a rule follower, and you said to leave a comment after linking up, so here I am. 🙂 I can’t imagine what my commitment will be able to be, so I’m going to give it a couple of days . . . largely because I’m a newbie, and I only have the twinkling of an idea what this is all about so far . . . but I am kinda thrilled . . . Thank you for hosting! I can’t wait to delve into this!
~Debbi
I’ve never joined in for this challenge before (though you know I’m a big fan of the RIP challenge!) but I felt compelled to for many reasons this year. Now that I’ve written up my entry post, I want to rush through my current read just to get started! This is going to be a glorious spring.
Love the buttons, and count me in! It’s my first time. 😀
Doing this for the first time. I’m already halfway through the first book that qualifies. Seems someone’s put a spell on me that insists I do Questbthe Third.
This will be my first year participating and I’m excited to jump in! I love fairy tale retellings and anything to do with mythology or folklore, so this will be right up my alley! Thanks for hosting this!
Signed up and there’s a post on my blog announcing it, hurrah for you hosting it. 🙂
Love this idea!
Hello, I am new to blogging so this will be my first challenge. It looks great, I can’t wait to get started!
Thank you for hosting this. It’s my first time, and I’m excited 🙂
I’m sooooo excited for this challenge! I’m a first time blogger and I love fantasy. I’ll be partcitpating in Quest the 3rd and 4th along with Quest on Screen. Maybe if I have the guts the Short Story Quest. I’ll also be reading Warped, Fire, Graceling, ect.
Hi Carl! I crawled out of my hole to join the challenge! No matter how busy, I have to participate in Once Upon a Time. I vlogged my list this year.
Count me in! I’m just trying to decide what to read:
http://danitorres.typepad.com/workinprogress/2011/03/once-upon-a-time-v.html
Thanks for creating and hosting this adorable contest! LOVE the art!
My initial posting about the challenge is now published. Since I just finished watching Red Riding Hood, I went with the image of the girl in the red hood.
Great, I’ll check it out Jim. I’ve been wondering about that film.
Celesta: Thank you, I’m happy you are joining us.
Danielle: Thanks for the link. It has been way too long since I’ve been to your blog, so I’ll be by to visit.
Terri B: Ha! I know all about those holes, I’ve been in many of them myself over these last few years. They always seem to get deeper.
Lexi, Anne, Margaret: You are all so very welcome. I hope this first experience is a wonderful one for each of you.
I have finally decided to join in.My sign up post is on scheduled,will appear 4 hours from now 😉
Carl…Ill be writing my country’s folk lore,will that count?
What a great challenge! I’ll be joining for the first time.
I’m late this year but I am so in! Will do either quest the second or third and may add in seventh depending on time. Off to go and pick out some books.
I’ve finally got my pool of potential reads up, sorry for the lateness…real life jumped with both feet this week and is still stomping!
http://merlin513.livejournal.com/6281.html
Thanks Carl! I missed last year because we were moving but I am so excited to be joining again this year! Thanks!!!
List done! Lol I vlogged 🙂
Honey and I have decided to join and this is our first. Thanks.
I’m so glad I found this. It’s such great timing for me. I can’t wait to get started!
I’m pretty late, but my list’s up and I’m going to start right away! Lovely artwork again, Carl.
I’m signing up for the Journey. I do love this challenge!
I hope it’s not too late to sign up! I’m in for Quest III.
First review is finally up! Among Others by Jo Walton:
http://rolypolypony.livejournal.com/2553851.html
I’m late to the party, but I’ve already started The Journey. Glad to be back for this year’s quests.
This is my first time joining as well! I’m definitely doing the first quest and may try for the second, as well, since it’s harder. (Are the four categories in Quest the First the ones mentioned in Quest the Second? Do you have definitions for each?)
Joining late…but I realized I’m already reading books that meet the challenge! So it’s definitely time to officially join up. 🙂
I’m in…. better late than never, right? 😉
I’m almost hilariously late at finding this – but I’ve been drawn in nonetheless!
I am loving this challenge! This is just my kinda thing! Thanks for being awesome and hosting this ultra cool shin-dig!
I’m very late at finding this, but it is exciting!
I just found out about this and I so so so excited! Thanks! Now I need to get busy since I am starting late.
Whoops, I just realized I never actually signed up for the challenge, even though I intended to do it! Oh well, better late than never! Thanks again for hosting. Col
You are certainly not too late Col, welcome!!!
You can definitely see your skills in the article you write.
The sector hopes for even more passionate writers
such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.
At all times follow your heart.