HASA Reviewed Stories September 2010

Since the previous Bulletin, 6 stories have been reviewed and there are currently also 8 stories in review. Reviews couldn’t exist without authors and reviewers. So Thank You all for your work. BUT... we always need reviewers!

As I type this, there are 8 stories waiting to be reviewed (remember to log in before you follow the link).

Member participation is crucial for reviews. The more people are involved in reviewing, the more opinions are represented. Just as importantly, having more people involved means that stories pass through review more quickly - which is good for everyone. If you are an active reviewer, why not go and check out a story?

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed story spotlight
These stories have passed through review since the previous bulletin. Congratulations to all authors; well done!


Falling Leaves by lindahoyland
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: Multi-Age
Summary: A series of drabbles concerning trees.

Eight Elven Cloaks by Virtuella
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 3rd Age - Ring War
Summary: Galadriel has a special commission for her handmaidens. As eight Elven cloaks are sewn in a bower in Caras Galadhon, the members of the Fellowship are evoked in turn, and blessed.

A Treasure Restored by Larner
Rating: General
Genre: Drama
Era: 3rd Age - Post-Ring War
Summary: For some years Faramir of Gondor has had in his possession two books that had apparently come to Gondor from the far north, and now he believes they should go to the new King, perhaps as a wedding gift of sorts. Follows some elements from my story, Or Perchance, when the Last Little Star.... ...

Bibliophile by Imhiriel
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 4th Age
Summary: Éowyn is reading about a tragedy of the First Age, until her husband provides a more pleasurable pastime. Drabble.

To the Sea by Mirefinwe
Rating: General
Genre: Poetry
Era: 1st Age
Summary: Fingolfin's lament for his wife. Should be conceived of as written in Sindarin.

Shoulder the Sky, My Lads by Marta
Rating: General
Genre: General
Era: 3rd Age - Ring War
Summary: In Rivendell, Gimli and Boromir spend some time below stairs.