Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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Pass The Parcel - Q&A/Announcements
Q&AAbout the Challenge
Q: I see in the directions that a theme will be called each Friday. Under what circumstances would I need to read more than one book per week? Just if I fall behind?
A: Yes. You will only be reading more than one book in a week if you are behind in your reading. However if you use your passes (1 each 4 weeks) over the challenge you will only read 7 books in 9 weeks - on avg less than 1 book/week.
Q: Do we have to report anywhere when the team is done with a week's theme?
A: Each group will have their own thread, and members will post their progress there. As for team claiming - there will be a separate thread for Team Captains to update at least weekly.
Q: 2. Select a book from the 'READ' list of a team-mate that they read in the last 6 months AND that the team-mate rated at least 3 stars. Can we have a firm date set for the full challenge, eg 1 August, to allow for planning?
A: No. The six months will recalibrate each week - you can't plan until you have your team and it is only 4 members whose shelves you can pick from. I'll provide the six month date each week to avoid confusion.
Q: Regarding the option to 'pass'. Do we have to decide that week who's passing or could we choose later on? Let's say that during week 1, everybody decides to read their book but once week 2 starts, one player realizes she cannot read week 1's book for whatever reason. Assuming that nobody else from the team passed, could she then decide to pass on last week's book?
A: The book selection or pass needs to be specified in the announcement week.
Members reading books may change their book selection at any time (within their selected option), but they cannot decide to alter their chosen option eg 1, 2 or 3 (theme, team-mates bookshelf, or pass).
Q: Do the books we use have to be on a bookshelf (unless noted like the shifter challenge) or can we add as we go?
A: The only theme that requires a book to be on a particular shelf is the shifter category (#20). Otherwise the book can qualify because it fits the description in other ways, from the précis or title for example. So they don't need a book that is shelved that way as your qualifier, it must be on the shelf before the category is announced.
Q: Must people follow the format you provided exactly? Or does the captain just need to make sure they include pertinent info? Week, book, # of pages, option and in the case they pick a shelf/listopia, a link to that?
A: For forms sake I want the Captains to hold to the format although I'm happy for the bookcover to be dropped.
The reasons:
*If you don't have the link to the book, you may end up putting the wrong book in the completion thread. There are a lot of books out there with the same title. The link ensures you are using the right book.
*We need the week that the book relates to since some books may be read out of order.
*The page numbers makes it so much easier for everyone to know that the books complies with the rules.
*The same for the shelf link or the note on the precis (ie how it qualifies for the theme).
I think it is important that the members do their bit to help out the Captain and the organisers to show compliance without us having to go digging :)
Q: When you say "the Captain will also double-check that your book selection complies with the rules": Does this mean that if team-members say 'book is in this shelf' the captain must verify that the book is actually on the shelf? And that if they say the theme is in the precis, we also have to verify that?
A: I don't want the Captain to be a policeman but we do need someone in each team following how the rest of the team is progressing. If the info provided by the member looks reasonable to the Captain, fine - there is no need to investigate each link or how the book qualifies.
But if we are reading a theme and the book selected looks dubious for that theme or how it qualifies, I would like the Captain to question this selection - either check the link or ask the question as to how the member thinks it qualifies.
Q: What is the precis?
A: The precis is the blurb on the back of the book cover. the summary, the synopsis. In this instance I will also accept any of the details that are posted on the GR book description page, eg setting.
Q: My book doesn't have a page count on Goodreads but I have the word count. Can I use the word count and what is the minimum acceptable?
A: Yes - a 35,000 minimum word count will be accepted as a substitute for the 100 page minimum. Because the word count to page conversion varies greatly, I have gone at the high end for this conversion.
Q: My book doesn't have a page count on Goodreads but Amazon does have a page count. Can I use Amazon's page count?
A: Yes
About the Themes
Q: #9 - Book has a theme of hurt/comfort/grieving - Does that mean I can use any books I find in shelves that imply hurt, comfort or grieving like: grief, hurt, loss, pain, crying, etc?
A: If the shelf name implies 'hurt/grief' etc, then a book on that shelf can be used.
Q: And do we have to support that the book shows up in that particular shelf (showing you a link of how many people shelved a particular book as 'grief') or just saying 'it's in the grief shelf' would suffice?
A: You must provide a link to that shelf with you selected book post.
Q: #12 - Main character is a musician - do they have to play an instrument or being a singer counts too?
A: Yes
Q: What happens if a book is mis-shelved?
A: If books have been incorrectly shelved, they still count for that round. (I would appreciate them being removed if it is an RRRC shelf though AFTER the round is finished.)
Q: 'must be shelved by a GR member' - Does this mean on the RRRC group bookshelves, or any bookshelf?
A: The shelf can occur anywhere on Goodreads. Not just in the RRRC group. This rule however does NOT apply for #20 the Shapeshifter shelf - any book chosen for that theme MUST come from there.
Q: Are listopia lists sufficient for proof of eligibility?
A: Listopia will work for eligibility where it's name is apparent and correlated to the theme.
Q: Can I add books I haven't read to the Shapeshifter shelf? Is there a group guideline for adding to the shelves?
A: Yes. You can add books you haven't read to any of the RRRC shelves where eligibility is clear eg. YA, shapeshifter, sci-if, audiobook, etc. If you aren't sure, don't add it. (This isn't a 'shelf-theme' as such, although it comes close with the hurt/comfort option, but I wouldn't expect to see a lot of ppl adding books to the 'tearjerker' shelf if they haven't already read the book. If it is VERY apparent in the reviews that you will tissues for the book, I'm happy for it to be added to that shelf.)
Q: Book length - Some books straddle the page minimums depending on format (eg at least 450 pages and all books must be at least 100 pages). Can I choose, for example to use the paperback page count per goodreads even though the hardback page count for the same book does not qualify?
A: Yes. Using the theme 'at least 450 pages', if there is a goodreads edition that cites over 450 pages (any edition), you can use that book for that theme regardless of which edition you actually read. That is, the book you read may be only 435 pages, but there is a hardcover at 452 pages - the book qualifies for the theme.
Q: #13. Book with less than 200 ratings (per GR) - is there any easy way to pull this up?
A: Yes. Please read Susan's excellent directions here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Q: When the themes are announced is there going to be listopia or Readers shelves suggested to help us pick?
A: I won't be posting any possible lists for members to check out with the theme. If I find lists that match that theme in title/intent then I'll post them in this thread, and would suggest that anyone else who comes across appropriate lists/shelves does the same :)
Q: #1: Royalty - is a Duke royalty or is that nobility? Does it need to be related back to a human monarchy? Does 'Emperor' count? When you say 'in name', would the person with the name 'King' count?
A: In order:
* Yes - wiki says 'A duke (male) or duchess (female) can either be a monarch ruling over a duchy or a member of the nobility, historically of highest rank below the monarch.'
* For 'royalty' I will accept any terminology that also equates to 'ruler'.
* An Emperor will qualify for royalty
* If an MC is known by a name such as 'King', the book can be used for this theme.
#1: Royalty - Does the main character have to be royalty or just an important one in the plot? And do heir to thrones count as royalty?
A: This category has been amended to require a main character as being royalty, in name or fact. An heir/heiress to the throne would count...
#17: 'Main character uses uniform' - can we use books where the description has characters in professions that usually wear a uniform? Like nurses, firefighters, athletes, cops, etc.? How about students attending a private school that wears a uniform?
A: Yes. And Yes.
Q: if the Shifter shelf is called, does the 100 Minimum page count still apply? I've noticed a few on there that are around 80-90 pages in total.
A: Yes - the 100 page minimum still applies. It is simply that members have shelved any book they have read that has shifters. We just have a particular rule for this challenge.
****
Following is a sample post showing how everyone should post their book choices in their team threads once the game starts.
Theme selected - book starting with the letter 'G'
Sample post
Week 1:
The Gamble - 629 pages per goodreads****
Theme selected - Hurt/Comfort/Grieving
Sample post
Week 3:
Flowers from the Storm - 533 pages per goodreadsShelf 'tortured hero' - https://www.goodreads.com/genres/tort...
or
Shelf 'tear-jerker' - https://www.goodreads.com/genres/tear...
or
Shelf 'illness' - https://www.goodreads.com/genres/illness
****
Theme selected - Hurt/Comfort/Grieving
Same theme but just a reference to the precis:
Week 3:
Dark Desire - 369 pages per goodreads.Precis covers the theme.
Categories announced:Week 1 - Book set in the UK or Ireland (#7)
Option 2 key date: 7 August 2013
Week 2 -
Yay! Now I can ask my questions. :)I want clarification on this point: "must be shelved by a GR member using words that imply eligibility." So let's say that the theme that week is #9 (Book has a theme of hurt/comfort/grieving). Does that mean I can use any books I find in shelves that imply hurt, comfort or grieving like: grief, hurt, loss, pain, crying, etc. And do we have to support that the book shows up in that particular shelf (showing you a link of how many people shelved a particular book as 'grief') or just saying 'it's in the grief shelf' would suffice?
For #12 - Main character is a musician - do they have to play an instrument or being a singer counts too?
And what happens if a book is misshelved? Let's say a book is in the 'ranch' shelf but it's not set in a ranch? Obviously that's the kind of thing you find out once you actually read the book.
I have more but have to leave now, LOL!
Regarding: must be shelved by a GR member1. Does this mean on the RRRC group bookshelves, or any bookshelf? That is, is it okay if it is shelved on the mm group bookshelves? Or, an individual's personal bookshelves?
2. Are listopia lists sufficient for proof of eligibility?
Regarding:
20. Book from the RRRC's shapeshifter shelf. This cannot come from any other location.
*hint* If you have a book that should be on the shifter shelf and isn't, go ahead and add it to the shelf BEFORE that theme is chosen. It cannot be added after the theme is announced. And go ahead and add any of your books to appropriate shelves :)
3. Can I add books I haven't read to the shelf? Is there a group guideline for adding to the shelves? I know what to do in the mm grp - -do you know if it is the same?
Regarding:
Members signing up need to be prepared to read roughly one book each week.
4. I see in the directions that a theme will be called each Friday. Under what circumstances would I need to read more than one book per week? Just if I fall behind?
Regarding: Book with at least 450 pages per GR and Books must be at least 100 pages in length.
Lots of times editions vary the page count.
Example: Cinnamon
2 editions are listed
paperback 463 pages
kindle 440 pages
So this works as a paperback, however, would it still be okay to use if the ebook listed 450+ pages, but the paperback list under 450 pages?
THanks for you help.
Hi DG and Susan - your questions are longer than my iPhone typing can handle. When I can get to my iPad tonight I'll give you full answers, but briefly if the shelf name implies 'hurt/grief' etc, then a book on that shelf can be used. You must provide a link to that shelf. (I'll set up a book post for everyone to follow on Friday.)The shelf can occur anywhere on Goodreads. Not just in the RRRC group. Except for the Shapeshifter shelf that is specified in the last theme - any book chosen for that theme MUST come from there.
If books have been incorrectly shelved, they still count for that round. (I would appreciate them being removed if it is an RRRC shelf though AFTER the round is finished.)
Can't remember the other questions, but will answer in full in about 9 hours... (Darn work!)
13. Book with less than 200 ratings (per GR)Is there a quick way to find this out?
I can think of two ways.1. Pull up the book
To Clan and Conquer
look to the right of the stars and you'll see number of ratings.
2. go to your to-read shelf
next to the seach bar, you'll see batch edit, then settings, click on settings
now click on num ratings
this will add the number of ratings as a column to your TBR, you can sort by it so your books will be ordered by number of ratings
unless you hit save, this is a temporary change to your TBR settings
Susan A wrote: "I can think of two ways.1. Pull up the book
To Clan and Conquer
look to the right of the stars and you'll see number of ratings.
2. go to your to-read shelf
next to the s..."
Sweet thanks Susan,,,i thought there had to be a way like #2.
I often set key shelves to show my books' number of pages... It helps me select what I will read next ;) it is also good for publishing dates etc.
D.G. wrote: "Yay! Now I can ask my questions. :)I want clarification on this point: "must be shelved by a GR member using words that imply eligibility." So let's say that the theme that week is #9 (Book has a..."
Ok - back home :)
DG - I think I answered all your questions except the musician. A singer will count as a musician.
Susan A wrote: "Regarding: must be shelved by a GR member1. Does this mean on the RRRC group bookshelves, or any bookshelf? That is, is it okay if it is shelved on the mm group bookshelves? Or, an individual'..."
Susan:
1. Any shelf on goodreads count but the name MUST imply eligibility. And a link to that shelf must prove that eligibility. So the MMR groups bookshelves count if the name makes sense.
2. Listopia will work for eligibility where it's name is apparent and correlated to the theme.
3. You can add books you haven't read to the RRRC shelves where eligibility is clear eg. YA, shapeshifter, sci-if, audiobook, etc. If you aren't sure, don't add it. That can be the new rule :). ...I wouldn't expect to see a lot of ppl adding books to 'tearjerker' if they haven't already read the book. If it is VERY apparent in the reviews that you will tissues for the book, I'm happy for it to be added to that shelf.
4. You will only be reading more than one book in a week if you are behind in your reading. However if you use your passes (1 each 4 weeks)over the challenge you will only read 7 books in 9 weeks - on avg less than 1 book/week.
5. If there is a goodreads edition that cites over 450 pages (any edition), you can use that book for that theme regardless of which edition you actually read. That is, the book you read may be only 435 pages, but there is a hardcover at 452 pages - the book qualifies for the theme.
I hope I have answered the questions clearly. Let me know if I missed anything or if you need it restated for further clarity :)
Thanks for answering all my questions, Jane.ETA for clarification: Do we have to report anywhere when the team is done with a week's theme? Or will that just happen during the last week?
Each group should have their own thread, so you're free to post inside that thread to update your team members. Plus, your team captain will need to know in order to report/claim the theme for whichever week is finished.As for team claiming - there will probably be a separate thread for claim posts. (Jane - correct me if I'm mistaken!)
That's what I mean...for team claiming. Individually, I know that will be done in the team posts.
Thanks Jane! I added some books the shifter list.
Another question about the second option:2. Select a book from the 'READ' list of a team-mate that they read in the last 6 months AND that the team-mate rated at least 3 stars.
Because the challenge will last 9 weeks, the 6 months will 'recalibrate' each week - obviously, 6 months from February 7 is different than 6 months from March 11, which can make it difficult for planning. Can we instead pick a date for the whole challenge? For example:
2. Select a book from the 'READ' list of a team-mate that they read since August 1, 2013 AND that the team-mate rated at least 3 stars.
I suggested Aug 1 because that's roughly 6 months before the beginning of the challenge but whatever date the mods deem reasonable.
When the themes are announced is there going to be listopia or Readers shelves suggested to help us pick?I really love that feature of the monthly challenges. Especially since my TBR Ebooks is so large.
Shannon
Ok - I'm at work again. Will reply to the questions this evening. Apologies for the delay.
D.G. wrote: "Thanks for answering all my questions, Jane.ETA for clarification: Do we have to report anywhere when the team is done with a week's theme? Or will that just happen during the last week?"
We'll have a separate thread for the team captains update - at least weekly.
D.G. wrote: "Another question about the second option:2. Select a book from the 'READ' list of a team-mate that they read in the last 6 months AND that the team-mate rated at least 3 stars.
Because the chall..."
I'm going to leave the six months recalibrating each week - you can't plan until you have your team and it is only 4 members whose shelves you can pick from. I'll provide the six month date each week to avoid confusion.
Shannon wrote: "When the themes are announced is there going to be listopia or Readers shelves suggested to help us pick?I really love that feature of the monthly challenges. Especially since my TBR Ebooks is so..."
I agree it is a great feature Shannon, but I won't be posting any possible lists for members to check out with the theme. If I find lists that match that theme in title/intent then I'll post them here, and would suggest that anyone else who comes across appropriate lists/shelves does the same :)
Thanks Jane. I have been trying to make sure I know what book choices from my existing books that I have and having trouble with a few.
D.G. wrote: "Thanks Jane for answering!"Sorry it took a while. I went for a swim yesterday but forgot my goggles - I spent all afternoon and evening with sore weeping eyes and couldn't read a thing! Mostly all ok now though, thank heavens. Amazing what 8 hours sleep can do :)
Shannon wrote: "Thanks Jane. I have been trying to make sure I know what book choices from my existing books that I have and having trouble with a few."Just post here the themes you are having problems with and I'm sure we can rattle up some options :)
There is one that I can't think of and couldn't find a listopia and that was Character from the corporate world (business man or woman; small business counts)The others I have to wait on anyways. (Book on your TBR shelf for more than 12 months. If you don't have a book that old on your TBR, select a book from one of the mods TBR shelves (older than 12 months)./Book published for the first time in the last 6 months.)
Shannon - the In death books would work if you haven't read them - Rourke is in the corporate world
Royalty:Does something like this work(below), or do you mean human monarchy only? And, is a Duke royalty or is that nobility?
Cinnamon
Xavier Von Drachenfeld is being hailed as the first Lord Emperor in four hundred years, and the Blood Nation is starting to break into factions. The redheaded yearling has more on his plate than he can handle: a stalker, perplexing medical issues, and work, all while still trying to learn what it takes to be a Blue Blood vampire.
Shannon wrote: "There is one that I can't think of and couldn't find a listopia and that was Character from the corporate world (business man or woman; small business counts)The others I have to wait on anyways...."
Pretty much any book with a character with their own business will work... It does require you to read your covers though :) I'll have a quick peek on your TBR shelf to see if I see anything...
Susan A wrote: "Royalty:Does something like this work(below), or do you mean human monarchy only? And, is a Duke royalty or is that nobility?
Cinnamon
Xavier Von Drachenfeld is being hailed a..."
Hi Susan
* an Emperor will qualify for royalty
* a Duke won't qualify, unless he is also a Prince or married to a Queen, etc.
For 'royalty' I will accept any terminology that also equates to 'ruler'.
I guess this could be a theme where you have to trawl through your team-mates 3 star books ;)
Actually I just found on wiki the following:A duke (male) or duchess (female) can either be a monarch ruling over a duchy or a member of the nobility, historically of highest rank below the monarch.
Therefore I will accept Duke/Duchess for this theme regardless of how the title is earned...
Jane (PS) wrote: I guess this could be a theme where you have to trawl through your team-mates 3 star books ;)
Since I read mm almost exclusively, I'm trying not to bank on it.
THanks for your patience with my questions.
Shannon wrote: "There is one that I can't think of and couldn't find a listopia and that was Character from the corporate world (business man or woman; small business counts)The others I have to wait on anyways...."
The Mercenary
Her Billionaire CIO - Erotica & Seduction Book 2: Short Adult Erotic Romance Sex Story For Women would count for the theme, only it isn't long enough for the min page requirement :( But you could read the full collection and pick up the theme that way (335 pages)
His by Design
Aidan
Perfect Timing
Secrets, Lies & Lullabies
Mercury's War
Vampires Are Forever
etc.
I'll accept people who work in an office, eg clerks, accountants etc, as well as business owners and ppl who run a business.
Susan A wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: I guess this could be a theme where you have to trawl through your team-mates 3 star books ;)
Since I read mm almost exclusively, I'm trying not to bank on it.
THanks for ..."
No probs - I'm sure you'll find all the themes in MM :)
We have such wonderful bookshelves---easy to find stuff:)
Jane (PS) wrote: "Shannon wrote: "There is one that I can't think of and couldn't find a listopia and that was Character from the corporate world (business man or woman; small business counts)The others I have to ..."
I've found a shelf with Billionaires. You'd still need to read the precis, but there should be some good ideas in there.
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
A lot of Julie James books have people that work in the corporate world. I'm assuming that lawyers count as being corporate?
Dee wrote: "Shannon - the In death books would work if you haven't read them - Rourke is in the corporate world"Thanks Dee but unless there is a new one I am up to date on all the In Death books.
I forgot to mention that my shelves are in constant change right now since I am organizing my ebooks and putting them all on GR from Calibre.
Jane (PS) wrote: "Shannon wrote: "There is one that I can't think of and couldn't find a listopia and that was Character from the corporate world (business man or woman; small business counts)The others I have to ..."
Thanks Jane. I will put those on my list of possibles if that theme comes up.
Jane, I had thought of Billionaires but not all the descriptions mention if they REALLY work or just inherited it. (May just have to go back and re-read some Christian Gray)I have also been thinking maybe a romantic cozy mystery might work since a lot of them are small business owners of a type.
Then I can also read another Man in Uniform/Royalty/Nanny type book.
Jane - I'm assuming that in the case of 'main character uses uniform' we can use books where the description has characters in professions that usually wear a uniform? Like nurses, firefighters, athletes, cops, etc.?Also for royalty, does the main character has to be royalty or just an important one in the plot? And do heir to thrones count as royalty? I have a book where the description talks about the heroine as the heir, so I'm not sure if she's a princess and would like to confirm.
Sorry for all the questions, Jane but one of my goals of this challenge is only use books that are on my TBR before the challenge started so I've been looking for options for each theme. :)I'm not trying to be annoying on purpose!
D.G. wrote: "Jane - I'm assuming that in the case of 'main character uses uniform' we can use books where the description has characters in professions that usually wear a uniform? Like nurses, firefighters, at..."Hi DG - yup. If their profession wears a uniform, you can use that book. (Detectives wouldn't count since they wear a suit...)
D.G. wrote: "Also for royalty, does the main character has to be royalty or just an important one in the plot? And do heir to thrones count as royalty? I have a book where the description talks about the heroine as the heir, so I'm not sure if she's a princess and would like to confirm..."If I haven't specified 'Main Character' then it is needs to be one of the main themes of the book. Eg Romance involving royalty. An heir/heiress to the throne would count...
The thing is, if it has been shelved as royalty/king/prince/duke (and the female equivalents), it gets a free pass anyway, since the shelving rule allows it :)
D.G. wrote: "Sorry for all the questions, Jane but one of my goals of this challenge is only use books that are on my TBR before the challenge started so I've been looking for options for each theme. :)I'm n..."
LOL - you aren't being annoying DG! Your questions are making me solidify my thoughts, so it is all good :)
D.G. wrote: "A lot of Julie James books have people that work in the corporate world. I'm assuming that lawyers count as being corporate?"Absolutely! I think there are heaps out there. We just need to find them :)
Jane (PS) wrote: "LOL - you aren't being annoying DG! Your questions are making me solidify my thoughts, so it is all good :) "LOL, I'm apologizing just in case. :)
The royalty one is more difficult than I thought. I have a book in a series where I know a character is a prince, but so far, I don't see it mentioned anywhere in the description and I haven't found it on a related shelf.
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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I will also announce the categories each Friday in the thread and keep track of those categories announced in message 3.