Introduce Yourself & Announce Challenge Level

[Brenda]

Hi Allison :) It's a shame a lot of the unpublished JAFF on the internet isn't on Goodreads! I wish I could count all the ones I've read as part of my GR reading challenges!

[Sophia]

Yay, Allison!

You are the JAFF Queen. That's incredible. Glad you could join us for the challenge. I look forward to seeing all the books you devour.

Tracking is so necessary b/c I have a terrible memory for some details after a while. I like that GR has such good tools for it.

Best of the best with Mr. Bennet level!

[Ceri]

Hi Allison, impressive number of titles read last year! Do you have any recommendations?

I agree with Sophia regarding how useful it is to track your reads, that's why I started writing reviews of the JAFF I read, because I realised mid way through a book that I'd read it before!

Brenda, I agree with you too, such a shame that some of the unpublished JAFF isn't on Goodreads, not only because it'd count for the challenge but also so it could get to a wider audience, some of the unpublished stuff is so good!

[Abigail]

Even though they don’t count for this challenge, I would love to hear more about unpublished JAFF works elsewhere on the Web, to read just for fun!

[Ceri]

Do you mean that Abigail, because it's kissing goodbye to several hours, once you start you will get sucked in! There are a number of websites, but the one I would mostly read on is 'A Happy Assembly' which is www.meryton.com. There is also www.darcyandlizzy.com. You need to register for both of these. There are also stories on fanfiction.net.

If you'd like a recommendation of a good one to start with, I would recommend 'Thaw' which is a forced marriage scenario told in epistolary (thank you autocorrect) form. It's from Elizabeth's point of view and I think it's a really charming story. There are no sex scenes. If you don't like reading on the computer screen you can copy it to notepad or word and email it to your kindle. Please note, if you don't have a login to AHA then the link to Thaw probably won't work.

[Abigail]

Oh, I’m in trouble now, Ceri! Thanks! (No, really, I’ve heard about this phenomenon lately and have been curious, so I’m delighted to get the links.) Fortunately, I’m just completing an editing project so I have a bit of time to indulge—or an excuse to procrastinate on getting back to my next manuscript.

[J.]

I've not read Thaw, but I LOVE "Fair Stands the Wind". I've read it twice and wish it would be published.

[J.]

We are 13 days in and I've hit the Anne Elliott level. 15started. 11 complete and reviewed. 2 discarded because they were a little more mature than I like to read. I am midway through Jane Austen's England and am really enjoying what I am learning. I started "Steady to His Purpose" yesterday. Should have finished and rated tonight.

However, I'm starting to feel better so it's time too do housework and get my life back so there will be a long pause between books. I may not get any more done this month. So much for bragging.

[J.]

I think I had better add Thaw to my TBR pile. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Brenda]

Thaw was funny! And is that the story on AHA where there are diary entries from Darcy in the comments section? If so, make sure you check those out too. They are short and sweet and oh so funny!

[Sophia]

J. wrote: "We are 13 days in and I've hit the Anne Elliott level. 15started. 11 complete and reviewed. 2 discarded because they were a little more mature than I like to read. I am midway through Jane Austen's..."

LOL, Joy! That's a great start and it will see you through the slow times.

[J.]

Monica wrote: "Wow, Joy! I'm only working on book #2! lol I very rarely read more than 1 published JAFF at a time which - now that I think if it -is odd because I can juggle dozens of online WIPs at one time. *sh..."

I usually always read one at a time. However, I think it's working with these two books because one is non-fiction and it changes themes with each chapter. Easier to pick up and put down and read something else in between.

[J.]

Sophia wrote: "J. wrote: "We are 13 days in and I've hit the Anne Elliott level. 15started. 11 complete and reviewed. 2 discarded because they were a little more mature than I like to read. I am midway through Ja..."

Some of them were pretty short and I feel a bit like I've cheated. However, I'm pressing on.

[J.]

Brenda wrote: "Thaw was funny! And is that the story on AHA where there are diary entries from Darcy in the comments section? If so, make sure you check those out too. They are short and sweet and oh so funny!"

Now I can't wait to finish the story I'm reading and get to AHA. Thanks ever so much.

[Nancy]

I can read multiple books at a time as long as they're in different genres. I'll usually have a J/YA novel, a Regency romance, something contemporary, a devotional book, and a non-fiction book related to writing going at any given time.

[Sophia]

Not cheating Joy, if they're sitting there needing to be read. They'll balance out with a few longer ones later on.

[Sophia]

This is me too, Nancy!

I generally have a few books going at once. I do alright as long as they're not too similar in content.

[Ceri]

Yes, I'm the same too Nancy, as long as they're quite different I sometimes read multiple books, but if they're too similar in setting I try not to.

[Ceri]

Where can I read 'Fair Stands the Wind' Joy?

[J.]

Ceri wrote: "Where can I read 'Fair Stands the Wind' Joy?"

It's at AHA. Be prepared to have it be a favorite.

[Pamela]

Ceri wrote: "Where can I read 'Fair Stands the Wind' Joy?"

Fair Stands the Wind is hands down my favorite AU forum read. It is the story that inspired me to write JAFF. I can't say enough good things about it or MaxineB.

[Ceri]

I will check it out, thanks for the recommendation :)

[J.]

Pamela wrote: "Ceri wrote: "Where can I read 'Fair Stands the Wind' Joy?"

Fair Stands the Wind is hands down my favorite AU forum read. It is the story that inspired me to write JAFF. I can't say enough good thi..."

I completely agree, Pamela. For me, it's the complete package for a story. Romance. Adventure. Manners. Love that overcomes obstacles. "I shall kiss that mouth a thousand, thousand times." SWOON!!!

[Deborah]

J. wrote: "We are 13 days in and I've hit the Anne Elliott level. 15started. 11 complete and reviewed. 2 discarded because they were a little more mature than I like to read. I am midway through Jane Austen's..."

I just purchased "Steady to His Purpose" Joy.

[Deborah]

I have read and reviewed 4 so far.

[J.]

Debbie wrote: "I have read and reviewed 4 so far."

Two thumbs up, Debbie.

[J.]

My appreciation for book reviewers has skyrocketed. Because I am trying to leave a review for each book, I find that it has changed the way that I read. I'm having to be more aware of the parts and not just the whole. It's much more work. I hope I can keep it up. Do you take notes while you read?

[Ceri]

If I'm reading on kindle I highlight quite a bit, which helps me remember. If I'm reading a paper book I will put post it notes in to highlight passages for then I write the review. If I leave it too long after I've finished reading the book to do a review I'll usually have to read it again, so I try to do them quite soon after reading.

[Trai]

Hello, all! :) I'm Tracy. I've been an Austen fan for eight years now and I'm hoping to commit to either the Catherine Morland or Anne Elliot levels--I think I'd like to try for ten to fifteen books, so maybe a tentative Anne Elliot! I have so much accumulated that I'm not sure I can commit to a dedicated list (doing that has always steered me away from completing challenges in the past, because I'm one of those people who generally chooses to read something as the mood strikes her), but I'm definitely looking forward to reading the books I've had stacked up for a while and the forthcoming ones I'm waiting for!

[Ceri]

Yay Tracy, glad to see you here too :)

[Sophia]

Hey Joy!

Reviewing does make you look at a book differently for sure. I review everything I read, but I engage in various levels of reviewing depending on if the book is one off my own shelf or if its a review commitment book. I found after a while that I really needed to mingle both and not just a steady diet of review commitments or I'd get tired or stale. My reviews of personal books are more like notes to myself so I can come back later and get my thoughts on the book or have favorite quotes marked. My review commitment 'note's are more structured. I keep a pile of sticky tabs to mark physical books and a small note pad for longer notes. Like Ceri, I use the highlight feature on my Kindle. Once in a while, I'll use the update feature here to share quotes or impressions on a book as I'm reading.

[Abigail]

Joy, I just had time to go check out the reviews you’ve written for the books on your Austenesque shelf so far, and wanted to thank you for them! They are brief but to the point, and really give an idea of what the books are like.

[Sophia]

Glad to have you with us for the challenge, Tracy!

Haha! You sound like me with the mood reading. I organize my books enough so I know what I have to read, but I don't commit to a time frame for them unless they are a blog read b/c I do better going with what catches my eye.

Good luck on Anne Elliot level!

[J.]

Monica wrote: "Wow, Joy! I'm only working on book #2! lol I very rarely read more than 1 published JAFF at a time which - now that I think if it -is odd because I can juggle dozens of online WIPs at one time. *sh..."

I liked it too, Monica.

[J.]

Ceri, Monica, Sophia, and Abigail - I've never used the highlight feature on my Kindle. Something else to learn. However, I've been known to write myself notes on something sticky (mostly chocolate residue).Thanks for your comments and insight.

Thank you, Abigail, for reading my reviews. I don't ever want to be mean. It takes a lot to put out a book - even a bad one. I appreciate that effort as I know you do as well. However, I rely a lot on other's reviews before I purchase so I want to quickly let someone else know WHY I can or cannot recommend it to them.

This is A LOT OF WORK!!!

[Abigail]

Joy wrote, “I don’t ever want to be mean.”

I hear that! In reviews I try to stay as far on the positive side as I can, and, when I have to offer criticism, to make it fair and constructive. Reviews (at least on Goodreads) should always be a snark-free zone!

[Brenda]

I only write a review if I feel inspired to do so by the book. If I'm always focused on my potential review rather than being immersed in the book I find it takes away some of the enjoyment of reading. I do appreciate other people's reviews though!

[Nancy]

I can tell you as an author, I appreciate reviews that strive to highlight the positive. It's still important to be honest, and if there's a specific thing I don't like, I will point it out, but the "what worked" portion of a review is often far more helpful to me as a reader, so it's what I focus on when i review.

[Erika]

To chime in on the review topic, I myself am not a professional writer or an English lit professor, so when I read a book, I read it at face value for pure entertainment purposes. In fact, I generally hate writing papers cause my thoughts just get so jumbled. So when I do write a review (Note: I am trying to be better at reviewing the books I read for the author's and other possible reader's sake.) it is generally nothing fancy, just telling others what I enjoyed/didn't enjoy and such. Every now and again words keep spilling out of my mind through my fingers and a fantastic review is written. Then again it is nothing to the reviews that Ceri, Meredith and Sophia write (love all your reviews ladies, thanks!). I just want to either give my support to the authors or to warn other reader that a book is not good. I truly do try to stay more towards the positive, but that constructive criticism is warranted to hopefully help authors do better the next time.

[Ceri]

I find it hard to strike a balance with reviews. Sometimes the aspect of a book you enjoyed the most can be hard to pin down in words, while the things that bothered you about it are really specific, so they're easy to say and then you feel like your review reads a bit too negatively, even if you enjoyed the book! I'm also always aware that there is an author out there who has poured their time and love into their creation and so you don't want to be harsh, but on the other hand if something bothered me then I don't feel I should leave it out. There are people who give five star, glowing reviews for everything and all that means is that I generally don't bother to read their reviews because I would rather a balanced view.

I know this is a stereotype but don't think it helps being British either, I don't know if you've ever seen those Very British Problems you see floating round the internet but one of them is that if you praise something too highly you somehow start to sound sarcastic and I sometimes struggle with that too, if I've really enjoyed a book I don't think I always convey my enthusiasm for it very well. I am getting better though :)

[J.]

Ceri wrote: "I find it hard to strike a balance with reviews. Sometimes the aspect of a book you enjoyed the most can be hard to pin down in words, while the things that bothered you about it are really specifi..."

You do good work, Ceri.

[Ahnya]

I thought I would weigh in on the review subject. I think it is very important to be honest in your reviews. I don't come at reviewing from the perspective of giving an author criticism, but from making recommendations to other readers. If you don't like a book say so, and say why! It really helps other readers. It all comes down to taste anyway. A lot of times I will still read a book even if I've read a bad review.

My biggest pet peeve is spoilers. I hate spoilers with anything books, movies, TV it doesn't matter. I very much appreciate someone who gives *spoiler alerts* in their reviews.

[Ceri]

I completely agree Ahnya, spoilers are a big no-no, very unfair to other readers.

[Sophia]

Add me to the anti-spoilers crowd though I'm not opposed to someone clearly delineating a section as a spoiler. Although, I do have to say, that its interesting what people will define as a spoiler. Last year, I had someone get hopping mad b/c I put a warning in that a story contained some unexpected sexual heat that wasn't obvious by reading the blurb etc. I also make mention if the book ends on a cliffhanger w/o saying more than that when the blurb doesn't make it obvious. I don't see that as spoiling (obviously b/c I did it), but the person who got angry in a comment did.

Oh and on the subject of reviews- I try to answer certain questions- why did I choose the book?, what was my overall impression? was it consistent with its reputation (blurb, cover, genre, etc)? was it consistent with itself (its a historical so did the characters act and talk like they belonged)?, did it engage my attentions and emotions?, how did I feel about the story and its characters? and who do I think its best audience is? On some occasions, I will form an opinion that might be more on the analytical side trying to figure out why a story doesn't work for me.
Basically, I review for the reader while I try to respect the author's work. Reviewing is so subjective and personal. I think that's why it can frustrate folk so much. You get five starts with vague- It's awesome! and you get one stars with It stinks! That help nobody. Definitely frustrating! Haha!

[J.]

Thank you so much, Sophia, for these specific guidelines for your reviews. I may end up giving it up because I am finding that I get less overall enjoyment when I have to stop and note something. It was part of my personal challenge this year to review as well as read. However, my most important goal is to clean up my TBR skyscraper.

[Sophia]

Absolutely, Joy! If reviewing is distracting or even unpleasant than deep six it and just curl up with your book. I wanted this challenge to be fun while purposeful not frustrating which is why I didn't make reviewing mandatory. Reading through the TBR 'skyscraper' (good one) is the main focus.

Good Reads is very flexible allowing for people to mark a book as read with no further action needed or allowing just a rating or going w/o the rating for just a note thus its functional for more than one purpose or reason for tracking.

[Ceri]

I am with you, Sophia, it's not a spoiler to warn people about things that might bother them like a cliffhanger or sex scenes etc., and I agree with you too that I don't mind a spoiler that is clearly marked as one.

Joy, if reviewing them fully is spoiling your reading enjoyment then it's not worth doing but if you still wanted to review them perhaps you could just add a sentence or two giving your overall impression of the book, like what you'd say to a friend if they asked you whether you'd recommend reading it?

[Mave]

Hi!
My name is Veronica and I'm from Italy.
I adore Jane Austen and my favourite books are Persuasion and P&P.
I always have some new Jane Austen themed books.
I'll start the challenge with Marianne Dashwood level, but I hope to read more books.

[Sophia]

Welcome to the group, Veronica!

Oh yay! A Persuasion fan. That's my favorite too.

Good luck with Marianne Dashwood and best wishes that you continue on to the next level.

[J.]

Ceri wrote: "I am with you, Sophia, it's not a spoiler to warn people about things that might bother them like a cliffhanger or sex scenes etc., and I agree with you too that I don't mind a spoiler that is clea..."

Great compromise, Ceri. That's what I will do.