Beyond Reality discussion

Just a bit of an update: I intend to overhaul the short story process (and this folder) after the holidays with intention to re-launch short story discussions come January. I want to simplify things, because they were getting a bit messy, and we were seeing less discussion each month. I'll probably just choose 1-2 stories, depending on their length, (mixing things up by choosing some and grabbing some from the group's suggestions, but without a hard-and-fast rule or ratio) for each month and announce them at the beginning of the month, having threads for discussion open for anytime. I think I'll make a sub-folder to archive old story threads, too, so things can be a bit neater in here. (I also liked the themes, such as reading the Nebula nominees, but those opportunities don't come every month. I'd love to do more themed story reads. I'll think on this, too.)

Anyhow...this is just an FYI, and I'm not fiddling with things until the end of December. (My 'onlinedness' is intermittent right now.) Suggestions are, of course, most welcome.

Looking forward to it!

Any interest in reading the Nebula nominees for this year, or at least the ones that are available for free online?

It is time for that again, isn't it? It was fun last year.

I couldn't keep up with you all last time, but I'd like to try this year!

That's what I've been thinking, too - doing another awards read. I'm still recovering from surgery from the end of January, so I've not been very "on" this month, but I intended to make an update in the Welcome to March group mailing. If others think it sounds like fun to do the award nominated stories again, that makes things much easier to coordinate than some of my other ideas, and we'll surely hit on some of the best stories of the year that way.

Candids, I hope you're feeling better!

Thanks, Laurel. Things are going fairly well on that front. I'm not so sore now; I'm just exhausted, mostly because I've an auto-immune disorder, so any injury/major healing causes my immune response to go through the roof.

As for short stories: I just checked, and the Nebula awards nominees were, indeed, just announced. There are 7 short stories, and the awards ceremonies begin May 17. That gives us approximately 2.5 months if we begin in March. Would you all prefer to have a couple of stories designated for each month or to have a thread open for each story with all seven opening March 1st, and then readers can read stories and comment as they see fit? In short, would you prefer more or less structure?

A thread for each story with the first message containing a link to it would work great for me. I really enjoyed these last year, too.

Sorry to hear you had surgery, Candiss. Feel better soon!

Ditto to everything Jim said. I really like the idea of reading award-nominated stories - it's like having a jury pick some stories that must have something going for them. We should do this again when we get the Hugo shortlist. (which reminds me - I have to get my nominations in one of these days...)

It looks like all of the Nebula nominated stories are online now:
http://www.sfwa.org/2012/02/2011-nebu...

Ok, then. I'll clean up this folder & plan on opening threads March 1st, including a basic info post. I'd like to keep things as simple as possible this time around.

You're the best, Candiss. I'm looking forward to these stories. Thanks.

Sarah Pi wrote: "It looks like all of the Nebula nominated stories are online now:
http://www.sfwa.org/2012/02/2011-nebu..."

I'm up for this. And I prefer having a vetted list to choose from (like Stefan said).

Candiss,

I'm hoping that sometime tomorrow you get offered cake, or pie, or something sweet!

I like the idea of opening a thread for each story on the 1st and allowing it to be somewhat free form.

I've already read a few on the list and look forward to discussions.

Hope you're feeling better Candiss. I've not done the short stories before but will join in this time.

sounds great!

Candiss,I just wanted to let you know what a comfort your short stories are for me.

I came over from the yahoo group just as I was diagnosed with Cancer. I have had so many bouts with poor health since then that I have had a hard time keeping up with the reads.

By the time I finish the books the talk has moved on. I love being able to read the short stories. I know the discussions arent alway long but they are such a comfort for me

I also am loving the award winners. I thank you for the time you put in. I know you do it for no reason other then you are a kind person

Renee wrote: "Candiss,I just wanted to let you know what a comfort your short stories are for me.

I came over from the yahoo group just as I was diagnosed with Cancer. I have had so many bouts with poor heal..."

Renee - It seems you have been a part of the group for much longer than I have! I am so glad you've found a way to be involved that fits with your personal situation. Originally, I started running the stories because it was something Stefan wanted to add to the group, yet there are only so many hours in the day for a guy with both a job and a toddler, so he called for someone to provide extra hands. Unfortunately, my own health issues have gotten in the way somewhat, and I haven't kept up with the story project nearly as well as I'd like to. That is one thing that I find very helpful about these multi-story/award nominee projects: Once the initial posts are up, the group keeps them running along pretty well, in the event that I am not online much for a period of time or am low on energy.

I hope you are in a stronger, healthier life phase, and I'm very glad to have you involved in the story discussions!

Thanks so much Candiss. I am sorry to hear on your health issues. I know how hard it can be to function during the hard times. I will keep you in my prayers