Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
>
Pass The Parcel Round 6 - 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 can use your 'pass' (option 3) during the challenge you could read only 9 books in 11 weeks. This will be entirely dependent on how your team works those 5 available passes in each 5 week block - remembering that there likely 6 team members in your team.
Falling behind by more than two books: you can't fall behind by more than two books. If you have two books outstanding at the theme announcement, you will need to have read at least one book in the new theme's week. If another theme is announced and you have three books unread, then I will have to remove you.
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. Team Captains will summarise team progress at the front of their team thread. I will maintain an overall progress chart for all the teams - and will post progress sporadically (hopefully weekly depending on my time commitments), but definitely in the last week ;)
Q: 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. 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 6 members whose shelves you can pick from. I'll provide the six month date limit 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: No. The book selection or pass needs to be specified in the theme announcement week.
Further members can only change their book selection in that theme's week. Once the next theme is announced, books are set in stone and cannot be changed.
Q: Do the books we use have to be on a particular bookshelf?
A: In some cases yes. Books must be selected from the lists provided if I don't have "(stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)". Where I have noted "(stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)", if a book is chosen from one of the optional lists, it is automatically approved.
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: I absolutely need the information requested here. I don't mind what the format is, although I would prefer it set out in the order of the list.
A link or bookcover MUST be used. You cannot just type out the book title. And where the book is from a list or bookshelf, a link to that source MUST be provided.
The reasons:
* If you don't have the link to the book, the Captain and I will have trouble checking that the book qualifies. There are a lot of books out there with the same title. You don't want to be told AFTER you have read the book that it doesn't work.
* I 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 bookshelf link or the qualifying note referencing the GR summary (ie how it qualifies for the theme).
It is important that the members do their bit to help out the Captain and the organizers 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 GR summary, 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 check it out further.
Q: What is the precis?
A: The precis is the blurb on the back of the book cover; the summary; the synopsis. Any of the details that are posted on the GR book description page will qualify.
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
Q: If I read two books during the challenge that qualify for an announced theme, does our team earn more points?
A: No. We don't actually accumulate points in this challenge. You and your team-mates either complete all your reading and are ready to 'read-off' in the last week (week 11), or you aren't...
Q: If a team member is going to be away during the week of a theme, can they leave a list of pre-selected books (for all remaining themes) with the Team Captain to post that week?
A: Yes. If the team member has already highlighted that they will be away for a particular week, or has an operation etc, I am happy for the Team Captain to post that participant's book selection post. They must have pre-selected a book for that theme though.
The alternative is for the absent member to pre-select a book that complies with option 2, taking into account the 6 month date that will apply during that week.
Q: If a team member is reading a book in another language, should they post the book link in the selection & completion posts to the non-English version or to the English version?
A: Please link all books to the English version of that book. The book MUST have an English version to qualify for use during this challenge. (Apologies to everyone that is affected by this rule, but I need to know that the book qualifies for the theme etc.)
Q: Are re-reads allowed?
A: Yes. But each book can only be read once during the round/challenge.
If the theme specifically excludes a re-read, eg First in a new (to you) series, then obviously you must select a book you haven't read before.
Q: Does the book have to be a romance?
A: No, but it does have to be a novel. Textbooks will not count. Biographies and autobiographies are OK.
Q: If I don't find a book I like in the lists of theme books, I can choose any book that fits the theme?
No. You MUST select a book from a list where lists have been provided and where they do not have '(stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf) optional lists:' That is, if the only other typing with the theme are lists, then you MUST choose a book from those lists.
Other lists have 'optional' in front of them simply to help people. I won't question books that come from those lists. But you can also choose books that fit the theme via the blurb/precis, through bookshelves or other lists not provided. You just need to state how it fits and where the information came from.
REMEMBER: you may also select to use option 2 or 3 that week.
Q: If a book is on a specified theme list but does not (in my opinion) meet the theme, can I still read it?
A: Yes. If the book is on the mandatory (or optional) lists/shelves in the theme post it qualifies whether it meets the theme or not.
Q If I pick a book off a team mate's shelf it has to be a book that fits the theme? Or can it be any book at all, as long as it got 3 stars and was read in last 6 months?
If you use Option 2, you do not need to fit it to the week's theme. As you said, it can be any book so long as it was rated at least 3 stars by your teamie and was read no more than 6 months prior.
Q Can I use the same option 2 book from my team-mates shelf more than once during the challenge by invoking the series rule?
Yes. So long as the book remains 'read' within the last 6 months with reference back to the week's key date, you can use the same book from your team-mates shelf. You just can't read reread a book previously used with this round.
Q&AAbout the Themes - listed here
Q: Will any of the themes be repeated?
A: No, not for this round, nor any rounds from last year.
Q: Do we have to support that the book shows up in a particular shelf (eg showing you a link of how many people shelved a particular book as 'stalking') or just saying 'there's a stalker shelf' would suffice?
A: You must provide a link to that shelf/list within your selection book post.
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 AFTER the round is finished.)
Where a theme has optional lists and the theme must be apparent in the title, the goodreads summary page or must be shelved by a GR member using words that show eligibility.
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 themes where a specific list or bookshelf has been provided already - all books chosen for those themes MUST come from the linked shelves/lists.
Q: Does the book HAVE to be on a bookshelf?
A: Where a shelf has been listed for a 'list-mandatory' theme, YES.
Q: Are listopia lists sufficient for proof of eligibility for the non-mandatory list themes?
A: Listopia will work for eligibility where it's name is apparent and correlated to the theme.
Q: Wjhere a theme is based on a bookcover, can we use alternate edition covers of the same book?
A: The cover should match the version/edition of the actual book you are reading. If the version you are reading doesn't have a cover loaded on GR or the cover has changed since you put the book on your shelf, please use the most popular version on GR for that book.
Q: Book length - Some books straddle the page minimums depending on format (eg 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. If there is a goodreads edition that cites over 100 pages (any edition), that book is fine to use.
Q: When the themes are announced is there going to be listopia or Readers shelves suggested to help us pick?
A: I have included in the themes the lists/shelves that can be used to select books in most cases, where applicable. There are only a few themes where you have free-reign on shelf selection being 'military', 'vet, and 'holiday romance'. For these themes, I am using the previous style of requiring key words to be on the bookshelf/list. One of these words MUST be in the name of the list/shelf, for that book to qualify.
Q: Does the 100 minimum page count still apply where books are included on a list/shelf that are under 100 pages.
A: Yes - the 100 page minimum still applies.
How to insert a link into a post
To insert a simple link to a shelf there are a couple of options:
* Copy the https address in the address bar of the page where the book is found - highlight the web-address, copy the address, and paste into your post
or
* Find a link to the shelf that you want (eg on my lists of shelves to use for the themes), right click with your mouse, select 'Copy Link Location' and then paste into your post
If you want to make it pretty and have a specific name:
* Type <*a href="insert the link that you copied as per above">name the location<*/a> but without the asterisks.
THEMES
Books must be selected from the lists provided if I don't have "(stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)". Where I have noted "(stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)", if a book is chosen from one of the optional lists, it is automatically approved.
If you think that the book may struggle to meet the stated theme requirement then I'm likely to think the same thing and NOT allow it :)
optional lists:
Best Gay Military
Military Romance and Fiction
Military Romance and Fiction part 2
Military Romance shelf
Lesbian Military Spy Cop
2. Uniformally Hot - MC in some kind of uniform (Cop, military, doctor and etc)
Best Small Town Cop Sheriff Romance Novels
Military Romance and Fiction
Doctor Medical Romance Heroes
In Uniform
Gay Uniforms
3. Virginal Heroes
Virgin hero!
#VIRGIN HEROES#
Books with Virgin Heroes
Best Gay "Virginal" Characters
Books With Witty Banter Dialogue
Witty Funny Couples
Witty Dialogue shelf
Witty shelf
Any book written by Josh Lanyon or L.B. Gregg
5. MC is a vet or works with animals ~paid or volunteer (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
Optional lists:
Creatures Great and Small Veterinarians in Romance
Animal Magnetism Romances Featuring Veterinarians Rescuers And More
Gay Romance Featuring Veterinarians
Veterinarians shelf
6. Enemies to lovers
Best Gay Enemies Rivals Opposites Become Lovers
Best Enemies to Lovers
Enemies To Lovers
Enemies to Lovers Adult Romance
Childhood Enemies Turn to Adult Lovers
Enemies To Lovers shelf
7. MC is a Cowboy
SAVE A HORSE RIDE A COWBOY
Favorite Western/Cowboy Romance Novels
Best Gay Cowboys
Love on the Range: Romance Novels Set on Ranches
Lesbian Westerns
Any romance that take place during or leading up to a holiday or an annual celebration - Christmas, New Years, Valentines Day, Halloween, Fourth of July, Guy Fawkes Night, Chinese New Year, Hanukkah or any other yearly celebration (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
Optional lists:
Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance
MM Christmas books
Best Seasonal Romance Christmas Winter
Great Holiday Romance Reads
Contemporary Christmas Winter Romance
9. Book set outside USA (must be more than 50% outside USA)
10. Book starting with the letter 'B'
11. Book with a mostly red or mostly black cover
12. Nerds Unite! Read a book from one of the following lists:
Books With Nerdy, Geeky or Genius Heroes and Heroines
Brainy Genius Romantic Heroes
Nerdgasms
Best Gay Romance with Bookish Nerdy Geeky Characters
Nerdy Geeky Heroines of Romance Novels
14. Plus Size Heroines/MCs. Read a book from one of the following lists:
Sexy Curves
BBW Heroines
Plus Size Beauties
Plump Great Category Romance Heroines with Curves
MM Romance with Overweight Characters
Gay Bear Stories
15. Possessive MC
Controlling Sexy Possessive Men
Gay Romance With Crazy Jealous Partners
Most Possessive Romantic Men
17. Best Road Trip romances
Best Road Trip Gay Romance
Best Road Trip Romance Novels MF
Overland: Road Trips in Historical Romance
Drive: Best Paranormal Road Romances
Popluar Road Trip Books
Optional lists:
Widower: A Man Who Loves Can Love Again
Gay Romance Featuring A MC who is Widowered
Single Fathers of Romance: Great Family Men
Historical Widows
Best Widow Romance
19. Read a book published for the first time between February 2015 and to date.
20. Read a book that is a stand alone story. It must not be part of a series even if reviewers/authors say it can be a stand alone.
Feel free to add books to lists that you KNOW qualify for the theme. Please DO NOT add books that you are not certain comply with the list requirements.
Themes are now posted in msg 5 :)
I posted this question when I signed up for the post you have a line that goes bookcover/link. Do we need to provide both or if the theme is not cover related can we get by with just posting the link?
Roger - president of NBR United - wrote: "I posted this question when I signed up for the post you have a line that goes bookcover/link. Do we need to provide both or if the theme is not cover related can we get by with just posting the link?"No - just 'or'. I don't need both, Roger. I just want to make sure that the members that sign up can insert either the link or the bookcover, or post a link to a shelf when needed...
I'll announce the theme in about 30 mins ~ the last team can set their name while they work out their books :)
Week 1Option 1
18. Widower/Widow romance (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
Optional lists:
Widower: A Man Who Loves Can Love Again
Gay Romance Featuring A MC who is Widowered
Single Fathers of Romance: Great Family Men
Historical Widows
Best Widow Romance
These are optional lists. You do not need to use them. However you DO need to show how the book fits ~ either from how it was shelved, the precis/summary or the name of a list that it appears on.
Option 2
Key date: 4 September 2015
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads.
I have a question for future weeks, in explaining the challenge you said option 2 was to read a book from a team mates shelf. Is that option available each week or Is option 2 the one you post . For example you posted Option 2 was Key date 4 September 2015, it that the only thing we can use for option 2 or can we still pick from a team members shelf?
Option 2 is an option each week. For all weeks except the last week you can always choose to read a book from a teammates shelf. Its the date that changes each week. eg. its 6 months so this week should be 11th Sept.In the last week, when Jane posts the category she will also post the team you can choose option 2 from. You can't choose from your own team to prevent preplanning for the final week.
Lisa wrote: "Option 2 is an option each week. For all weeks except the last week you can always choose to read a book from a teammates shelf. Its the date that changes each week. eg. its 6 months so this week s..."So last week if I picked option 2 I needed a book that was read between 9/04/15 and now?
YesJane gives the date and it would have needed to be read after 4th Sep.
Lisa wrote: "YesJane gives the date and it would have needed to be read after 4th Sep."
Thanks!
Thanks for answering Lisa :) I was in bed of course!I'll post the theme soonish since I have a bit happening today :)
Week 2Option 1
5. MC is a vet or works with animals ~paid or volunteer (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
Optional lists:
Creatures Great and Small Veterinarians in Romance
Animal Magnetism Romances Featuring Veterinarians Rescuers And More
Gay Romance Featuring Veterinarians
Veterinarians shelf
These are optional lists. You do not need to use them. However you DO need to show how the book fits ~ either from how it was shelved, the precis/summary or the name of a list that it appears on.
Option 2
Key date: 11 September 2015
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads.
Jane - I'm really sorry to ask this but I can never remember if you allow the series rule for Option 2... If a teammate has read book 1 of a series in the last 6 months but I'm on book 3, can I read book 3?
LaurLa wrote: "Jane - I'm really sorry to ask this but I can never remember if you allow the series rule for Option 2... If a teammate has read book 1 of a series in the last 6 months but I'm on book 3, can I rea..."yep
ThatEzi wrote: "LaurLa wrote: "Jane - I'm really sorry to ask this but I can never remember if you allow the series rule for Option 2... If a teammate has read book 1 of a series in the last 6 months but I'm on bo..."thanks! Of course, as soon as I asked the question I found another book on their shelf, but it's good info to have!
LaurLa wrote: "ThatEzi wrote: "LaurLa wrote: "Jane - I'm really sorry to ask this but I can never remember if you allow the series rule for Option 2... If a teammate has read book 1 of a series in the last 6 mont..."Ezi was right :D You can...
Jane (PS) wrote: "Week 2Option 1
5. MC is a vet or works with animals ~paid or volunteer (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
Optional lists:
Creatures Great and Small Veterinarians in Romance
Anim..."
Would a rancher classify as working with animals, or are you looking for something more along the lines of "runs the local wildlife rescue group"?
Becky wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Week 2Option 1
5. MC is a vet or works with animals ~paid or volunteer (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
Optional lists:
Creatures Great and Small Veterinaria..."
Hi Becky - yes. A rancher with cattle and/or horses, sheep, goats etc will count. Has to have interaction (tending, feeding, herding etc) with the animals.
Could team captains please let me know if they have team members who haven't yet posted week 1's book? I know of one team with this issue.I'll be going through the threads tomorrow, but if I know there is an issue, that would be great!
Jane (PS) wrote: "Could team captains please let me know if they have team members who haven't yet posted week 1's book? I know of one team with this issue.I'll be going through the threads tomorrow, but if I know..."
As in posting their selection for Week 1 you mean?
Amy wrote: "As in posting their selection for Week 1 you mean?"Yes Amy, that's what Jane is talking about.
Amy wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Could team captains please let me know if they have team members who haven't yet posted week 1's book? I know of one team with this issue.I'll be going through the threads tomor..."
Karen is right Amy - just their selection post :)
Thanks Karen!
I haven't had a chance to go through the team threads to see if there are outstanding selection posts yet. Captains (or whoever else is around), please PM any members who are missing selection posts. I'll give them to the end of today to get them in the thread - any later than that (without a pre-advised notification) and they will be pulled from the team :(
Theme call in less than 30 minutes!
ThatEzi wrote: "I'm ready"LOL!
Week 3 (Wow - another set of optional lists! ...I think this cleans them up.)Option 1
1. MC in the military or ex-military (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
optional lists:
Best Gay Military
Military Romance and Fiction
Military Romance and Fiction part 2
Military Romance shelf
Lesbian Military Spy Cop
These are optional lists. You do not need to use them. However you DO need to show how the book fits ~ either from how it was shelved, the precis/summary or the name of a list that it appears on.
Option 2
Key date: 18 September 2015
Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads.
Aw I've been loving that the lists have been optional! It's been so easy to find a book!
Calila wrote: "Aw I've been loving that the lists have been optional! It's been so easy to find a book!"LOL - we went the whole round last time without one being called!
Jane (PS) wrote: "Calila wrote: "Aw I've been loving that the lists have been optional! It's been so easy to find a book!"LOL - we went the whole round last time without one being called!"
I thought that was on purpose! I didn't realize it was just bad luck LOL
Not for nearly an hour. Will see how I'm travelling for an earlier announcement :D
Week 4Option 1
4. Books with wit/witty dialogue
Books With Witty Banter Dialogue
Witty Funny Couples
Witty Dialogue shelf
Witty shelf
Any book written by Josh Lanyon or L.B. Gregg
These are compulsory lists. If you select this option, your book must be on one of these lists and you must link to the list and note which page/which number it is on that list. If you select either of the two authors listed, your book selection link is sufficient.
Option 2
Key date: 25 September 2015
Quick question Jane. I used my teammates reading of Dirty Heart to allow me to read Dirty Deeds last week using option 2. Can I use that same teammates reading of Dirty Heart again this week for option 2 so I can read the next book in the series?I hope that made sense...
❀~Amy~❀ wrote: "Quick question Jane. I used my teammates reading of Dirty Heart to allow me to read Dirty Deeds last week using option 2. Can I use that same teammates reading of [b..."Good question. Yes - that is fine for this round. You can keep reading the series using the series rule and using the same book so long as it continues to qualify in terms of the date read; however I may change this ruling in the next round.
Jane (PS) wrote: "❀~Amy~❀ wrote: "Quick question Jane. I used my teammates reading of Dirty Heart to allow me to read Dirty Deeds last week using option 2. Can I use that same teammat..."Thanks Jane.
Jane (PS) wrote: "...however I may change this ruling in the next round."Oh please don't! =P
MountainKat wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "...however I may change this ruling in the next round."Oh please don't! =P"
I've added it as being allowed in the Q&A - I'll see how it all pans out this round :D
Week 5Option 1
13. Read a book by an author whose first and last name start with the same letter (eg Dannika Dark; Charlie Cochet) OR whose first and last name start with letters that are no more than four letters apart in the alphabet (eg John Inman ~in reverse are consecutive; Kevin Hearne ~4 letters apart)
Option 2
Key date: 2 October 2015
Wow...this one will take some thought! LOL
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Scarlet (other topics)Accompanied by a Waltz (other topics)
Accompanied by a Waltz (other topics)
Listen to Me (other topics)
Fastball (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Julie James (other topics)Shannon Stacey (other topics)
Sara Shepard (other topics)
Helena Hunting (other topics)
Lauren Layne (other topics)
More...
I will also announce the themes each Friday in this thread and keep track of those categories announced in this message.
Themes Announced:
(view spoiler)[Week 1
Option 1
18. Widower/Widow romance (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
Optional lists:
Widower: A Man Who Loves Can Love Again
Gay Romance Featuring A MC who is Widowered
Single Fathers of Romance: Great Family Men
Historical Widows
Best Widow Romance
Option 2 Key date: 4 September 2015
Week 2
Option 1
5. MC is a vet or works with animals ~paid or volunteer (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
Optional lists:
Creatures Great and Small Veterinarians in Romance
Animal Magnetism Romances Featuring Veterinarians Rescuers And More
Gay Romance Featuring Veterinarians
Veterinarians shelf
Option 2 Key date: 11 September 2015
Wk 3
Option 1
1. MC in the military or ex-military (stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)
optional lists:
Best Gay Military
Military Romance and Fiction
Military Romance and Fiction part 2
Military Romance shelf
Lesbian Military Spy Cop
Option 2 Key date: 18 September 2015
Week 4
Option 1
4. Books with wit/witty dialogue
Books With Witty Banter Dialogue
Witty Funny Couples
Witty Dialogue shelf
Witty shelf
Any book written by Josh Lanyon or L.B. Gregg
Option 2 Key date: 25 September 2015
Week 5
Option 1
13. Read a book by an author whose first and last name start with the same letter (eg Dannika Dark; Charlie Cochet) OR whose first and last name start with letters that are no more than four letters apart in the alphabet (eg John Inman ~in reverse are consecutive; Kevin Hearne ~4 letters apart)
Option 2 Key date: 2 October 2015
Week 6
Option 1
9. Book set outside USA (must be more than 50% outside USA)
Option 2 Key date: 9 October 2015
Week 7
Option 1
6. Enemies to lovers
Best Gay Enemies Rivals Opposites Become Lovers
Best Enemies to Lovers
Enemies To Lovers
Enemies to Lovers Adult Romance
Childhood Enemies Turn to Adult Lovers
Enemies To Lovers shelf
Option 2 Key date: 16 October 2015
Week 8
Option 1
16. Read a book with a one word title
Option 2 Key date: 23 October 2015 (hide spoiler)]
Week 9
Option 1
10. Book starting with the letter 'B'
Option 2 Key date: 30 October 2015
Week 10
Option 1
19. Read a book published for the first time between February 2015 and to date.
Option 2 Key date: 6 November 2015
***
Progress spreadsheet link (updated at each theme call):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2v...