I've been a HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of DJWP's work. HUGE. Incredible writing. I've borrowed Lunacy's reviews for these classic tales (thank Lun!) - check these stories out and by the time you finished just one, you will be a huge fan of this woman's work!

**SEVEN DAYS IN POMPEII by DJWP -- [Alt]
One of the most popular talents in XWP fanfic returns to once again help us deal with XWS as she did exactly one year ago with the release of the much loved classic A BARD DAY'S NIGHT. Set after the end of season three, DJ's latest finds Xena on a lonely stretch of beach, dazed after the loss of her soulmate, turning to the one place where she knows she'll feel the bard's spirit most of all - in Gabrielle's scrolls. Alone with Argo she begins reading those scrolls and reminiscing back to one of the last adventures they shared while on a fateful visit to a city named...Pompeii. With their relationship still not fully healed from the horror of the rift, this was a time full of insecurities and worries for them but also filled with a renewed sense of hope amidst the infectious joviality of a city preparing for one of its grandest festivals. They are even further drawn into the Pompeiian's excitement when they happen across an old friend well-versed in the art of FUN - the incomparable Sappho who we first me in A BARD DAY'S NIGHT and who is soon once again doing what she does best - getting them all into TROUBLE! DJ's Sappho is one of the greatest creations in fanfic while her treatment of the Xena/Gab partnership remains heartfelt and wonderfully compelling, made even more so this time around by the poignancy of seeing the warrior remember a time when they were both so stubbornly holding on to the love between them. Featuring a passionate, beautifully erotic, loving reaffirmation of the connection between warrior and bard contrasted against the terror of thousands as a sleeping mountain awakens to mark the final hours of an ancient city, this story is absolutely riveting. There are rumors about a legendary LOST CHAPTER that is also part of the story - lets just say I give this chapter my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION ;-) ...but like those explorers who discovered the ruins of Pompeii, be adviced that you're gonna have to do a little digging to find it - and no guys - don't ask me. I've been sworn to secrecy! DJ has turned her story into a multiedia extravaganza adding to it maps and pictures, including some very dramatic images of the end of Pompeii which from personal experience, having visited the ruins of the city, I can tell you are quite poignant. SEVEN DAYS is a very worthy addition to this bard's outstanding body of work - one of the best to come out this year. It receives my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! - 216 pgs., 7/31/98
AWARDS: "Getting Serious" Swollen Bud Award (June 15, 2000)
http://www.ausxip.com/fanfiction/djwp/7days01.htm

**BARD DAY'S NIGHT (A) by DJWP -- [Alt]
There *IS* a cure for XWS (Xena Withdrawal Syndrome) - and it is named DJWP!! For those of you who've been faithfully watching reruns but craving a great new Xena story, comes this new novel which is simply going to BLOW - YOU - AWAY!! Only the second Xena story by this extremely talented writer, A BARD DAY'S NIGHT is a gem that is going to shoot straight to the top of many a Xenite's list of favorites. This story is an adventure in the grandest sense of the word featuring EVERYTHING that we love about the TV series and MORE - head-butting action, wicked - WICKED humor, secrets from the past, unforgettable characters, and a wonderfully intricate plot all weaved around a friendship changing into more - a romance discovered. Curiously enough the basic premise is simple and just TOOOO funny - Xena and Gabrielle go on the road as bodyguards for a VERY famous poet on her "Known World Tour DCXXXIV B.C" - an artist so talented in her craft she is known as the Tenth Muse although in centuries to come her name alone will inspire generations...Sappho. DJWP's Sappho is brash, brilliant, FUNNY, hard-drinking, stubborn, fun-loving, and an incredible romantic. A woman who can see into the souls of others and recognizes even before they do what is in the hearts of a certain Warrior Princess and her bard. Intent only on making Gabrielle happy, Xena agrees to stay for one of Sappho's performances when they happen across one of the tour villages, never suspecting that before long she and the bard will be spending ALL their time trying to keep the poet alive...and out of trouble. Featuring some of the most cleverly written and HILARIOUS scenes I've read in fan fiction, this novel also includes its share of emotional moments as Xena, Gabrielle and the Tenth Muse all confront painful, unresolved issues from the past. Make SURE when you start reading this story that you have PLENTY of time available because you will NOT be able to put this down - appointments will be ignored, responsibilities will be forgotten, sleep will be missed - I finished it at 3:45 am only to have to wake up at 6 am to go to work <:) It was worth it!!! Outstanding writing with superb characterizations. This is a definite DO NOT MISS which carries my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!
http://ausxip.com/fanfic/abard.html

**CONQUEROR'S STONE (THE) by DJWP -- [Alt]
One of our most gifted bards returns with her first foray into the world of Xena the Conqueror. Proving once again her skill at delivering some of the most original fanfic in this fandom, DJ brings us a clever twist on the Conqueror canon which begins with the Conqueror immersed in her typical brand of sadistic cruelty as she prepares her evening's entertainment but the Xena that awakens the next morning is a very different woman. With memories of having gone to sleep the night before with her beloved bard in her arms, Xena is utterly confused when she finds herself in a castle she does not recognize, surrounded by strangers all hailing her as the ruler of the known world - and no bard in sight. A harsher truth awaits her when she eventually comes face to face with her partner once again and has to accept the reality of what her life has been like in this alternate world - a life in which deadly enemies are her advisors, trusted friends are now her enemies, and the love of her life has become one of her many victims. Poignant and riveting, this is a very imaginative storyline with good use of the many recuring characters from the series and an intelligent, heroic portrayal of the Warrior Princess. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 91 pgs., 5/26/99
http://ausxip.com/fanfic14/stone1.htm

**EATING OUT by DJWP - [Alt]
I have to admit that I'm not entirely sure this story should be listed under alternative fiction :-| It seemed innocent enough. After all - Xena and Gabrielle are simply enjoying a good...meal. Still - something about it just left me a bit suspicious - might have to do with the fact that I read it during lunch time at work and ended up sporting a healthy flush for the rest of the day. Chicken had never quite given me that type of reaction before. Hmmmmm...well, I'll let you all decide. Just be aware that this tale can be dangerous at work - particularly if you like...chicken. It is either a story about one VERY nice meal...or a masterpiece of subtext. One thing you can all be certain about though - it comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! :) - 8 pgs., 11/6/97, re-released 6/4/01
http://ausxip.com/fanfic14/eating_out.htm

**GHOST OF A CHANCE by DJWP - [Alt]
The PERFECT Halloween tale to read with that special someone, DJ's latest is the tale of a ghost - a very angry ghost who likes to haunt and is delighted at the opportunity to do so when a couple of travelers seek shelter in his dilapidated castle. A striking dark warrior with a beautiful golden companion, these aren't your ordinary run-of-the-mill travelers. They are exactly the type of challenge our ghost has been waiting for - only they aren't quite as inexperienced with the dead as most of the living are...and they have a knowledge of the heart that may just prove one ghost's undoing. A blend of suspense and humor, this story also has a surprising poignancy to it as we see the easy devotion love can inspire - and the pain. As usual, DJ gets extra points for some terrific multimedia to go along with a tale certain to stir the spirit :) One for that MUST READ list - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 20 pgs., 10/23/00
http://ausxip.com/fanfic12/GHOST.html

**HAND IN THE BUSH (A) by DJWP - [Alt]
It's a cold, dark night and one persistent little bard is determined to get as much warmth as possible from her warrior blanket. When nature calls, however, she has to risk a quick trip into the surrounding forest - a very gloomy, eerie forest hiding dangers the bard is about to become intimately acquainted with. This is the perfect story for a stormy night or a camp out - just make sure you've answered that call of nature BEFORE reading it 8-| Featuring DJWP's trademark combination of playful humor and sexy tenderness, this one is both scary and fun. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 8 pgs., 10/2000, re-released 6/4/01
http://ausxip.com/fanfic14/ahandinthebush.html

**LOST SOUL WALKING by DJWP -- [Alt]
A favorite of many a fanfic reader, this talented bard returns with a turbulent story about a quest for redemption that has spanned the centuries, fueled by a love for the ages. An uber tale of sorts, DJ's latest is set in contemporary times where psychologist Gayle Bardo is determined to interview a mysterious serial killer before she's executed - determined more than anything to find out what it is about those tortured blue eyes that so captured her when she first saw them. What she uncovers is an incredible tale of two souls desperate to be together - willing to risk it all for that chance. This is a very moving, well-written piece which gives a timeless quality to the Xena/Gab relationship. A wonderful new read you should NOT miss! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! - 36 pgs., 11/16/98
http://ausxip.com/fanfic4/lostsoulwalking.html

**MARRIAGE OF XENA AND GABRIELLE (THE) by DJWP -- [Alt]
This is a DELIGHTFUL story that is going to leave you grinning from ear to ear! When a deadly opponent challenges Gabrielle for the Amazon throne, the only solution if she is to stay alive is for someone to champion her but in the Queen's case only her official mate can be designated as champion. Never being one to let liiiiitle things like this stop her, Xena immediately proposes to the bard after which plans are soon under way for the joining ceremony. A concerned Ephiny helps although she's certain the goddess Artemis will not approve of the union and worse...that Xena and Gabrielle will never be able to convince the Amazon nation that they're truly in love... The characterization of Ephiny in this story is simply priceless! - dense doesn't even come close!! Well-written and tons of FUN!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 14 pgs., 6/97
http://ausxip.com/fanfic/marriage.html

**WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OFF? by DJWP -- [Alt]
The talented bard who brought us the already classic A BARD DAY'S NIGHT returns with a FANTASTIC new story complete with all the elements that have made her tales among the most entertaining in XWP fan fiction. Visiting the city of Chalcis to replenish their supplies, Xena and the Gabster stop by an apothecary where the warrior hopes to find some of the medicinal herbs and potions used in healing. Unbeknownst to them both, their shopping trip will eventually give way to a nightmare as Xena soon finds her effectiveness as a warrior somewhat...reduced. DJ's characterizations of Xena and the bard are among the best in the business - very playful, sexy and sweet. She is adept also at creating a strong supporting cast as anyone can attest to who was enchanted with her unforgettable Sappho and the poet's fun-loving followers in A BARD DAY'S NIGHT. Featuring a number of colorful characters who again will leave you grinning, this tale is EASILY one of the most original I've read to date in XWP fan fiction - a marvelous combination of humor, suspense, romance and drama that will satisfy the finickiest of readers. NOT TO BE MISSED folks! This receives my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! - 186 pgs., 12/27/97
http://ausxip.com/fanfic/whatare.html